âMr. Harris, have you ever considered a career in modeling?â
âIs that your roundabout way of complimenting my figure?â Nolanâs laughter was light and easy, and Regina nodded without a hint of shyness. âAbsolutely. You present everything here so well. And by the way, weâll take this outfit too.â
Regina gestured broadly, and the shop assistant around them couldnât help but chuckle with amusement.
âYou are such a lovely couple. Miss, youâve got quite the eye, picking out the trendiest items for a man who wears them so well.â
When others mistook them for a couple again, Nolan and Regina exchanged a glance. Recalling what Nolan had said in the office, Regina waved her hands awkwardly. âSorry, youâre mistaken. Weâre not a couple.â
For some reason, this declaration didnât seem to sit well with Nolan. He remained silent, showing no inclination to clarify.
The shop assistant looked back and forth between them before finally nodding with an exaggerated understanding. âI get it now. So, this gentleman is still pursuing you, is he? Miss, a handsome man like this is hard to come by. You should hold onto him.â
Regina was at a loss, her expression screaming âhelp me out hereâ to Nolan. It was he who had told her not to overthink things, yet now he stood there, silent as a clam at high tide.
âUmm, miss, youâve really got the wrong idea. Thereâs nothing between us â jus ly colleagues.â
Now the shop assistant seemed even more confused. When she had suggested a couple, the man had seemed almost pleased, so why was this beautiful lady s insistent on their innocence?
Colleagues who shop for clothes together after work? And of different genders?
She shook her head; perhaps the modern courtship was more reserved than she tho âAlright, miss, Iâll wrap up your boyfriendâs clothes.â
Once alone, Regina turned to Nolan with a hint of reproach. âWhy didnât you say something earlier? Itâs not good to let people get the wrong idea.â
âTrue innocence requires no explanation. Thereâs nothing to say.â Nolan replied. Then, as i struck by sudden curiosity, he began to browse the store.
âAlright, what are you still looking at? Weâve got your clothes. Letâs go, Mr. Harris, itâs officially quitting time.â
Nolan nonchalantly accepted the neatly wrapped packages from the shop assistant.
Seeing him laden with bags, Regina insisted on sharing the load. âThey look heavy; hand one over to me.â
When Nolan saw her insistence, he chose a small box containing a tie and handed it to her. âYou can carry this.â
Regina laughed lightly. âThis is hardly a weight at all. Are you underestimating me? Youâre carrying too much; I want to help.â