"Bored?"

Nya's dry voice pulled Dixie from her thoughts and she smiled sheepishly as her large mauve eyes met her friend's sparkling blue ones. "Yeah, how could you tell?"

"Well, it's only the third time you've adjusted that mannequin," Nya snickered. "Unless you like running your hands over inanimate guys, which is another problem altogether."

"They're less problematic than the real thing." Dixie giggled as she surveyed the rows of headless forms, each displaying various styles of men's formal-wear. "They always look good, they don't talk back..."

Don't break your heart she didn't say aloud, but from Nya's eloquent look, her friend already knew what she was thinking.

"These 'guys' are the closest thing to companionship you've had in awhile," she scolded, raising her hand as Dixie opened her mouth to protest. "I'm not saying you need someone to be happy. But I can tell you're lonely. You know, you can always come out with me and Aric."

"And feel like the third wheel?" Dixie scoffed. "No thank you."

"You and me then, just us girls," Nya countered. "Been too long since we had a ladies night. We can go out, or just crash at your place with take-out. Your choice."

"Will your one-and-only be able to part with you for an evening?"

"Contrary to everyone's beliefs we're not joined at the hip," Nya chuckled. "In fact a few of his groomsmen are coming into town for the weekend so he'll probably want to spend some 'guy time' with them."

A shrill beeping rang out from the store's comm and Nya sailed gracefully to it, singing out "Got it!"

Dixie glanced over just in time to see a devilish grin bloom across Nya's face, before she activated the comm and spoke in an impossibly breathless voice. "Nya's Sex Shop, home of the Birthday Suit. How may we service you?"

"NYA!" Dixie squealed as her friend hooted in laughter.

"Oh relax, it's just Aric." Nya was still grinning as she pressed the comm to her ear. "Hey Big Guy, whatcha up to?"

As Nya listened intently Dixie regarded her friend. They might both be Cathars, but there were times Dixie felt like they were different species. With her pale fur and bright auburn mane Nya seemed like an exotic bird, glittering with cream and flame-colored plumage, and making Dixie feel drab in her own chocolate-striped, amber pelt. Even at the little menswear shop where they worked Nya was the picture of style and confidence, moving with the feline grace typical of their kind. By comparison Dixie felt like she simply faded into the background.

But she also loves me dearly, Dixie reminded herself. Even if they didn't share blood they were closer than sisters, and she knew Nya would gladly put her friend first. Lost in her thoughts again, it took Dixie a moment to realize Nya's brow was furrowed. "Well a little more notice would have been nice."

The pale Cathar sounded irritated and though Dixie usually tuned out Nya's personal conversations, this time she found herself straining to listen. "Alright, since there's no one here but us I guess it'll be fine." Nya heaved a dramatic sigh. "See you in a bit. Yes, love you too."

Nya clicked off the comm, her expression a mixture of excitement and annoyance. "Looks like it's about to get more interesting in here. Aric's bringing in his best man Corso so they can get measured for their tuxedos, they'll be here in about five minutes."

Looking around, Dixie waved her hand at the empty store. "Well, what better time? No one's here. And don't you want to see him?"

"Of course I do, silly." Nya laughed. "But if I make it seem like I'm doing him a favor he appreciates me more. 'Sides he'll owe me for putting up with his guys."

"That bad?"

"Not really." Nya chuckled thoughtfully. "You were going to meet them anyway since you're my Maid-of-Honor. A few are pretty rough around the edges, but once you get to know them they're alright. Corso is..." Nya's reflective gaze brightened for a moment, and she glanced at Dixie with a sly look that raised the amber Cathar's hackles.

"He's what?" she asked warily, and the calculating look faded from Nya's eyes as she shrugged.

"He's nice. Easy to get along with. You'll see when they get here." Suddenly Nya's blue eyes lit up like the gas-flames they resembled. "We got those new samples in, didn't we?"

At Dixie's nod Nya clapped her hands together. "Oh, this is perfect," she exclaimed. "I was just telling Aric about them. We might have a little time before they get here, let's unpack them."

Nya bounced to the back as Dixie shook her head at her friend's enthusiasm, though she understood it completely. Nya had been excited about these tuxedos since they'd first found out their store would be carrying them. Almost military in their styling, Dixie wasn't surprised that the sleek black coats with their silver accents would appeal to her ex-soldier friend. But they were even better than she expected, the flashing accents contrasting beautifully with the crisp cut of the coat. Nya glowed with delight as she held one to her torso, and Dixie knew she was picturing her Aric wearing it.

