The Concrete Dog

{They aren't in Your Life to Help You}

The mall was full of people on Saturday. Lauren watched the customer scurrying around the shops, and anxiety rose. Parker could have people here. The idea of going to the mall began to sour on Trace.

"Busy today," Lauren said.

Trace heard the concern in her voice. "This would be the last place Parker would look for us."

Lauren met his eyes and smiled. "Okay," she returned to finding Henri Laconti's suit shop.

The glances in their direction Trace accepted. But, the long looks from men at Lauren in the pink dress annoyed him. So, he moved closer to her to let everyone know she was with him.

Lauren wondered at Trace's sudden closeness until she saw men looking away from her as soon as they looked at the man walking beside her. Their bodies touched as they walked. Lauren smiled. "Here it is,"

Henri Laconti's shop was beautiful. Wood, steel, and fabric decorated the inside to give it a masculine feel.

"Lauren," The short silver-haired Frenchman approached his favorite niece and hugged her. Lauren hugged him back, smiling. Henri's two sons looked at Trace with raised eyebrows. They had never fitted a man of his size, but they were eager to see what his presence would do to their suit.

Henri and Lauren separated, and he looked at Trace. "And who is this,"

Lauren looked at Trace. "This is Nathaniel Trace Wolf, my fiance."

Henri and his sons looked shocked for a moment and then congratulated the couple. Trace shook their hands.

"She is a wonderful young woman," Henri said.

Trace looked at Lauren as she smiled at him. "I agree. I am lucky that I found her."

"I can say that, too, about you," Lauren replied as they stared at each other. Henri looked at the couple, sensing the emotions running through them. He always pictured Lauren marrying a lawyer or doctor. This man looked far from those professions. Henri could see some ink on his neck and feel the violence lurking beneath Trace's clothes. He was ready for anything or anyone threatening his woman or his life. Henri knew Lauren would not give herself away to any man unless he were special. Nathaniel must be unique.

"What can I do for you?" Henri asked.

Lauren smiled at Henri. "He has an interview for a district manager position and."

Henri held up his hands. "Say no more. Mr. Wolf, please follow us inside for the measurements." Trace nodded and followed Henri. Lauren walked to the sitting area in the fitting room to watch the men work on Trace.

"No clown colors for me," Lauren laughed as she walked beside him as they exited Laconti's suit shop.

"There was color in the ties,"

Trace snorted. "A little,"

Lauren's body gently pushed into his, and Trace's arm naturally circled her waist and held her close to him. He felt her body jump from the contact. he looked down at her beautiful, surprised face. He watched her take a deep breath and smile.

"The suits will be ready Tuesday, so you try them on to check the fit."

"We'll make it a date then," Trace tightened his arm around her waist. "Would you like that?" He asked.

Lauren watched his blue eyes roam over her body and face. The warmth festering in her belly began to spread between her thighs the longer she stared at him. The muscle in his arm contracted when Lauren sighed before answering him. "I would like that."