The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 29

29 An Unintentional Touch

I stood in the elegant study of the Sinclair mansion, my measuring tape in hand and my heart racing faster than it had any right to. After our first measurement session had been interrupted, Sebastian had suggested we continue today.

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“Are you ready to proceed, Ms. Shaw?” Sebastian asked, his deep voice perfectly calm while I felt anything but.

“Yes, of course,” I replied, trying to sound professional despite the curious gazes from Mrs. Sinclair and her relatives who had insisted on “coincidentally” gathering in the adjoining room.

Sebastian stood tall in the center of the study, making me feel small despite my own above–average height. His imposing frame required me to stretch to reach around his broad

shoulders.

“I’ll need to finish taking your measurements,” I explained unnecessarily. “I only got the basics

last time.”

He nodded, standing perfectly still as I approached with my measuring tape. “Take all the time

you need.”

The other women in the house weren’t even trying to hide their interest, periodically glancing into the partially open door. Their scrutiny made my hands slightly unsteady.

“Your shoulders are quite broad,” I commented, instantly regretting how unprofessional it

sounded.

“A family trait,” Sebastian replied, his expression unreadable.

I wrapped the tape around his chest, careful to maintain some distance between us, though it proved difficult given the task. His clean, woodsy scent was subtle but unmistakable – the same as that handkerchief he had given me. The realization made my pulse quicken.

“Forty–four inches, I murmured, jotting down the number in my notebook.

Next came his waist. I hesitated, measuring tape dangling from my fingers.

“I need to measure your waist now,” I said, my voice sounding strange to my own ears.

Sebastian simply nodded, his dark eyes watching me with an intensity that made my skin tingle.

I had two options: reach around him from behind, or face him and wrap my arms around his midsection. Neither seemed particularly professional in this moment. Taking a deep breath, I chose the first option, stepping in front of him.

The position required me to practically embrace him, my arms extending around his trim waist. I could feel the warmth emanating from his body, the subtle rise and fall of his breathing. My face was uncomfortably close to his chest. If I looked up, our faces would be inches apart.

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29 An Unintentional Touch

“Thirty–four inches,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I quickly wrote down the measurement, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

Next came his hips. To avoid another face–to–face embrace, I moved behind him this time.

“Just the hip measurement now,” I said, more to steady myself than to inform him.

I stretched the tape around his lower body, acutely aware of how inappropriate this would look to anyone walking in. My hands were trembling slightly, my focus scattered by his proximity.

What was wrong with me? I’d measured countless men before without a second thought. But something about Sebastian Sinclair made me hyperaware of every movement, every breath.

As I tried to bring the tape around to read the measurement, my fingers fumbled. The tape slipped from my grasp.

–

In a reflexive motion to catch it, I reached forward without thinking – and my hand accidentally pressed against his lower abdomen.

Time seemed to freeze. My hand remained there for a split second too long before I yanked it

back as if burned. Horror washed over me as I realized what I’d done.

“I am so sorry,” I blurted out, mortification making my voice higher than normal. “That was completely unprofessional. I didn’t mean to—”

“Mean to what?” Sebastian asked calmly, turning to face me with a perfectly composed expression. “Did the tape slip?”

For a moment, I stared at him in confusion. Then understanding dawned – he was giving me an out, pretending he hadn’t noticed my inappropriate touch.

“Yes,” I seized the excuse gratefully. “The tape slipped. I apologize.”

“No need,” he replied smoothly. “These things happen.”

I retrieved the measuring tape from where it had fallen, grateful for his tact. Still, my cheeks burned with embarrassment. What must he think of me?

“Perhaps we should take a short break,” Sebastian suggested, his tone neutral. “Would you like

some water?”

“That would be nice, thank you,” I managed, desperately needing a moment to compose myself.

He walked to a small side table and poured water from a crystal decanter into two glasses. The simple act gave me time to take a deep breath and regain my professionalism.

“Here you are,” he said, handing me the glass.

Qur fingers brushed briefly, sending another jolt of awareness through me. I quickly pulled my hand away, nearly spilling the water.

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29 An Unintentional Touch

“Thank you,” I murmured, taking a sip to occupy myself.

The cool liquid helped clear my head. I’d never been this flustered during a fitting before – not even with celebrities or royalty. What was it about this man that threw me so completely off

balance?

“Ms. Shaw,” Sebastian said after a moment of silence, “may I ask you something?”

I nodded, bracing myself.

“Have you been sleeping well?”

“Almost finished,” I said, straightening up after measuring his inseam – a procedure I’d approached with extra caution. “I just need your neck measurement.”

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