Page 20 of Holly, Jolly, and Oh So Naughty

“Ooh,” Amelia breathes. “That’s gorgeous!”

“Also from my pre-Emma days.”

“So? It totally looks like it would fit. I mean, you might knock your teeth out with your tits if you run down some stairs, but who cares?”

Snorting with laughter, I set the phone down on the dresser and slide the dress from the hanger. “I’m telling you. I have too many squishy bits.”

“Try it,” Amelia insists.

With nothing to lose, I do just that. To my immense surprise, the dress slips on easily and the side zip closes like a glove just under my armpit. The dress is snug and Amelia was right. It does push my boobs up slightly, but that only makes the dress look more outstanding.

“Hot mama!” Amelia cheers. “See, I knew it as soon as I saw it. Trust me. Show up in that and he’ll regret fielding all those calls seven years ago.”

“I’m not trying to make him regret that,” I say, plucking at the black sheet netting. “I’m just trying to help him out because?—”

“Because you’re a softie,” Amelia finishes for me. “I know. But this is kind of a sexy revenge dress if I ever saw one. Ooh, add some black pumps and red lippy, and you arestunning!”

It takes me a little longer to apply makeup. It’s not part of my everyday routine since I learned pretty quickly that the heat of the bakery makes me sweat off anything I have on my face, and no one wants running foundation dripping over their cupcakes. It’s satisfying to go all out, though, and paint my face up to help make myself feel beautiful.

“Damn,” Amelia whines as I set the last eyelash into place. “How about you ditch James and come out with me instead?”

“Ha!” A final swipe of balm across my red lips and I’m ready. Standing back from the mirror, I pluck at the dress again and take a deep breath. “You think I look good?”

“Lily, you look amazing,” Amelia promises me. “Go make him regret ever walking away from you.”

——

It was never my goal to make James Anderson regret turning his back on me all those years ago, but it lingers in my mind as I walk up to his table and watch his face melt into a mix of shock and awe. He stands, smoothing one hand down his shirt, and then he darts around the table to pull my chair out for me.

“Lily, my God, you look amazing,” he says, easing me into my seat.

“Thank you.” I smile up at him, fighting how the compliment blooms in my chest. “We have to make this believable, right? In case anyone sees?”

“Right. Of course.” James smiles at me, but the way his eyes constantly dart down me shows he’s nervous. He wants to look at me but he’s trying to be polite.

I like the tingly feeling it gives me. “You look nice too,” I say once he’s seated and comfortable.

“Thanks.” James laughs softly. “Believe it or not, I don’t own much else other than work stuff and a few comfy clothes.”

“You didn’t pack before coming here?”

“Not really. It was so… spur of the moment that I just bought what I needed along the way.”

Of course he did. Money has never been an object for James. I can’t imagine having that kind of relaxed outlook on life, but given the work he does as a doctor, maybe it’s okay.

“That’s crazy.” I chuckle. “I need a whole collection whenever I want to travel. For me and Emma. Basically, packing up the entire house because you never know what you might need.”

“I can imagine.”

James’s smile is warm and easy. As we make small talk, his nervous eye-darting calms and soon, he’s holding my gaze as easily as he did all those years ago. It’s almost too easy to forget how much time has passed since then. We order drinks and food, and as we eat, the conversation turns to the one work thing we have in common.

“Margret told me that you’re actually the one behind the entire charity auction party, is that right?” James asks after a mouthful of red wine.

“Yes.” I nod, spearing some steak onto my fork. “Crazy, right? Why does a baker care about a medical clinic?”

“Not that crazy,” James replies. “I’ve only been here a short while, but one thing I’ve noticed about this town is that everyone is involved in everything. There are no set roles or expectations to stay in the lane like there are in the city. You all branch out to help one another.”

“Yeah,” I say between bites. “I suppose we do. I had this idea that uhm, well, medical bills are painful for anyone. And when Emma was born, she was sick for a while, so those bills piled up.”

---