Friends--And Then Some

Free Friends--And Then Some by Debbie Macomber

Book: Friends--And Then Some by Debbie Macomber Read Free Book Online
Authors: Debbie Macomber
play, but I don’t think they’ll show.”
    “Who?” Jake demanded.
    Lily lifted one shoulder in a delicate shrug, surprised that Jake would sound angry when meeting eligible wealthy men was the reason he’d taken her to the party. “I don’t remember their names.”
    “If they do come, I want to know about it so I can have them checked out.” Hewas eager to know for other reasons as well—ones that weren’t clearly defined in his mind. He wanted Lily married and happy, and he wished to heaven that he could forget the taste of her. Every time he looked at her, he had trouble not kissing her again. He’d received a head injury, Jake told himself. One that was apparently affecting his reasoning ability. He shouldn’t be thinking of Lily in that way. His only option was to set her up with Rick or one of the others—and quickly.
    “Jake,” Lily said softly.
    “Yes?” Her swallowed hard.
    “Why are you insisting on buying me a dress?”
    “What’s the matter? Do you think Rick could afford a better one?”
    “Oh, Jake, of course not.”
    From the soft catch in her voice, Jake knew he’d hurt her to even imply such a thing. “It’s a matter of pride,” he explained. “You told me Rick wanted to replace the one I ruined. My blood stained it, so I should be the one to buy you another dress.”
    “But Gram got the stain out.”
    “It doesn’t matter.”
    “But …”
    “I’m buying you the dress. Understand?”
    She didn’t answer.
    “Understand?” he repeated forcefully.
    “Repeaters is off Thirty-second.”
    “What?”
    “The secondhand store where I usually buy my dresses.” It took all of her willpower to give in to his pride. Jake had always been so reasonable, but his harsh tone told Lily she’d best concede gracefully. Either Jake would go with her or he’d buy something for her on his own.
    “I’m not getting you anything secondhand.”
    “All right,” she agreed reluctantly. “Either Sears or Penney’s is fine.”
    “We’re going to Neiman Marcus.”
    “Neiman Marcus, Jake!” Lily’s jaw fell open. Jake couldn’t afford to shop there.
    The announcement was as much of a shock to Jake as it was to Lily. He’d driventoward downtown, thinking they’d figure out where to shop once he’d found parking. But now that he’d spoken the words, he wouldn’t back down. If he was going to buy Lily a dress it would be one she’d remember all her life.
    “I saw a dress I liked on display in Penney’s.” Her hands felt clammy just at the thought of spending all Jake’s money on some silly dress. He worked too hard and saved so little.
    “And I saw one at Neiman Marcus,” Jake countered. “You’re always talking about how you want to shop there someday. I’m giving you the chance.”
    A hundred arguments crossed her mind as they parked and Jake escorted her through the elite department store.
    “Jake,” Lily pleaded.
    “And nothing on sale.” Jake paused in front of a mannequin. “Nice,” he said to no one in particular.
    “It should be,” Lily informed him stiffly, reading the price tag. “This little piece of chiffon is fifteen hundred dollars.”
    It demanded all of his discipline for Jake to reveal none of his thoughts. Fifteen hundred dollars for a dress? He had no idea. He hesitated a second longer. “So?”
    “Jake, honestly, fifteen hundred dollars would wipe you out.” Lily was growing more uneasy by the minute. This whole idea was ridiculous. Pride or not, Jake had no business buying her clothes. Not here.
    “May I help you?” An attentive salesclerk approached them.
    “Yes,” Jake said.
    “No,” Lily countered.
    “Perhaps if I came back in a few minutes.” The salesclerk took a step in retreat.
    “My friend here would like to try on this dress,” Jake said, lifting the hem of the pricey dress on the mannequin.
    “Jake,” Lily hissed under her breath.
    “And a few more just like this,” Jake continued.
    The clerk gave a polite nod. “If

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