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Raine glanced at her phone. “We’ve got about thirty minutes before everyone starts arriving. Can you run interference for me until then, big brother?”
A wide smile transformed River’s mouth. “You got it.”
Raine took Heavenly’s hand and tugged. “Come with me.”
Thirty minutes later, Heavenly stood in front of Raine’s full-length mirror, gaping at the changes. The expert makeup applied with a light hand made her eyes a vivid blue. Loose curls bounced in her hair. But those weren’t the only changes. She now wore a taupe-colored shift. It was simple enough—spaghetti straps that gave way to a V between her breasts, accentuated by matching satin trim that exposed a hint of cleavage. The nearly transparent fabric flowed with the curve of her waist and hips, then ended with a simple hem mid-thigh. No lace. No embellishments. Not even a bra. The garment was barely darker than her skin. Strappy sandals aside, she looked—and felt—almost naked. “Wow.”
“Oh, yeah.” Raine nodded vigorously. “Beck and Seth are going to lose their minds.”
She more than liked the sound of that, and this dress definitely made her feel like a woman. Sexual. Daring. And it was a thrill. The church frock she’d worn here would never have done that.
“And keep that dress,” Raine said. “It looks way better on you.”
“I can’t take your—”
“You’re not,” Raine assured. “I’m giving it to you for a good cause. Trust me… You’ll definitely have their attention tonight.”
“Thank you.” At least Heavenly hoped she would end up grateful.
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s find a test subject.” Raine tugged on her hand again.
“What?”
The woman didn’t answer, merely led her down the stairs to where River waited at the bottom.
He let out a long whistle. “Damn. I hope that dress absorbs drool, because they will definitely be salivating tonight.”
Heavenly felt a familiar telltale blush steal across her face.
Behind them, the front door opened, and guests started tiptoeing in quietly, careful not to alert Hammer. Raine motioned with a finger over her red lips, then pointed to the backyard. Heavenly recognized almost no one, not the older couple, nor the fifty-something man with the salt-and-pepper beard who looked like a shark in a suit. She vaguely recognized the guy with the pitch-black hair and the brow stud from her date with Beck at the gallery. He gave her a long once-over and a leering grin, not making any attempt to hide the fact he was adjusting whatever was behind his zipper.
River punched him in the arm. “Don’t be a pig, Pike. She looks pretty.”
“She looks fuckable,” the new guy corrected, then slanted a come-on her way. “So if you’d like to get fucked, I’m your guy.”
No. Not with him. Never.
Raine rolled her eyes. “She’s already got takers.”
Pike scoffed. “I’m not worried about Beck. I can run circles around him, sweet cheeks.”
“Scram.” Raine shooed him toward the back door.
Reluctantly, he went, and Heavenly blinked after him. “How do you know him?”
Suddenly, Raine wouldn’t meet her gaze. “He, um…works with Hammer. The older guy with the beard is Sterling, Macen’s lawyer, and…”
Over the next few minutes, the woman slipped into hostess mode, introducing her to whomever came through the door. Then an older, elegant woman trekked down the stairs. Heavenly knew Liam’s parents had been staying with them, and she saw the resemblance between the Irishman and his mom immediately.
“Heavenly, this is Bryn O’ Neill.”
“Hi.” She stuck her hand in their direction. “Nice to meet you.”
“Ah, so you’re Heavenly. Lovely to meet you, too.” Liam’s mother shook her hand, her gentle Irish lilt soft in the air, then turned to Raine with a smile. “No wonder Kenneth and Seth are tied up in knots.”
“Oh, I don’t think—”
“Of course they are, dear. You’ll need to make the choice sooner than you’re prepared for…and it won’t be precisely as you imagined.”
River leaned in. “Bryn always talks in riddles. You get used to it, and I’m told it will make sense…eventually.”
“It will,” Raine assured. “Liam’s mom is psychic.”
Were they serious? They must be. No one was laughing.
Bryn wagged a finger at River. “Don’t think your time isn’t coming. ’Twould be best if you made friends with Pike now.”
River scowled. “That asshole? I’d rather dig my way to China with a toothpick.”
“Men. Always so determined to do everything the hard way.” Bryn tsked, then turned back to Heavenly. “Dear, you needn’t be worried. Everything will come out in the wash, even the bits you’d rather not air. But so many around you care deeply. Don’t be afraid to take help when you need it. And one more thing…”
Heavenly breathed, almost worried what the older woman would say next.
“Follow your heart. If you do, you’ll be happier than you can possibly imagine.” Then Bryn patted her shoulder and moved on.
Heavenly turned to Raine, who was obviously trying hard not to burst out laughing. “She really does mean what she says…if you can figure it out. Remind me one day to tell you how she and I first met. By comparison, your introduction is way less embarrassing.”
