Page 47 of The Dating Contract

“You look gorgeous,” Naomi said with a flourish as she put the makeup brush down.

Leah knew how to put on makeup, but Naomi was more of a professional. “Thanks,” she said.

And as she headed toward the mirror, Leah took a long look at herself. Naomi’s artistry on her face was just…flawless. The dress was a pale pink and went down to her ankles, hugged her curves. Her hair was glossy, dark and gorgeous, courtesy of Liv, who was a queen with a straightener. “I love you guys,” she gushed.

“We love you more,” Naomi said. “You are going to shine. Who’s coming to get you?”

“Shayna and Ramona because Samuel is busy doing stuff.”

Which was when she heard the knock at the door.

“Go get him,” Naomi said.

“You’ve got your armor on,” Liv said. “He will not be able to withstand the gorgeousness. All you have to do is be vulnerable for a little. Let him see you.”

“This isn’t just date night,” she said, trying not to snort. “This is also work for me. My client is being honored,” she said as she gathered up her stuff. Put her wrap across her shoulders and grabbed her bag.

There was another knock at the door, and this time she could hear the giggles.

“I think,” she said with a laugh, “my ride is getting impatient.”

Liv opened the door, only to see Shayna and Ramona waiting. “Are you ready, Auntie Leah?” Ramona asked.

“I am,” she said. “Areyouready for tonight?”

And as they headed into the car and Shayna buckled Ramona into her car seat, Ramona talked about her dress and how her hockey team was going to help present the award to ‘Miss Carly.’

“Do you have a plan, Leah?” Shayna asked. “Or are you just going to wing it?”

“Plan? For?”

“Samuel.”

“Samuel’s not the only reason I’m going,” she said, reminding Shayna and herself. “Carly’s my client.”

“Which is true. Carly’s being honored.”

“By all Unicorns! The whole team. All of them,” Ramona said from the back of the car.

“Woow,” Leah said with a smile, exaggerating the word on purpose. “That’s wonderful. I’m excited for her and all of you. Do you have a speech to give?”

“No speech,” Ramona said. “I’m four.”

“No.” Shayna laughed. “You missed the event five years ago when your big brother Shim spoke at Asher’s opening banquet.”

“But unlike with Asher and my sister,” Leah replied, “it’s going to be interesting to see how I manage a date night with Samuel, who’s also got professional obligations, as well as act as a professional agent representing the firm along with Carly.”

“You’re going to do great,” Shayna said. “Ramona and I are here to support you, and you know that Judith and Asher will run any sort of interference, and anything else you might need.”

As they pulled up to the entrance, Leah wondered exactly how this was going to go, and hoped for the best.

And not a tangled web.

Chapter Sixteen

Samuel wondered whomade the rules about ties. He absolutely hated them, everything about them, but for some reason, he wasn’t the sort of person who could pull off a suit or blazer or whatever without one. Which was fine.

Sort of. As long as he didn’t pull it so tight that he’d choke. But the suit was fantastic. Mottel the tailor was as good, if not better than promised.

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