"HEY! Doesn't anyone work here?"

The laughing bellow had the girls scrambling. So engrossed in their scrutiny of the new goods, they hadn't heard the store's door chime to alert them someone had entered. They scurried from the back, only to be met on the sales floor by a large orange Cathar with glowing yellow eyes.

Aric was an imposing figure, but Dixie's eyes were instantly drawn to the flannel-clad, broad-shouldered human standing with him. He had thick dreadlocks tied back - something she had a particular weakness for - and wore an engaging grin despite looking entirely uncomfortable in the store. In fact he was watching the mannequins suspiciously, like he expected them to jump out and start assaulting him with brightly-colored fabrics.

"Heya Big Guy."

Nya's voice held an extra rich purr as she walked to her fiancé, right before she grabbed his collar, and pulled his face to hers to give him a hard kiss. It was long and suggestive, and when Nya released him he staggered back theatrically. He shook his head as if he'd been cold-cocked and for an instant a love-struck smile flitted across his face before it settled into its usual stoic expression.

"You always look stunned when she does that," Dixie teased, and he grinned again briefly as he pulled Nya to him.

"Do you blame me?" He chuckled. "The woman kisses like most people punch."

"That's the price you pay. Who else are you going to find to put up with you?" Nya grinned smugly up at Aric, but the grin turned to laughter when he snarled playfully and leaned down to nuzzle her neck, tightening his arm around her waist.

"Okay, enough." Nya pushed Aric back just enough to disengage him, but was still smiling while she stayed in his arms. "You'd think I'd have taught you manners by now," she scolded him. "Leaving your friend to fend for himself. Hi Corso."

A bright smile split the man's tanned face as he walked over to Nya and clasped her hand. "Good to see ya, Nya. You really gonna make us wear one of these get-ups?"

"Yeah Hotshot, why one of these? You know I still have my dress-uniform."

Nya rolled her eyes at Aric's protest, and Dixie hid her grin, knowing that this was a reoccurring argument. "But you're doing this for me Big Guy." She smiled sweetly up at him. "Besides, Dixie and I will take good care of you boys."

At the mention of her name Dixie stepped forward, twisting the ends of her tape measure between her fingers. Corso's eyes darted to her, and she thought she caught a gleam of appreciation in them.

"So you're Nya's best friend." He stepped towards her and grasped her hand firmly. "Pleasure to finally meet you. Guess we'll be walkin' down the aisle together."

Overwhelmed by shock, she stared at him for a moment before understanding flooded her. "Oh yes, since you're the best man and I'm the maid-of-honor."

"Well, yeah," he started saying, then paused. It seemed like he suddenly realized how his statement could be interpreted and a crimson glow appeared under the healthy tan of his cheeks. "Yeah, since, um, what you said..." He ducked his head, but not before she saw the glow deepen.

"Sorry, this is all new to me," he confided. "Never been in a wedding before."

"Neither have I," she confessed softly. "But I've helped with tons, and tuxes are my specialty so you're in good hands."

"Glad to hear it." The red started fading from his cheeks as he turned back to Nya, who was looking at the pair with a knowing grin. "So Boss Lady, what do you need us to do?"

"Just come on back boys."

Nya beckoned for the guys to follow her as she strode to a large, open section near the back of the store, flanked by dressing rooms and partially obscured from the front by a long counter. Snapping her tape-measure she walked to Aric, making it plain that Dixie was supposed to take care of Corso.

"Alright Big Guy, you know the deal." She nudged him just offset of the center of the floor. "Just stand there and look handsome."

Dixie could hear Aric grumbling under his breath and Nya chuckling as she wrapped her tape-measure around him, touching and stroking him with more familiarity than she would with a client. Dixie approached Corso, who was watching the couple with amusement before his eyes dropped to hers.

"So I'm s'posed to stand here and look handsome?" He wiggled his eyebrows and giggles started pouring from her.

"Think you can do that?" she teased back, getting him to chuckle in return.

"Dunno, I'll try my best."

Dixie giggled again as she grabbed her tape, trying to remember the last time someone had made her laugh so easily. "Now I'll need to get around your neck." She reached up and gently wrapped the tape around him, noting that he shivered when she brushed his skin.

