“Miss Lancaster, I have three fabulous selections,” Judith says from the other side of the door.
“Ci, I have to go.”
“Have fun getting all dolled up. Call me later and fill me in.” She blows kisses my way.
I do the same.
She ends the call.
I let my head loll back.
Saved by the fashion consultant.
Chapter 20
Don’t take the bait
Harley
The chauffeured car drops me off in front of a building in Hell’s Kitchen. With the help of a valet wearing white gloves, I step out of the car and onto the sidewalk. If it wasn’t for the red carpet and the men and women all decked out as if they were on their way to a Mediterranean vacation all headed in the same direction, The Hudson Lounge would never give off the vibe of one of New York’s premiere venues.
You can’t always judge a book by its cover.
You’re a prime example of that, Harl.
I touch the dazzler of a necklace that cost twice as much as a mid-level car I have no business wearing. The least I can do is to overdeliver as Kaz’s fake girlfriend.
I open my blue satin clutch that matches my pretty shoes and search for my phone. I let out a nervous exhale and shoot Erik a quick text to let him know I’ve arrived.
His response is immediate.
I place my phone inside my clutch, tuck it underneath my arm, and pace back and forth. I stop my pacing when I spot a tall, handsome mixed-race man wearing white pants, a white shirt, and a light blue jacket that complements his light brown skin to perfection. He flashes me a dazzling smile.
I wave.
With a confident stride, Erik heads my way. “Harley, you look stunning.”
I blush. “Thank you. I love the vintage flare.” As a petite, never in a million years would I have picked a strapless midi dress with a fitted bodice and full A-line skirt, embellished with sparkling crystals and intricate broderie anglaise.
Erik’s brown eyes drop to my feet before meeting my gaze. “Nice shoes. I can see why that vibrant color combined with a yellow dress would leave a lasting impression on a man.”
The reminder of the outfit I was wearing when I met Kaz in the Hamptons deepens my blush. “I still can’t figure out how Kaz knew I no longer owned these shoes.”
“In his quest to make sure his new roommate had everything she needed, my buddy might or might not have taken a peek inside your wardrobe and discovered the shoes were missing from your collection.”
I’m at a loss for words.
“But you didn’t hear it from me.” He zips his lips.
Dead. I’m dead.
I clear my throat. “Thanks so much for hanging out with me until Kaz shows up.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he says. “I must apologize for not picking you up, but when Kaz texted me to let me know he had to deal with a crisis, I already had another conference call booked.”
“Don’t worry about it. You and Kaz are busy businessman doing important things. I’m unemployed.”
“Not for long.” Erik winks.
