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Andreas studied her. ‘But some people make an impact in a very short space of time,’ he said softly.
Libby’s heart hammered against her chest. ‘Three weeks, you say?’
‘That’s the Saturday of the ball so I suppose that may not be convenient. You’ll want the time to get ready.’
‘Believe it or not, it doesn’t take me all day,’ Libby said dryly. ‘And, anyway, I need to do some shopping for myself, so that’s fine. I’m really looking forward to it.’
‘So is Adrienne.’ Andreas surveyed her under lowered lids, his expression difficult to read. ‘It’s very kind of you to do it and I appreciate it.’
Did he think that was why she was doing it? To wriggle into his favour?
‘I’m doing it for Adrienne, not you.’ She looked him in the eye and then wished she hadn’t. Head on he was dangerously irresistible.
Andreas smiled. ‘Of course,’ he said smoothly. ‘Can anyone come or is it girls only? I could treat you both to lunch in the middle of what sounds like an exhausting day.’
Libby hesitated, knowing that Adrienne would like to have him there. It was clear that she was very fond of her uncle.
‘You’re very welcome as long as you promise not to give your opinion.’
He lifted an eyebrow. ‘My opinion isn’t valued?’
‘Not by a twelve-year-old girl at boarding school,’ Libby said dryly. ‘I know what she needs.’
‘And I don’t?’
‘You’re a man,’ Libby drawled, and Andreas gave her a smile so sexy that it melted her bones.
‘I am indeed, Libby. And I’m glad you’ve noticed.’
Libby swallowed. Oh, she’d definitely noticed. It was hard not to.
The next three weeks passed so quickly that Libby barely had time to think. The ward was incredibly busy and Andreas was working so hard that she often went several days without seeing him, which was a relief because it made it easier to keep her mind on the job and not start dreaming about things she couldn’t have.
They picked Adrienne up from school on the Saturday of the ball and drove into the centre of London.
‘We’re going to start by sorting out your hair,’ Libby said, turning in her seat so that she could look at the child. ‘I’m taking you to the best hairdresser in town.’
Adrienne’s eyes widened and she lifted a hand to her unruly mop. ‘I’ve never really had it cut before. I’ve just been growing it long.’
And it was badly out of condition and desperately needed shaping, Libby reflected, although she kept those thoughts to herself.
‘We won’t cut it short,’ Libby assured her. ‘Trust me. It’ll look great.’
She directed Andreas through some back streets and then showed him where to park.
‘I’m amazed that there’s somewhere to park this close to the centre,’ Andreas observed, and Libby grinned.
‘It’s only for very valued customers. And I am a very, very valued customer.’
Andreas ran his eyes over her gleaming blonde curls and gave a wry smile. ‘I’ll bet you are.’
‘A girl has to look after her crowning glory,’ Libby said airily, pushing open the door of the exclusive salon.
She walked confidently across the marble floor and approached the reception desk.
‘Morning, Francesca. Is Mario around?’
The girl glanced up and her face brightened as she recognised Libby. ‘Well, hi, there!’ A puzzled look crossed her face and she checked her computer screen. ‘We weren’t expecting you today, were we?’
