Draco (Coded for Love 2)

“Wonderful, thank you.” Lara headed for the sofa, glancing around. The whole place was antique looking with polished mahogany shelves and cupboards, brass and gold-colored furnishings. The sofa was set out in the middle of the room, like a viewing spot. On a nearby coffee table a selection of elite fashion magazines awaited. She made herself comfortable.

The walls were painted in lovely shade of old gold, complementing the wooden wall panels, all of which emphasised the prestige of the Saville Row tailors. Generations of the wealthiest clients had shopped here, Lara Compton’s father amongst them.

As her father came to mind, she glanced at the window. There was no way he or her brothers or anyone associated with them would come to the tailors today. Harry, who was her second cousin once removed, had assured her of that. For starters it was too early in the morning, the place wasn’t usually open until later and the early hour was a favor to Harry, who had shopped there for many years. He’d introduced Draco as his nephew from out of town.

Lara tried to conceal her smile. Out of town Welsh computer hacker, and didn’t he just look like a fish out of water. He stared around his surroundings with an amused expression, as if he’d never seen anything like it.

The attendant sized Draco up while he fiddled with his tape measure expectantly. “I’ve got several items off the peg suitable for Sir. If any alterations are needed we can have them done within twenty four hours.”

Draco gestured at Lara. “‘Mudum’ is in charge. Please consider me a clothes horse for the duration of the appointment.”

Carmichael lifted an eyebrow but didn’t comment. Instead he proceeded to relieve Draco of his leather jacket, much to Draco’s surprise.

Lara had to suppress her smile. At first she thought her Hackerboy was going to punch the tailor. Thankfully he realized what was going on and relaxed into it. The tailor disappeared with both jacket and tape measure and returned a moment later pushing a rail packed with suits. The portable selection wheeled easily across the polished parquet flooring.

So far, the task was going more smoothly than she thought it might, but Draco kept looking at her with a quizzical expression. He’d probably never had a hand-made suit before, probably never even owned a suit. As the thoughts ran through her mind she studied his physique, trying to picture him in a suit. She was rather looking forward to it, although he was undeniably hot and fit, dressed as he was in faded jeans and a tight black T-shirt.

Carmichael gestured at the rail with a flourish, moving it so they could both see the range of suits on display.

Draco shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at the vast array with a frown. Meanwhile Carmichael walked behind him and busied himself taking measurements of Draco’s broad back and shoulders, which he scribbled in a small notepad in the palm of his hand. Draco twitched visibly and frowned when he felt the gentleman’s hands on his back, and shot Lara a glance.

Lara covered her mouth with her hand and glanced away so as not to laugh. When she looked back Draco had reached out and was leafing through the suits on the rack with a curious expression on his face. At least he was taking an interest.

“How many suits do we require?”

“How many do we need?” Draco responded, amused.

Carmichael remained expressionless. “The basic starter wardrobe would include three suits for day wear, a blazer with three sets of trousers for casual wear, a dress suit, and anything else Sir would like to add.”

“Mudum will decide,” Draco quickly answered and looked at her expectantly.

“Three day suits and shirts, suitable for work in the finance quarter.”

Carmichael scribbled again in his notepad.

“Silk ties,” she added and coughed. “Underwear, I guess.”

Draco raised his eyebrows, staring at her with an accusing look.

“Very good, Madam.” He maneuvered Draco’s arms to take more measurements.

When instructed, Draco turned around. The tailor kneeled down in front of him and began to measure the length of his inside leg. Draco laughed and wi

nked at her.

She shook her head at him. Behave, she silently admonished him with her eyes as best she could. Mostly she was relieved he hadn’t shot out the door like a scalded cat. It was an odd, old-fashioned environment but he was managing it with good humor. She relaxed back onto the sofa and watched as Carmichael directed Draco’s attention to the two suits in shades of blue, and one black. While Draco had a quick look at them, Carmichael wheeled out a cabinet. It was dark mahogany and at first glance looked like some sort of sideboard, but when opened it revealed racks of silk ties. The tailor pulled out several handles and the railings opened up to display numerous ties arranged in like-colors.

Lara rose to her feet and stepped over to look at the suits when Carmichael disappeared.

“Any special requirements of my underwear, Madam?” Draco asked as she approached. “Escape hatch, perhaps?”

The suggestive look in his eyes deprived her of any rational thought.

“Nothing that sticks out,” she said, then blushed furiously, “as being unusual or different, I mean.”

“Nothing should stick out?” He laughed. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

“Behave,” she whispered as Carmichael returned, but she was laughing too.