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her shoulder screamed “Back Off!” loudly and clearly.
    The man looked down and Zarah took a deep breath now that she’d been freed. She turned away, eager to avoid that kind of intensity once again. She didn’t like feeling that powerless and put extra space between him and herself. Even going so far as to step behind the counter so that she had a barrier to help her. She didn’t care at all that she might appear weak. She needed a moment to get her racing heartbeat back to normal and clear her mind after that look.
    Derrick glanced down at Elise, irritated by her falsetto voice and possessive attitude, not to mention her pretense about coming in to meet her. He knew she was playing games and wasn’t going to participate. “You told me to meet you in here,” he said by way of an explanation as to why he’d come into the shop.
    The woman laughed and looked over her shoulder. “Silly me! I wasn’t sure how long I would be in here and forgot what I’d said.” She pulled herself away slightly and turned back to Zarah. “Would you be a dear and wrap up that red dress? I think you’re absolutely right. The dress would be perfect!”
    Zarah raised her eyebrows slightly, wondering what was going on. She heard Mary come out of the store room and gasp.
    “Good morning, Your Grace,” she said warmly and moved forward. “What brings you down to our sleepy little town today?” She was bustling about the store, moving this and that to better show the merchandise.
    Derrick smiled warmly at the motherly woman who was full of life and always had a kind word for everyone. He walked over and gave her a warm hug, kissing her hand and winking at her. “Elise wanted to shop so I took her out for a bit while I visited with Gerald.”
    Zarah didn’t understand that comment. The man had business with Gerald? He was the coffee shop owner about five doors down. Why would this man need to talk with a coffee shop owner?
    She was wrapping up the dress and a wicked thought occurred to her. ‘Elise’ was obviously trying to impress this man with her common-folk appeal. Maybe Zarah could convince her to purchase a few other items. She smiled evilly at the possibility.
    Turning to the blond with what she hoped was an innocent expression, she said, “You know, there are a few other items that might appeal to someone of your stature.” Zarah turned to a blue dress, playing to the woman’s vanity as well as her desire to show the male stranger that she was more than willing to support local shops. “But I’m not sure if they would be up to the design standards you’re obviously used to.”
    Elise looked on uncertainly, obviously not sure how to avoid this trap. Her eyes narrowed as she turned away from the tall man. “Please, I’m eager to see anything your little store might have available. I love finding new, interesting places to shop and tell my friends about.”
    Zarah picked up three other dresses, each one honestly might look good on the woman but Zarah suspected that, since they didn’t have a designer label, they would be considered inferior and unworthy. “How about this one?” she suggested, showing Elise one dress after another that were cute, but probably not the sophisticated style Elise normally purchased. Elise bought every one of them, still trying to show her man how she could support the local economy and blend in with the villagers.
    Zarah didn’t mind playing to Elise’s idiocy. She was going to make the sale even if the woman brought the dresses back the next day. It was only a little difficult to concentrate with that man watching her the whole time. Mary and the man chatted off in the corner, but the whole time Zarah spoke with Elise, she could feel the man’s eyes on her back, watching her intently.
    By the time the couple had left, he was no longer hiding his amusement. Zarah had packed up all the dresses carefully, complimenting Elise the whole time and chatting her up to find out more about what