The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 164

164 The Awkward Intimacy of a Suit Fitting

Hazel’s POV 1

“Let’s start with the black one,” I said, handing Sebastian the garment bag. “The changing room is just through there.”

I pointed to a door at the far end of the studio, trying to keep my voice steady and professional. This was just business-a routine fitting for an important client. Nothing

more.

Sebastian took the suit with a nod and disappeared into the changing room. The moment the door clicked shut, I released the breath I’d been holding. My hands trembled slightly as I gathered my measuring tape and pins.

What was wrong with me? I’d fitted countless men for suits before. But none of them had been Sebastian Sinclair.

While waiting, I busied myself organizing fabric swatches, but my mind wandered treacherously. I pictured Sebastian in a different setting-not my client in a studio, but in a home we shared. Him getting dressed for work while I adjusted his tie. Morning coffee together before the day began.

“Stop it,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head to clear the domestic fantasy.

“Did you say something?” Sebastian’s deep voice startled me.

I turned to find him standing just outside the changing room, looking like he’d stepped off the cover of a luxury magazine. The black suit fit his broad shoulders perfectly, tapering to his narrow waist. The fabric-an expensive Italian wool blend-seemed

made for him.

“Oh! No, just talking to myself.” I forced myself to slip into professional mode. “That looks excellent. Turn around slowly for me?”

Sebastian did as instructed, giving me a full view. From behind, the suit accentuated his athletic build. The man could make a paper bag look good, but in this suit, he was devastating.

“The shoulders are perfect,” I said, approaching him. “Let me check a few things.”

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164 The Awkward Intimacy of a Suit Fitting

My hands were clinical as I examined the suit’s fit across his back. This close, I could smell his cologne-sandalwood and something distinctly him. I swallowed hard.

“The length of the jacket is good,” I continued, stepping around to his front. “Arms up, please.”

Sebastian raised his arms, watching me intently as I checked the sleeve length. My fingertips brushed against his wrist, and I felt his pulse jump.

“Sorry,” I murmured. “My hands are probably cold.”

“They’re fine,” he replied, his voice lower than usual.

I knelt down to check the trouser length, suddenly all too aware of our position. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I adjusted the hem, careful to keep my touch professional.

“The break is perfect,” I said, rising quickly. “Let me just check the waist.”

I reached for the sides of his trousers to check the fit, and Sebastian inhaled sharply. My eyes darted up to meet his, finding them darker than usual.

“Too tight?” I asked.

“No,” he answered quickly. “It’s… comfortable.”

His tone contradicted his words entirely. There was nothing comfortable about the

tension crackling between us.

I stepped back, putting safe distance between us. “The black suit fits beautifully. I think we should check the navy one now.”

Sebastian cleared his throat. “Right. I’ll just… change then.”

He retreated to the changing room, and I fanned my flushed face with my hand. What was happening to me? I was acting like a schoolgirl with her first crush, not a

professional designer with years of experience.

Minutes ticked by, and Sebastian hadn’t emerged. It usually didn’t take this long to change into another suit.

“Is everything alright in there?” I called out.

“Fine,” came his clipped response. “Just a moment.”

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164 The Awkward Intimacy of a Suit Fitting

When he finally stepped out in the navy suit, something had shifted. His expression

was guarded, his earlier warmth replaced with cool detachment. He wouldn’t meet my

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