Page 10 of Just One Look

She shrugged. “Not sure yet, but I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”

Liz wasn’t the only one with something to figure out. Understanding women was not something that came naturally to most men and Dev was no exception. But right now, he was more than willing to give it a try. If he survived.

Chapter Five

“Did you win the lottery and forget to tell me?” Hands on her hips, elbows sticking out like chicken wings, Emily scanned the bags and clothes scattered across the bed.

“For years, you’ve talked about Devlin this, Devlin that. For as much as I’ve heard, I actually know very little.” Setting down the black sheath dress she’d picked out, among many, she held up one hand and began picking off fingers with the other. “Handsome as sin—which we know at least the barracuda agrees with you. Successful—anyone willing to drop five digits on dinner had better be successful or else he’s certifiable. Loves his family—that one I’ll take your word for, but I think it says a lot about the man. He’s a sharp dresser—hence hitting every sales rack at Nordstrom’s and Neiman’s.” She waved the same hand that had been counting fingers, across the width of the bed.

“Don’t go setting your sights on Devlin Baron, the man is as much a perpetual bachelor as Warren Beatty or Leonardo DiCaprio. Except, of course, Devlin doesn’t date teenyboppers.”

“And Warren Beatty is married now.”

“That’s not the point. He didn’t marry young so, enjoy your dinner and call it a day.”

“Have you changed your mind about him?” At first Liz had thought that her twin had a crush on her handsome plus-one. Eventually, Liz figured out they were truly good friends, but maybe she’d been wrong.

“About what?” Emily’s gaze remained fixed on all the merchandise scattered across the bed.

“Not what. Who. Devlin.”

Emily’s head snapped around. “For the love of Jehoshaphat. Now I know you’ve lost your mind.”

It took Liz a long few moments to determine the expression on her sister’s face. In the end, love wasn’t it. The woman was truly exasperated with her twin. “Fine. So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is.” Emily picked up the strappy stiletto shoes with sparkles across one strap. “I love you both and don’t want to see anyone getting hurt.”

“Hurt? Why would we get hurt?”

“For one thing, you wouldn’t be the first woman swept away by the Baron lifestyle.”

“Lifestyle? It’s a dinner date. A bought and paid for dinner date, not even a hint of invitation there.”

“You say that now, but I’ve seen women fall over him when they realize how much money the Barons have. Then there’s Devlin.”

“What about him?”

“He’s a nice guy. Nicer than most people realize, and he takes family very seriously. Love too, which is probably why he isn’t married. I’ve seen the crushed look in his eyes when he really likes someone, I mean really, and then he realizes the only thing they love back about him is his bank account.”

“And you think I’m after his money?” Liz didn’t know whether to take her sister’s temperature or smack her upside the head.

“I know you’re not after his money, but I also know that you’re smart, and pretty, and flaunt it in a way that I never could. Even back in high school, boys would fall all over themselves to get your attention and not notice I was standing right there too. You have that way about you and I don’t want Devlin getting caught up in it.”

The serious tone of Emily’s voice and deep concern in her eyes reminded Liz so much of how even as little kids, Emily always protected her. “Don’t worry. This is just a fun chance to live like the other half I’ve been watching for years. Come Monday morning, I’m back to working nine to five and only getting glimpses into the wealthy’s homes, lifestyles, and budgets.”

Emily studied her sister.

“I promise. All will be well.”

Sighing, Emily turned her head back to the bed. “Then wear this one.” She held up the black dress. “Black goes with everything and it will show off your legs.”

“Done.” Liz threw here arms around her sister. “I love you.”

“Love you more,” Emily whispered, then pulled back. “Now get dressed. I forgot to mention that Devlin is always punctual.”

Never in her life had Liz gotten ready for a date, or sort-of date, so fast. There was no way she wanted to keep Devlin waiting and she’d spent more time than she’d meant to at the mall this afternoon. Taking a last-minute look in the mirrored closet doors, she had to admit, the black dress was the right choice. She could fit in anywhere that Devlin took them.

The doorbell sounded and Liz swallowed hard. This wasn’t exactly a real date, so why the heck was her stomach fluttering more than when the captain of the football team asked her to the homecoming dance?

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