"Tickle?" she asked, and he nodded slightly. "Sorry."

"S'alright." He turned and smiled at her again. "What else you need?"

"Umm..." His smile made her lose track of her thoughts, the routine she'd run hundreds of times flying from her head. "Just stand up straight with your arms at your sides."

She bobbed on her tip-toes to swing her tape up over his head and ran it behind his back to measure around his arms and chest. That can't be right, she thought to herself, and double-checked the impressive number. Seemed like Corso had some assets hidden under the loose flannel shirt he wore.

Gesturing for him to raise his arms, she leaned in to measure around his chest alone. Normally she held her breath during this process - her sensitive sense of smell had been assailed more than once by a not-so-fresh client - but this time she found herself taking a discrete whiff. He smelled clean, warm, and oddly inviting. For some reason she got the same feeling from his scent as she did when she stood outside of her favorite caf shop, like she could spend all day just breathing in the aroma.

Snap out of it girl, she berated herself. This is a friend of Aric and Nya's, and you're sitting here sniffing him like a pastry? After another mental shake, she whipped her tape around his midsection, trying not to notice how solid it was, then crouched and measured down his leg.

Low laughter from Aric and Nya's direction drew her gaze and she saw Nya had crouched down too. But where Dixie was holding her tape on the outside of Corso's leg, Nya was stroking hers on the inside of Aric's. His eyes were glowing down at his fiancée, and Dixie groaned as she realized he was biting his lower lip.

"You two." She rolled her eyes as Nya smirked at her.

"Just making sure my inseam measurement is accurate." Nya splayed her hand over Aric's thigh, stroking upward as she rose. "Did you get Corso's?"

Dixie shot a quelling look at her friend before glancing up at Corso, who looked decidedly uncomfortable.

"She doesn't have to," he insisted, then looked down at Dixie. "You don't have to, right?"

"No, Nya's just being Nya." She sighed as she started to rise and faltered. Instantly a warm hand grabbed hers and helped her up.

"There ya go." Corso was smiling again as she steadied herself, and she nodded her thanks while she retrieved her data-pad and input her numbers.

"Hmmmm."

Nya's thoughtful murmur caught Dixie's attention and she realized the woman had been looking over her shoulder and reading her measurements. The pale Cathar then breezed to the backroom for a moment, rustling around before returning with two armfuls of clothing.

"You guys are in luck, we got in the samples of the tuxes I want you in for the wedding. You can be our first test-subjects."

"Victims, she means," Aric murmured to Corso, who chuckled as Nya handed him several garments.

"Don't listen to him. Just go put these on and come out when you're done." She directed each of the guys to a dressing room, then turned to Dixie with brilliant eyes. Quickly grasping Dixie's arm, she pulled her to the front counter, out of ear-shot of the dressing rooms.

"Wellll?" She prompted softly, and Dixie tried looking innocent.

"Well what?"

"Well, what do you think?" Nya huffed impatiently. "I heard you, you were ready to inhale him like a cupcake."

"I was n..." She wanted to deny the wayward sniffing, but Nya's raised eyebrow told her it was a moot point. "He did smell good," she admitted and her friend's eyes went from glowing to super-nova.

"I knew it. So when you gonna ask him out?"

"No, no, no." Dixie waved her hands as if it could fan away Nya's ideas. "These things never work. I mean he seems nice, but say we start dating. Things get messy, and then it's all awkward because he's Aric's friend and I'm yours and... " She sighed helplessly. "It's just not a good idea." Another thought struck her and she eyed Nya suspiciously. "You didn't plan this, did you?"

"Not in the slightest." Nya's denial was completely genuine, but it wasn't long before she started grinning again. "It's too perfect, though. I mean he's single, he's cute..." She paused for dramatic effect. "He can dance."

Damn, another weakness, Dixie thought. Her friend knew just where to strike for maximum effect, but Dixie still tried holding her ground. "How do you know? Have you seen him?"

"Aric says he can." Nya shrugged. "Says whenever they go out Corso heads straight to the dance floor."

"You know Aric's idea of dancing is shuffling his feet while he grabs your butt."

Nya pretended to look wounded, but started chuckling again. "You're right. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give Corso a shot. Maybe come out with us or..."

"Ahh, 'cuse me ladies?"

Both girls looked back at the dressing rooms and saw Corso's hand waving through a crack in his barely opened door. "Not sure if I got this right."

