Page 52 of Mistletoe Season
“The color and style are stunning for someone with your eyes and figure.” He looked over at her as if he’d just said something as flippant asthe sky is blue. “Breathtaking, even. Are you considering it?”
She blinked over at him, trying to find her voice. “No, I’m notconsideringit.” She waved toward the window. “Do you see the size of that skirt? I’d need mice, a pumpkin, and a fairy godmother to justify wearing something like that. And I can’t even imagine walking in it.”
He looked at her, then back at the gown. “I believe your fear may be magnifying the dress in your mind. If you tried it on, you—”
“Nope. I’m not here to purchase a ball gown for a party at the castle, Your Highness.” She gave her head a strong shake. “Besides, I’ve got enough to do already. I’m trying to sort out this list your sister sent me for my”—she made air quotes—“‘becoming a lady’ makeover. I think she made up the names for some of these things.”
His lips lifted ever so slightly, and he sent a look down her body.
She’d never been so aware of the frayed edges of her baggy sweater and the tightness of her leggings in her life. Ugh. And was she wearing tennis shoes with mismatching shoelaces? Heaven, help her!
“Ah yes. Ellie mentioned something about that while she prepared my own list.” He held up a small piece of paper.
“Yourlist?” Charlie slid a step closer, trying to peer at his paper. Weren’t his makeover items more likestay on the straight and narrowandwork hard? Because there was nothing wrong with his style. His pale blue polo and fitted jeans proved his list and hers were surely very different.
“I need work clothes. Your cousin has kindly allowed me toborrow some of his for my first week on the job, but I’ve been tasked with purchasing some of my own today.”
She blew out a long stream of air. “Oh, my list issomuch harder than yours.”
“Is it?”
“Are you kidding?” She snatched his paper from his hand and pointed to a few items. “Yes, see? You just need jeans, flannel shirts, warm socks, boots, and gloves.” She turned her paper toward him. “I have things like shoes with names and types of hair clips and... wrap dresses.”
His grin spread so wide, his cheek dimpled just a teensy bit and almost distracted her from her meltdown.
“What in the world is a wrap dress? Sounds like a present.”
He leaned in close and wiggled his brows. “It may be, to the right guy.”
She offered him a solid glare, despite the volcanic heat rushing to her face and an overwhelming need to laugh. “You just spew charm, don’t you?”
“I could spew worse, of which you’ve been victim.”
Charlie’s laugh burst out, followed by a horrifyingly impressive snort.
Arran’s golden brows shot skyward, his lips breaking into a wicked grin.
“See? This is why I need a makeover. I can’t snort-laugh in front of the mayor of Ransom!”
“You’re having a makeover because of your snort-laugh?” The glint in his eyes was not helping her sense of mortification. “It really wasn’t that bad, Charlotte. My mum has an excellent snort-laugh, and she’s queen.”
“A snort-laugh is the least of my worries.” Charlie sighed. “I’m not ready to present to donors and school boards and the bigwigs ofthe county. And I certainly can’t show up like this.” She sent a look down her super casual and not-at-all-classy outfit. “I mean, I’m glad Daddy taught me how to work hard and love people well, but not having a mom...” She cringed, looking up at him as if he’d understand. “I just feel like there were things I should have... things I ought to...”
“Working hard and loving people well are much more admirable qualities than which shoes to wear and when not to snort-laugh.” His gentle expression tightened the precarious friendship she’d reluctantly accepted from him. He drew in a breath and gestured toward the front doors of the store. “What if we help each other out? After all, it’s what friends do, right?”
“You’ll help me withfashion?” She tilted her head in challenge.
“I’m fairly good with knowing what looks nice on ladies.”
She rolled her gaze to the black awning overhead. Sexy Sovereign, indeed. “Oh, I bet you are.”
“Not in the way you’re thinking.” He shifted back into her line of vision, the pucker of his frown triggering her guilt. “It’s part of the world in which I live, where we pay attention to things like style and poise and appearances.Thatis what I mean.” His deep blue gaze searched hers. “I’ve made a grand disaster of the last two years of my life, and I’m in the process of my own makeover. It’s not an easy plight, trying to dig oneself out of the ruin of one’s own making.”
The regret in his voice, the hurt in his eyes, nudged her a step forward. “I’m sorry, Arran.” Her smile quivered wide. “If the guy you used to be is like the one I’ve been getting to know over the past few days, then I think you’re definitely moving in the right direction. And if Ellie, Luke, and your parents believe in you, then you have a wealth of good support. I mean, to get on Luke’s good list speaks volumes.”
“I think his kindness is more related to his love for my sister.”
“Maybe a little, but not enough for him to take the extra time and consideration he has with you. To teach you? To offer you encouragement? He sees something good in you too.”
