AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s perfect.”
When she’d spotted this dress on a mannequin at her favorite department store, she’d fallen in love. The cap sleeves, sweetheart neckline, cinched waist, and wide flowing skirt were perfect for her body type. The deep discount, thanks to the color, held even more appeal.
Twirling in place, she smiled at the mirror. As a kid she’d always loved playing dress up in her mom’s dresses. Tonight she felt a bit like Cinderella going to the ball with the prince. Or in this case, the baron.
Speaking—or thinking—of the devil, the doorbell sounded and grabbing her beaded clutch, she stopped herself from running and potentially tripping down the stairs and breaking her neck. Joan, on the other hand, in jeans had no issue bolting down the stairs and opening the front door.
Instead taking measured steps, she listened carefully to the introductions and pleasantries exchanged between Craig and Joan.
“She should be down any second. Would you like something to drink while you’re waiting?”
“No, thank you. We really do have to leave. Traffic is more of a bear tonight than I expected.”
No sooner were those last words out of his mouth when Kate turned on the landing taking the last three steps and caught site of Craig looking up. The way his jaw dropped slightly open before snapping shut and sporting a huge grin truly made her feel like Cinderella after her fairy godmother had done her work.
“You look stunning.” He kept his eyes on her face. Such a gentleman. No wandering eyes, just a gleam of appreciation that made her feel a few inches taller.
“Thank you.”
“Do you need a wrap?”
She shrugged. “I was going to pass on it in this heat, but then again, who knows how high the a/c will be cranked up.”
“Is it upstairs?” Joan asked.
Kate nodded. “Still on the hanger in my closet.”
A few seconds later, Joan was once again bolting down the stairs two at a time and gleefully handed over the matching wrap.
“Thanks.”
“I want a full report when you come home!”
“Deal.”
Like a true gentleman, Craig extended his arm and she slid her hand into the crook of his elbow.
“Don’t get drunk and forget where you live!” Joan called out teasingly before closing the front door behind them.
“She was kidding.” Kate looked up at him. “I don’t have a drinking problem or anything.”
“I didn’t think you did,” he reassured.
Still feeling very much the princess, her eyes almost fell out of their sockets when she spotted the car parked in her driveway. “Is that a Rolls Royce?”
“It is. Belongs to my father. The Mercedes is at the mechanics and I didn’t think you wanted to climb into my Jeep or a ranch pickup.”
“Thank you. Not in these heels.” She really wanted to pinch herself. This was definitely a night that dreams were made of. Whether she was able to pitch her interests to the political bigwigs didn’t seem to matter anymore. For tonight, she was simply going to enjoy living like the other half.
Most of his adult life, when Craig came through a door and attention turned in his direction, he knew it was the Baron name and reputation that attracted people. Tonight, he had no doubt at all it was the gorgeous woman on his arm. Even the women had to turn and look when they entered the ballroom.
When he glanced up from talking to Joan at the house and spotted Kate with one hand on the railing, slowly descending the last few steps, he thought he might swallow his tongue. Her hair was up but not in that large cartoon Texas way. Gentle locks of hair framed her face while swooping curls gathered in the perfect collection above her neck. And why was it he had an overwhelming need to nibble on the soft alabaster skin?
If he was going to make it through the night, he was going to have to stop focusing on Kate and keep his mind on the tedious political conversation that would no doubt ensue. Though it was clear to him from the way her gaze surveyed the room, she was not just eye candy for the night. Kate was a formidable woman.
Her hand still nestled in the crook of his arm, he leaned into and lowered his voice. “Who are we gunning for this evening?”
“Excuse me?”
