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“What?”
“You’re wearing makeup.”
“So?” She bristled and had just managed to resist tugging at the seams of the brand-new emerald, green jacket she had chosen to wear over elegant khaki leggings. A tan cashmere sweater was under the jacket and her hair was loose and flowing past her shoulders, in healthy waves.
“You look lovely.”
Her heart slammed into her chest at the look on his face. He was wearing dark blue dress pants, a pale pink sweater and blue jacket with thin vertical stripes and he looked marvelous.
“I happen to be representing you, so I need to look my best. Besides, Hailey looks like a fricking movie star. The woman appears to be ageless. It has to be that with all that money, she has had work done.” She offered him a sheepish look as his brows lifted. “I am not usually this bitchy about another woman, but I am feeling insecure.”
He was surprised at her admission and knew it cost her a lot.
“No need.” He helped her into her jacket and brushed at her hair gently.“You’re killing it.”
She sent him an unconsciously provocative look over her shoulder that had him tightening with desire.
“Why, thank you.” Taking a deep breath and completely oblivious to the effect she had on him, she took his arm.
“Let’s do this.”
*****
To her surprise, she found herself relaxing. The gorgeous couple made it their duty to put her at her ease. The restaurant was elegant, but not stuffy. The staff appeared to be on friendly terms with the Synder’s.
Both husband and wife spoke fluent French and the food and setting, gaslights, and purple décor, made for an intimate setting. Sherrian had not brought her notebook with her, but she was busy taking it all in to write her impressions when she returned to the flat.
And was unaware that Leo was watching her.
“Sherrian is wrapped up in her own thoughts.” His amused drawl had her coming back to the present.
“What?”
“Darling, we have been talking for a few minutes, and you have not contributed a word to the conversation.” Hailey, looking stunning in lime green the pantsuit molding to her slender curves, told her with a laugh. “We are trying not to take it personally.”
“I’m sorry.”
“She does this thing whenever we enter an eating establishment. She zones out and I know she is marking things down in her mind.” Leo told them with an indulgent laugh which had Hailey and David giving each other a look.
“I cannot seem to help myself. This strawberry parfait is exquisite.”
“Leo told us you own a pastry store in the States.”
She nodded in response to David and only felt a smidgen of anxiety where he was concerned. She was trying to look past thegorgeous face and amazing body to the man himself. She knew he had been a playboy before meeting Hailey and could see why.
“Yes. I am looking to expanding it.”
“We would love to drop by on our next visit.” Hailey told her warmly. She clapped her elegant hands briskly. “Now, the boys are going to take a walk and go to the bar and leave us girls alone to get to know each other better.”
“You’re just trying to get rid of us.”
“One of the reasons why I love you is that you are so smart.”
“And the other?” David leaned over to take her chin in his hand.
“Cannot be disclosed in polite company.”
“We are all friends here.” He brushed his lips against hers. “I adore you.”