Page 33 of Enchanted Hero
Alexander sent a quick text to his lawyer, and without a word more, grasped her hand. She didn’t resist as he led her out of the tent, and into the bright sunshine. When she finally regained her ability to talk, she spun around. “You just bought a farm.”
“Yes,” he agreed mildly.
“But you can’t just buy a farm.”
“Why not?”
“It just isn’t done.”
“It is now.” His expression darkened. “You wouldn’t believe how he treated those poor animals.”
Water pricked at her eyes, and she blinked. The mere thought of those sweet animals abused… She breathed deeply, calmed herself. How could Alexander ascertain so much from a single ailing horse? “How did you know?”
He hesitated. “Didn’t you see the horse?”
“Of course, but I thought he was just sick. How could you know about the abuse?”
His hooded gaze revealed no secrets. “I had a hunch.”
She shook her head. This time, he wouldn’t get away with non-explanations. “That’s not a hunch, that’s specific. And you didn’t even ask for his information.” She stepped closer. “How do you do these things? And don’t tell me you have your ways.”
The muscles under her hand tightened. “I’m good at reading people.”
Another non-explanation. “I still don’t understand why you bought the farm. Why didn’t you just call the police and send the man to jail?”
“Because that would’ve only been temporary.” He straightened. “He would’ve gone to prison for a short time, then emerged angrier and meaner, with no one but the animals to vent his anger. That man needs to stay away from animals. I could demand he sell it to another responsible party, but it seemed like you could use a farm.”
Everleigh halted. “You bought the farm for me?”
“Weren’t you just talking about how you missed the country?” He lifted his shoulder. “Now you have a farm.”
The logic of a billionaire. “You don’t just buy someone a farm!”
“Why not?” He smiled. “It’s much longer lasting than roses.”
Everleigh rubbed her forehead. “I can’t believe I’m having a conversation. Of course, I can’t accept it.”
Challenge flashed, and no doubt, by this time tomorrow she would own a farm. How could she argue with a man who just saved a farm full of animals?
Yet despite his assertions, logic couldn’t explain his knowledge. With every passing moment, the mystery behind Alexander Stone deepened.
CHAPTER 7
The gala was the premiere event of the fair, a huge charity event supporting local youth and disadvantaged families. An adjoining reception hall housed the event, and it included dressing rooms where guests could shower and prepare after a day at the fair. When Everleigh asked about a gown, Alexander said he would take care of everything.
He did.
He first introduced her to Mrs. Perkins, an ultra-chic stylist who would act as her personal assistant. The woman took one look at Everleigh’s dust-covered outfit, grabbed a heavy garment bag and ushered her into a private dressing room with the same authoritative attitude as the business magnate himself. Yet all was forgiven when Everleigh donned the outfit Alexander had chosen.
Sparkling red Swarovski crystals twinkled like a thousand rubies in the exquisite floor-length gown. A plunging neckline and a slit up one side revealed the perfect amount of skin, the ideal combination of sexy and glamourous. Somehow the outfit was as comfortable as it was beautiful, clinging to her curves as if it had been made for her. She sparkled with every turn, as the crystals reflected a hundred fiery red rainbows. Matching crystal-covered shoes fit perfectly, as impossibly comfortable as the gorgeous dress.
Next, a team of cosmetic professionals stormed the room like an invading army. She was pampered and primped, perfumed and softened with exotic lotions. Elite hairdressers created bountiful curls in a flowing updo, taming her normally unruly hair to their command. A makeup artist applied shimmering makeup that highlighted her natural beauty.
Then there was the jewelry.
How many thousands (or millions) of dollars they cost was impossible to guess. The necklace held rubies the size of quarters, surrounded by flawless diamonds that sparkled as if lit by an internal light. It was a matching set, including earrings, a bracelet and two rings. At first Everleigh refused, wary of the liability of wearing pieces borrowed from some high-end jeweler, yet Mrs. Perkins explained it was from Mr. Stone’s personal collection. He insisted she wear them.
Finally, it was done, and Everleigh stared at a stranger in the full-length mirror. It was like she was a princess from a fairy-tale, haute couture royalty. She’d never felt so beautiful in her life.
