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She tucked her hands beneath her legs, sitting on them to fight the instinct to grab the handle of the door and hop right back out. This was why Wyatt had given her time to change her mind. He knew things would look different in the daylight. But she’d made an agreement and didn’t plan on backing out now.Author: Roni Loren
They rode into the city, Evan providing a steady stream of chitchat to keep Kelsey’s mind from spiraling down into the pit too far. But by the time the driver had stopped in front of the city’s swankiest shopping district, the concerns were starting to tiptoe in again like thieves trying to hijack her remaining resolve.
Evan directed Kelsey into the first shop, where a young brunette flashed them a perfectly practiced smile and led them to a private dressing area that had posh leather couches, champagne, and a tray of canapés set up for them. She motioned to the space like a Vanna White wannabe. “Mr. Austin let us know what types of things you’d need for your upcoming trip, Ms. LeBreck. So our stylist took the liberty of assembling some outfits for you to try on. He said you preferred classic lines with an edge of sexiness. Obviously, if these don’t work, we can go through the store and pull some more looks for you.”
Kelsey stared at the racks of dresses and outfits that lined the far wall of the room. Next to them, accessories were set out on a table, grouped by color and level of dressiness. She cleared her throat. “Um, thank you. I’m sure I’ll be able to find what I need. This looks great.”
The girl beamed as if she’d personally designed all the clothes in the room. “Would you like me to help you get started?”
Evan glanced at Kelsey, then back at the girl. “I think we’re okay right now. But we’ll call for you if we need any assistance.”
The girl nodded and breezed out, leaving Kelsey and Evan behind with the clothes, champagne, and classical music.
Evan shook her head, watching the door close behind the girl. “I can’t believe people actually get to shop like this.”
“Seriously.” Kelsey walked over to the rack of dresses, reaching out to feel the jewel-colored fabrics, the luxurious material gliding over her fingers. Handwritten price tags hung from each one, some costing more than her monthly rent. She grabbed one tag, running her thumb over the outrageous number.
“I can hear you panicking,” Evan said, stepping behind her. “You okay?”
Kelsey peeked back over her shoulder. “You do mindreading on the side?”
Evan sent her a sympathetic smile. “Sorry. I live with two doms. I’ve picked up on a few things. You went all stiff.”
Kelsey dropped the price tag and let a shimmery cocktail dress slide over her hand. It was all . . . so much. Too much. She headed to the side table with the champagne, but moved past the alcohol and grabbed a sparkling water instead. “I’ll be all right. I think it’s starting to set in that I’m actually going to do this.”
“Which part?” she asked, her pale blue eyes showing true concern.
Kelsey took a long gulp of water. “How much did Wyatt tell you?”
She shrugged, a bit sheepish. “He didn’t give me details, but I sort of relentlessly pestered Jace until he spilled the whole arrangement. Sorry?”
Kelsey shook her head, having no doubt how persuasive someone like Evan could be. “It’s fine. I’m just worried that I’m in over my head and that the people at the retreat are going to see right through me.” She leaned against the back of a settee, not having the energy to put up a front with Evan. “A year ago, I was spinning around poles and shaking my ass for tips—though I haven’t quite shared that with Wyatt yet. So this is like a foreign country with people speaking a different language. I don’t want to be humiliated, and I definitely don’t want to embarrass Wyatt. Those people—”
“Are just people who happen to have more money in their bank account,” Evan finished. She sat down on the couch, frown lines creasing her forehead. “I don’t know how much you know about me, but I wasn’t born with money either. I was a foster kid and was on the streets for a while. I also spent almost a year living with Jace and Wyatt’s family when I was a teenager. So I went from nothing to the McMansion. And I remember never feeling so out of place in my life.”
Kelsey sat down, the revelation shocking her. Evan always seemed so put together, so refined. She’d been a street kid? Then another thought hit her. She’d lived with Jace and Wyatt. “So you and Jace, back then?”
She smiled a little. “Long story. But what I realized pretty quickly was that money doesn’t protect people from problems, it just hides them better from the public eye. Everybody is playing some role when out in society. And most are so busy keeping up their own airs that they aren’t looking so closely at yours. So as long as you smile, make small talk, and act confident, you’ll blend in.”
Kelsey sipped her water. “You make it sound so easy.”
She shrugged. “It can be. I think your bigger challenge is going to be once that hotel room door shuts with Wyatt. That’s where you can’t fake it.”
Kelsey fiddled with the cap of her bottle. “It’s only for a week.”
Evan gave a conspiratorial smile. “Sure. Now let’s get you undressed. So many outfits, so little time. And after this, we still need to get shoes, beach wear, and make a stop by the lingerie boutique.”
“Lingerie?”
“Mmm-hmm. Lots of it. I thought Wyatt was Mr. Conservative. But based on the list he gave me, he’s more like his brother than I thought.”
Kelsey’s skin heated at the thought of Wyatt selecting what undergarments he wanted to see her in. “I have a feeling there’s a lot more to Wyatt than anyone thought.”
Evan’s grin turned sly. “Scared of what you might find out about him?”
“Yes.”
More scared of what she may find out about herself.
