It took Ashley a beat to make sense of the question. Oh! Matt’s car. “They’re in the pantry on a hook. Won’t be long. I need to fix my hair and put on makeup. And find a scarf,” she muttered.
“Leave your hair loose,” Josh suggested, his grin slow, hot, and very male. “It’s beautiful. You look sexy.”
No!She wailed inwardly. That wasn’t the right image to project. Ever since the legs incident, she’d attempted to downplay her appearance. Yes, she’d been lucky in the gene department, but that wasn’t beneficial for politics. Her skin was excellent, and her smile worked for her. But she wanted people to appreciate her brain, not her outer shell. Politicians required smarts. People-skills. They had to think on their feet, communicate concisely. That was what she wished people to remember. Her hard work. Her dedication.
Not her stupid legs or face.
She stomped into her bedroom and brushed on mineral powder and a layer of mascara. A plum lipstick finished her look for the day. Yes. Perfect for her visit to the local school this morning.
Ashley found a cream scarf covered with polka dots in various shades of pink and twisted it into position around her neck. Better. With a black jacket and her black leather ankle boots, she was ready for anything.
Josh was waiting for her in the kitchen with her go-cup, her handbag, and laptop bag ready for her to scoop up. He gave a whistle. “No one would guess you’re not wearing underwear.”
Ashley gasped and tugged at her jersey hem. “You are not a gentleman.”
“Nope,” he said cheerfully. “I’m your beloved fiancé. Give me your hand. No, your left one.”
While she hesitated, he produced a ring from his pocket.
Ashley bit her bottom lip, realized she was chewing off her lipstick and held out her hand. He took it between his callused ones and slid the diamond solitaire onto her ring finger.
“Thank you. It’s beautiful. I’ll take good care of it,” she said.
“You’re trembling. Don’t worry. I’ll be with you every step of the day. No one will hurt you while I’m watching over you.”
“Thanks.” She let him think he’d guessed the reason for her shakes when it was him, his touch that toppled her off balance and the idiotic part of her that wished this was a real engagement. “Have you ever been engaged?”
“No. You?”
“My first time,” Ashley said. “I’d better get moving. If I miss putting an hour in at the office, it throws off my day. My first meeting today is at a school. I’m reading a story to the kids and meeting the parents and teachers for morning tea.”
“I rang a garage to tow your car. Nikolai suggested the guy who does his vehicle repairs. Is that okay?”
“Thank you. I hadn’t got that far yet.”
“Frog’s car started without a problem. Louie will drop around this morning, so I’ll drive you to work and come back to let him inside. His quote won’t take long since I have a good idea of what you need. I’ll be back at your office before you head off for your school meeting.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re very welcome, sweetheart.”
During the ten-minute drive to the office, Ashley pondered over what she’d tell her assistant and the volunteers who worked with her consistently. She wriggled, and her mind slid to underwear and her lack of. “With my luck, the local ladies’ magazine will investigate VPLS today.”
Josh took one hand off the steering wheel and squeezed her knee. “Don’t worry, no one will notice you left your lingerie behind this morning. Besides, I thought visible panty lines were undesirable.”
Ashley couldn’t prevent her small start of surprise at the tingles that ran from his hand and spread up her thigh. “How do you know about VPLS?”
“I have a sister, remember? I learn random factoids from Summer. She’s a librarian and a research whiz.”
Ashley nodded. “Our engagement announcement is worrying me. People’s possible reactions.”
“It’ll be fine. Stick to the story and divert anyone who questions you with policy. You gave me details of past boyfriends. Tell me about your workmates.”
“They’re friends. I trust them.” She’d mention Charles later when they had more time.
“Yet telling them you’re engaged makes you nervous.”
“They’ll wonder why I haven’t mentioned you.”
