Page 43 of The Texan's Secrets

Emilia stood, then stared at herself.

“What do you think?” Paris asked, peering around her shoulder.

“That’s me?” Her eyes looked too big, her lashes thick and cheekbones defined. Her lips were full and dark with a sheen she’d have never put on herself. Even her eyebrows looked smooth and shaped. And she had to admit, the earrings were an excellent choice.

“That’s you,” Paris said with soft satisfaction.

“It doesn’t look like me.”

Paris grinned at that.

Emilia turned her head to get a different angle. “It feels like false advertising.”

“Don’t be silly. It’s all you.”

“With the help of a skilled professional.”

“I’ll take the compliment. You have five minutes to spare. Do you need a jacket?”

Emilia gave a helpless shrug. “I don’t have anything remotely suitable.”

“You can’t exactly toss a hoodie over that, can you?”

“I’m sure it’ll be warm in the ballroom.”

“Go,” Paris said on the laugh. “Just go.”

With a last look in the mirror, Emilia headed for the stairs, walking carefully on the unfamiliarly high heels, afraid she might trip. She didn’t even want to think about how hard it might be to dance in these things.

“Thank you!” she called back over her shoulder.

“See you there,” Paris called back.

Emilia made it out the front door just as a black sedan pulled up.

Nick hopped out of the back seat and came her way. Halfway across the sidewalk, he saw her and stopped in his tracks. “Emilia?”

She took in his nicely cut tux. “Nick?”

“You look fabulous.”

“So do you.”

The man could fill out a tux like nobody’s business. It showed off his height and the breadth of his shoulders. The black suit and vest set off the white shirt. He’d gone with a straight tie, glossy black that looked both urbane and masculine at the same time.

He started walking again, coming briskly up the stairs to offer his arm.

Given the shoes, she was happy to take it.

“You have a driver?” she asked.

“They’re serving cocktails.”

“Good planning then.”

They made their way slowly down the stairs.

“My roommate did all this,” she said.

---