Nya's toothy smile spread across her face as she nudged her friend and gave her a suggestive wink. "Go on, give him a hand."

"Not the kind you're thinking," Dixie grumbled as she gave Nya a warning look, then headed back to the dressing rooms.

"Did you need help?" she asked as she tapped on his door and he cracked it open again. He smiled sheepishly at her, which somehow made him look even more adorable as he nodded.

"'Fraid I'm not sure what goes where."

"If you're dressed I can... " He opened the door wider and the word 'check' died on her tongue as she saw him in the formal-wear. Well, almost in the formal-wear, she corrected herself.

He'd managed to get on the fitted undershirt, but had misaligned the buttons so that the front gaped open, exposing peeks of smooth tanned skin. A few of his dreads had escaped the tie as he'd changed, grazing his broad shoulders and making him look even more disheveled. The scene was surprisingly intimate, like she'd caught a lover in the act of undressing, and it sent a shockingly heated spike through her stomach. As she gazed at him his cheeks started turning red again and he ducked his head.

"That bad, huh?"

His statement reminded her that she was staring and she shook her head rapidly. "No, it's not that," she said, and swallowed hard to hide her own embarrassment. "Uh, here."

She reached into the room and he leaned to within her reach while she undid the front of the shirt. More skin was revealed and she averted her eyes as her deft fingers straightened the buttons and fed them through the correct holes. Working by touch turned out to be an even worse idea though, occasionally her fingers would graze the warm skin and she had to force the normally precise digits to keep from shaking.

"That should do it." Her words came out on a sigh as her eyes rose and met his. The blush had receded, and he gave her a warm smile.

"You do have good hands." He raised his own which were broad-fingered and calloused. "Those lil' buttons just didn't want ta' cooperate with these mitts."

As she watched he turned and checked himself in the dressing room's narrow mirror, running his hands over the shirt saying, "Not bad." He turned back to face her, still smiling. "What else?"

"That's good for now," she said. "But you should tuck your shirt in before you come out."

He looked down at the hem of his shirt and started stuffing it into the waistband of the trousers, bringing Dixie's attention to how fitted they were. She knew the pants were designed to look tailored, but these were one step shy of clinging to him, outlining powerful-looking legs. He spun again to look in the mirror and Dixie felt another burst of flustering heat as she saw that the back of the pants were just as tight as the front, cupping his firm butt.

"I'll just let you finish up." She couldn't believe how close she was to stammering. "Come on out when you're done."

Beating a hasty retreat, she backed from the small room and closed the door, almost bumping into Nya.

"How's it going?"

"It's fine," Dixie said. "He just needed a little help." The pale Cathar cocked a smug grin at Dixie who shook her head. "You're enjoying this way too much," Dixie whispered fiercely. "I told you it's not a good idea."

"Well you say it's not a good idea," Nya whispered back. "But something tells me you're starting to think otherwise." Dixie tried glaring at Nya, but was saved from responding by Corso exiting the dressing room.

"So whatcha think Boss Lady?" He beamed at Nya as he did a jaunty little turn, and she shot a meaningful look to Dixie.

"You clean up good Corso." She raised her voice and looked in the direction of the dressing room Aric was occupying. "Might look even better than the groom."

"Let him." A loud grumble sounded from the room just before the large Cathar stepped out. "Then maybe I won't have to wear this."

Despite his objections Dixie could see the corners of Aric's mouth twitching as he held back a smile, appearing pleased with how he looked. Nya definitely was, Dixie noted with a giggle. Her friend sashayed directly to him, grinning as she smoothed her hands up his chest and over his shoulders.

"Daaa-yum, Big Guy!" Her agile fingers plucked at the shirt's high collar, making minor adjustments while she smiled hungrily at him. "Going to have to retract my statement, you look good enough to eat. Let's get that coat on you."

"I don't know, I'm kind of enjoying this." He placed his hands over Nya's as they stroked over his chest, urging them on. "Can't feel your hands through the extra fabric."

Nya pouted prettily for a moment, before Dixie saw the troublesome gleam back in her eyes. "How about Corso tries his on? That way you can see how nice it looks." Her voice dropped to a seductive murmur as her hands moved more slowly, "And I can keep doing this."

Aric shook his head, obviously aware that he was being manipulated, but smiled indulgently at Nya. "Don't mind do you, Corso?"

Corso just grinned back. "S'what I'm here for."

