Page 71 of Billionaire Protector

“Can I help you?” A gorgeous, red-headed woman approached them. She wore a brilliant brocade emerald dress with a full skirt and an extremely low top, showcasing generous cleavage. Sarah glanced at Cole, but he didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the outfit or the woman wearing it.

Not that she cared.

For an instant, she imagined herself in one of the dresses, dancing at a glittering ball, held tightly in Cole’s arms. “I’m Sarah Sloan and this is–”

“Cole Carter,” the woman finished with an overexaggerated curtsey that showed ten miles of cleavage. “The boss told me you were coming, but I also recognize you from the article.” Without a glance at Sarah, she held her hand out to Cole, not for a handshake but for a kiss. With a smile, he obliged.

Not that she cared.

Sarah’s shook her head. “The article?”

“Didn’t you see it?” The woman regarded Cole even as she answered Sarah. “A story about Harmony’s Creek’s very own hero. It even made the national papers.”

Sarah frowned. Zoe had mentioned something about an article, but she didn’t read it. She didn’t need another reminder of the man who forever vexed her.

“I’m surprised your girlfriend hasn’t seen your article. All the women here have.”

“Oh, I’m not his girlfriend.”

Cole didn’t say a word.

“We’re not together,” she said, just so it was clear.

Yeah, still not a word.

The shopkeeper looked back and forth between them, then smiled. “That’s nice to hear. Anyways, the article was fabulous.”

Now Cole finally responded, “It was no big deal. They mentioned a lot of guys.”

“They mentionedyousaved a lot of guys,” the shopkeeper clarified. “It was all about him. Don’t you know what he did? He–”

“We’re on a bit of a tight schedule,” Cole broke in, with a low rumble that softened the interruption. “Can we pick out our clothes now?”

The woman gave a slight pout. “Of course. The festival is gifting each of you one complete outfit. It can be whatever you want, such as a lord.” She winked at Cole. “Or a wench.” She waved an absent hand at Sarah.

Sarah tamped down her annoyance. “Or a queen?”

The woman shrugged and pointed to the racks in the back. “Sarah, why don’t you look over there, while I help Cole over here?”

Sarah followed her direction and shook her head. “You’ve got it backwards. You pointed me toward the men’s clothing and Cole toward the women’s section.”

“Exactly,” the woman simpered. “Didn’t they tell you? That’s part of the fun. You get to pick his clothing, and he chooses yours.”

Sarah and Cole locked gazes. They both turned to the mannequin, who wore a bright red serving wench costume with a tight corset and a bodice that showed even more cleavage than the shopkeeper. The dress had a high slit up one end that made it nearly as racy as her prostitute disguise. “That’s not a good idea.”

“I think it’s a great idea.” Cole’s eyes sparkled. “And remember, you get to choose my costume.”

True, but unfortunately the first thing she imagined was a knight’s suit of armor. Perfect for the returning hero, but not exactly tit-for-tat for what Cole clearly had in mind.

“Don’t worry.” Cole fingered the red outfit. “I’m going to dress you just as I see you. I already have ideas.”

She bet he did.

“Sarah, your prize includes more than just the outfit.” The shopkeeper barely looked at her as she edged closer to Cole. “While you’re changing, I’ll show Cole some hair and makeup styles. After you’re dressed, you’ll go to the salon tent for a Renaissance style makeover. You’ll then come back and surprise Cole.”

Perfect. He’d probably choose a gaudy, over-the-top style to compliment her one-step-below-a-Renaissance-whore look.

“When you’ve picked out Cole’s outfit, put it in that dressing room and then wait in the one next to it. I’ll bring the outfit Cole chooses. Any questions?” The shopkeeper clutched Cole’s arm.

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