Page 127 of The Guy Who Stole My Ranch

“I like smart, confident men.” She finished with one eye and started with the other. “It’s a bonus that he’s Asian and smoking hot. Like movie star hot.”

I knew most of this but wanted to keep her talking. “But he’s horrible to you.”

“He’s horrible to everyone. Close your eyes.” She paused as she applied more liner. It was liquid and cool. “The problem is he knows what he’s doing. He’s a terrible people person, but he understands business better than anyone I’ve ever met, and his assessments about work and people are hardly ever wrong.”

“I do hate it when they’re smart,” I said.

“Right?” She moved to the other side. “The thing is, every once in a while, he does something thoughtful.”

“Like what?” This was new information.

“Like bringing me coffee after he saw me spill mine.” She kept talking as she applied eyeshadow. “Once he heard my car had broken down and had it towed for me. He said it was because he didn’t want me unfocused at work, but I’ve never seen him do anything like that for anyone else.”

“You are his assistant,” I said.

“Yeah. I just…” She sighed. “Open.”

I blinked my eyes open and found her frowning. “What?” Had something gone wrong with my face?

“Once in a while I catch a glimpse of him when no one else is around, and it’s like he’s another person. I heard him talking to his mom one day, and it was so sweet I almost cried.”

“Was it that time of the month?”

Jessica smacked me on the shoulder with the handle of a blush brush. “Maybe.”

We laughed, then she met my gaze. “This party is going to be very different than what you’re used to.”

I nodded.

“If you need an extraction, you will use the ride share app I put on your phone, and then you will call me.” Her tone left no room for argument.

“Yes, ma’am.” I saluted. Then I reached out and took her hand. “I’ll be fine. I swear.”

She looked dubious, but sighed and squeezed my fingers. “I have every confidence in you, I just worry about how the other people there will react to your awesomeness.”

“That’s a legitimate concern.” I grinned.

Jessica held up a mirror, and my jaw hinged open.

I still looked like myself, but I also looked like more. “Wow, darlin’, I’m impressed.”

“Hopefully William will be too.” Jessica took the mirror back and checked the time. “Your ride will be here in five minutes. Last chance for a potty run.”

“You know me too well.” I was in a layer of contour controlling shorts that rose to the bottom of my bra, and I’d rather not have to wrestle out of them at the party.

Five minutes later, I walked down the stone steps to the curb where Patrick sat in the Maserati. He hopped out when I saw him and jogged around to open the back door.

“Can I sit in front?” I asked.

“Sure.” He moved to that door and offered me a hand as I got in. “William apologizes for not being able to meet you. He’s neck deep in problems.”

“So he said.” I made sure my skirt was out of the way before Patrick closed the door and jumped into the driver side.

“You look nice, by the way. Pretty sure William is going to melt when he sees you in that dress.”

I blushed. “Naw.”

He shook his head. “You underestimate yourself.”

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