He walked to the tuxedo coat hanging by his room, but his smile faltered as he took it off the hanger and tried sliding it on. The snug coat seemed to fight him, his arms getting awkwardly caught in the sleeves. Out of habit Dixie stepped over to him quickly, and maneuvered the offending fabric off, saying "Here, let me."

She stood behind him, adjusting a sleeve so that it lined up with one arm, then gently grasped his other one to guide it. Running her hand down his arm, she rotated it slightly. The new angle allowed her to lift the jacket so that his arms ran smoothly through the sleeves. A minor tug on the shoulders had the fabric draping with ease, and Corso breathed a relieved sigh.

"You are good." His voice held a trace of admiration. "You got that on real easy like."

"Lots of practice."

She waved off his compliment as she went around to his front and secured the hidden zipper that closed the coat. After adjusting the short silver ornamental braid that hung from his shoulder to the front enclosure, she stood back to check her handiwork... and was floored.

Normally this was her favorite part of her job, having a guy try on a tuxedo for the first time and seeing how he reacted. Usually it was good, like being so dressed up was the door to a classier version of themselves. But with Corso it was like placing a gem in a setting that only enhanced its natural sparkle. Swallowing her gasp, she managed to point to the large mirror, but kept watching him as he walked over to admire himself.

Noble, that was the first adjective that sprung to her mind, Corso looked regal; but not like some haughty aristocrat. More like the prince of some small country, a man used to working side-by-side with his subjects who adored him deeply. I'd adore him, the wayward thought leaped through her mind and she shook her head trying to break it loose.

"See Big Guy, it's not that bad." Nya's voice was a life-line to Dixie, and she used it to yank herself free from her spiraling thoughts. "Now, your turn." She grabbed Aric's coat despite his muttering, and eased him into it. Her hands were flying, using tiny jabs and tweaks to distract him until before he knew it he was wearing the coat.

"So what do ya think Dixie?" Corso's question floated to her and she turned to see him smiling.

"Looks great," she exclaimed too brightly, falling back into the shopgirl patter she used day in and day out. "The taper in the waist is really flattering. And detail across the chest makes it look..." Broad, strong... princely. She found herself biting her tongue and nodding pointlessly, before repeating "Looks great."

"Glad you think so," he chuckled. "You're the expert. How's yours goin' Aric?"

"Let you know in a minute, this one doesn't seem to think I can dress myself." He batted ineffectually at Nya's hands as they scurried over the ornamentation on the coat.

"Just stop fidgeting and let me... there!" Nya grinned proudly as she finished making her adjustments, then patted him on the chest. "Alright, you can go look."

Corso backed from the large mirror and Aric grumbled mildly, but he gave Nya a quick smooch before walking to the spot Corso had relinquished. The two fellas shared the mirror for a moment, jabbing each other good-naturedly and laughing, then Corso walked to Dixie.

"Well that's about as long as I want to spend in this," he said, then a worried look flashed across his face. "Ah, no offense or nothin'. I know you live this stuff, it's just not me."

"None taken." She smiled to reassure him, "Do you need help with that?" She gestured at the front of the coat, and he nodded in relief.

"If you don't mind."

Still smiling up at him, her fingers danced nimbly over the coat, plucking free the fastenings before she walked behind him and eased him free of it.

"Oh!"

Nya's gasp was soft, but it caught Dixie's attention instantly. Still holding Corso's coat she looked at her friend. Nya's eyes were huge and luminous as she gazed at Aric. He was tugging at the coat and looking in the mirror, oblivious to his fiancée's reaction as her hands went to her chest and she walked to him slowly as if dazed.

"Nya?"

Nya glanced at Dixie quickly, giving her a trembly smile before she reached Aric and touched his back lightly. He turned to face her with a sigh, but when he saw her face he started looking concerned. "You alright Hotshot?"

"Now, that's not fair." Nya drew in a deep shuddering breath. "You weren't supposed to look so good."

"It's what you wanted, right?" He seemed at a genuine loss about how he should react and reached out to smooth his hands up and down her arms.

"It is." She sniffed as she smiled up at him. "But, well, we're getting married." Her smile triggered his and he pulled in her tight.

"Of course we are," he murmured and kissed the top of her head. "Of course we are."

