Page 82 of Dust to Dust

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.

“Likewise. I hear you’re attending a gala tonight, and you need an evening dress.”

“Yes, that’s?—”

Quinn interrupted me by shaking his head. “While we do need an evening dress, Ms. Vaughn will be needing a few things to add to her wardrobe for events. Some cocktail dresses. A few pantsuits.” As he turned his attention to me, the corners of his lips quirked. “Some lingerie.”

If looks could have killed, Quinn would’ve been writhing on the floor. Since I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of Laura, I forced a smile to my face. “Now, darling, are you sure all of that is necessary?” I bit out with false sweetness.

Quinn had the audacity to chuckle at me. “Don’t be shy now, Little Dove. We both know you’re only with me for the money, so why shouldn’t I spend it?”

At my gasp of horror, Laura smiled. “It’s all right, Ms. Vaughn. Your boyfriend informed me on the phone that you would be resistant to spending a lot of money on clothes, but for me to persevere into changing your mind.”

I pinched Quinn’s arm. “You’re in so much trouble.”

He merely smiled down at me. “Let me spoil you.”

With an indignant huff, I replied, “Fine. But I won’t like it.”

Quinn chuckled. “I think we can work with that.”

She nodded. “Let me show you to the dressing room. While you get undressed, I’ll find some things that will be divine on you.”

Reluctantly, I followed Laura to the back of the store. Glancing over my shoulder, I watched as Quinn had a seat on an expensive leather sofa. He gave me a smile, which I returned.

After I slipped into the dressing room, I started to get out of my clothes. Laura returned rather quickly with an armload of dresses. The first one she handed me was emerald green. It had intricate beading on the bodice before flowing out in fluffy waves. It was something I would imagine Cinderella wearing, except for the low neckline that showed off all my goodies.

Although it was slightly awkward having Laura inside with me, it did help when the dress needed zipping. “Breathtaking,” she said as we stared at my reflection in the mirror.

“Thank you. You have exquisite taste. This is like a princess gown.”

“And you look the part.” With a playful little nudge, she said, “Go show off to Mr. Kavanaugh.”

With a grin, I headed out of the dressing room and made my way down the little runway where Quinn sat. Since his head was buried in his phone, I cleared my throat. When he jerked his gaze to mine, the expression on his face caused my knees to go weak.

Adoration.

I’d never seen it on a man like that before. Especially not directed to me. It caused warmth to tingle from the top of my head down to my feet.

“Well?” I prompted.

“You’re a vision.”

“Really?”

“Green is one of your colors.”

“Usually it’s red.”

“I like you in green.”

“So, I should get this one and forget the rest?” I teased.

He shook his head. “I want to see you in the others.”

“You do? I mean, this isn’t boring for you?”

“Anytime I get to see you looking so beautiful could never be boring.”

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