FIFTY-TWO I saved the lingerie shopping for last. Nathan made appreciative noises when I showed him some of the clothes, but it was the sexier stuff I wanted him to see. I deliberately took him to the lingerie shop with notoriously bad service. The teenagers at the counter only served their friends and ignored everyone else. In the past, it had annoyed me beyond belief, but today their inattention was perfect. After several unsuccessful attempts to get their attention, Nathan agreed to help me fasten things. No matter how much he averted his eyes, I knew the mirrors would make sure he saw everything. The longing in his eyes as he stared at the red satin padded one made me smother a smile as I set it on the pile of items I wanted. He swallowed as if his mouth was dry for the black lace.