He rocked with her in his arms and Dixie's heart swelled at the sight of them. This was the Nya and Aric people rarely saw, not the couple that always teased and poked fun at each other, but the pair that was absolutely, deeply in love. She sighed, and a light touch at her elbow had her turning to Corso whose soft grin was a reflection of hers.

"Think I need a hand with these buttons again."

Let's give these two a moment, he was saying, and she nodded and followed him to his dressing room. He gestured at the buttons and she freed each quickly, still averting her eyes, though she caught herself stealing sneaky glimpses of the firm chest and abs she was revealing.

For his part Corso didn't seem affected by the exposed skin, a fact made more evident when he shrugged from the shirt and picked up his flannel. Judging from that tan he's probably used to working shirtless, Nya thought. The images that thought conjured had her biting her lower lip as she kept her head ducked down, willing herself not to look.

"So, ah, Nya and Aric. What a pair right?" She knew she was grasping for anything to talk about to fill the awkward silence, and was glad to hear the chuckle she was rapidly becoming familiar with.

"They're great. Don't think I've met a better couple."

"They set a high bar, that's for certain," she chuckled back lifting her head in time to see him finish putting his shirt on. He grinned again as he shrugged

"Well I'm sure you and your honey do just fine."

"Who?" The statement confused her for a moment, and she giggled when understanding flooded her. "Oh, no honey."

"Really?" At the realization that she was available his easy-going confidence evaporated. His cheeks started flaming instantly, and his eyes darted in every direction except on her. "Would've thought, well, a cute lil' thing like you. I mean, you seem so sweet and… Um, that's ah, good to know."

"Is it?" Some impish impulse goaded her to ask and he froze, looking more uncomfortable now then he had when she'd been unbuttoning his shirt. He swallowed hard before meeting her gaze.

"Yeah, it is."

Just like that a little spark popped in his eyes, one that sent a tingle down her spine, and the smile they shared turned the tiny space into a cozy one. They both started chuckling, her covering her mouth with her fingers and him rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, before she pointed at the tux pants he still wore.

"You should probably..."

"Yeah, I should probably..." His hand darted out, brushing hers as she left the small room, and they shared another smile before she shut the door.

Once back on the main floor Dixie saw Nya hanging up the coats, stars still glittering in her eyes. "You two are cuter than nexu pups, you know?" Dixie teased, but Nya just smiled as she glided across the floor tidying things up.

"We're in love, we're allowed to be." Then she dropped her voice to a whisper, "How about you and Corso? When are you going out?" At Dixie's pause Nya let out an exasperated sigh. "Still nothing? I swear, I have half a mind…" Her tirade cut off as her shrewd smile returned.

She sauntered over to Aric's dressing room and Dixie watched her friend cautiously before whispering, "What are you up to?"

"Giving you two an excuse to spend time together."

Dixie watched as Nya unfastened the front of her blouse and realized right away what her friend had in mind. She tried pleading with her eyes as she mouthed 'Don't!', but Nya's sultry grin grew as she posed her hand over the dressing room door.

"Just think of this as everyone wins," she whispered. "You get some time with Corso, while I 'distract' Aric. Besides, the lug deserves a reward for being such a good sport about the tuxes. Now shoo! If you're not out in ten minutes, you might start hearing things you'd rather not."

Rapping lightly on the door Nya purred, "Oh Big Guy." and as soon as the door opened a crack she slid in smoothly. There were puzzled murmurs right before a low, sexy growl that made Dixie wonder if ten minutes was an overestimate. She finished straightening up just as Corso exited his room, appearing more composed. But when he looked around, he seemed confused at Aric's absence.

"What happened to the happy couple?"

Dixie pointed at Aric's dressing room just as a feminine chuckle fluttered from it, followed by a low groan. Dixie smacked her hand over her mouth to restrain her laughter and Corso's shoulders started shaking as he held back his own mirth and they shared a conspiring glance.

"Tell ya what. Since those two need some private time why don't I take my lunch break? I know a great little shop nearby with the best caf in town."

"Your treat right?" he teased.

"My treat?"

"Well sure." He lowered his voice and leaned in closer. "I mean I let you undress me, it's the least you can do."

Taking his arm, she beamed up at him as she led him the the store's front door. She took the small sign saying the store would be closed for fifteen minutes, changed it to thirty with a grin, then locked the door.

"Tell you what," she said. "My treat... this time. Deal?" If his smile was bright before now it was brilliant as he tucked her arm into the crook of his.

"Deal."