I adjusted the neckline. It was a deep V. Not risqué, but I rarely showed so much skin. I spent most of my days in hoodies, old T-shirts, and the occasional stretched-out sweater. The wrap dress had just a little bit of a slit in the front, but still modest by today’s standards. The long sleeves would provide enough warmth. I wouldn’t need a jacket.
I turned to the left to check out the view from the back.
It looked good. Really good. I couldn’t remember a time when I felt pretty. I usually just felt normal. Average. But tonight I felt pretty.
I hoped Kent liked it.
“Fine, I’ll say it,” she said.
I grinned. “I’m waiting.”
“I’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time with your mysterious lodge guest lately. What’s the deal with you and Kent?”
I felt heat rise in my cheeks but tried to play it casual. “No deal. I’m just trying to show him what we’re all about, give him the full Northwood experience.”
“Uh huh.” Emmy’s expression suggested she wasn’t buying my innocent act. “And that’s the only reason you’ve been making heart eyes at him for the past few days?”
“I have not been making heart eyes.”
“Sylvie, honey, you look at that man like he’s a Christmas present you’re dying to unwrap.”
I couldn’t deny there was some truth to that, but I also couldn’t admit it out loud. Not when there was so much more at stake than just my personal feelings.
“He’s an attractive man.”
She snorted. “And snow is white. You’ve seen attractive men before. This is different. What gives?”
“He’s nice.”
“Grandmas are nice. Brothers are nice. That man is notnice.”
“He is nice.”
“Why?”
I sighed and turned to look at her.
“Don’t tell anyone,” I said, lowering my voice even though we were alone. “But he’s mentioned that his family might be able to help our financial situation.”
Emmy’s entire demeanor changed, her teasing expression replaced by genuine excitement. “Really? Like,reallyreally?”
“Yes. Nothing is for sure, but he said he’ll talk to his family about it.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Are you sleeping with him?”
“Emmy!”
“I know how much you love this place. Trust me, I’m not judging. If sex with him is the price to pay for a little cash influx, I’m down.”
“You make me sound like a prostitute.”
She giggled. “You’re just sweetening the pot.”
“I have sweetened no pots. And I wouldn’t. Not for that specific reason.”
“You look good,” she said, changing the subject. “I knew I loved that dress. It’s gorgeous. It really shows off your figure. I think I forgot you had curves.”
I laughed and turned to look at myself in the mirror. “You are just full of compliments tonight.”
