“I appreciate you sugar-coating it. I’m short, chubby, and my coloring looks good on a worm.” She indicated her hair andskin.
“See why the outfit you chose wouldn’tfly?”
Moira drooped her shoulders. “I haven’t dated in forever. I’ve lost the hang ofit.”
Hooking her hands under Moira’s arms, Ana forced her to stand. “That’s like riding a bike. We never really forget. You just need to hop back on it. Here, let me help you out of this grandmadress.”
Moira had to laugh. She didn’t disagree with Ana. Now that she thought aboutit.
After a couple of bad tries, Moira felt confident about the outfit theychose.
Ana smiled as she stood behind Moira, looking into her eyes in the mirror. “The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in this. Otherwise, it’ll defeat thepurpose.”
“Making Aidandrool?”
“Making you feel powerful. And, yes. When he drools, that will make you feelgood.”
Moira swirled and hugged her friend. “Thank you, foreverything.”
“Don’t thank me just yet. I’m not done withyou.”
The alarm clock showed Moira she had five minutes, at the most, before Aidan arrived. He waspunctual.
“I don’t have muchtime.”
“It’ll take only a moment. I know you’re terrified.” Ana stood in front of Moira and held her hands, her gaze intent on her, probing. “But, a wise woman recently told me to give love a chance, and I don’t regret having followed heradvice.”
Moira snorted. “Who’s thequack?”
Ana joined in on the joke. “Some lady that tends the bar at the joint I work?” When their laughter died out, Ana added, “Seriously, though. I gave Noah a chance and look how great that turned out for us. On the surface, he was the wrong man for me with a long list of valid reasons. At a closer look, he’s this amazing person I can’t help falling for again and again. I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t shut the door at possibilities. Get a sneak peek, go for a test drive, whatever you want to call it. Don’t give up before you even start, for fear of gettinghurt.”
Moira eyeballed Ana, recalling the ugliness in her friend’s past life. “Girl, you’re the amazing one.” She hugged Ana, praying she wouldn’t ruin the eye make-up. “If you gave love a chance, even after what had happened to you, who am I to say no to Cupid,right?”
“Exactly.” Ana stepped back and gave her a once-over. She whistled. “You look stunning. Aidan won’t know what hit him when he sees you.” She cupped Moira’s shoulders and turned her around. Slapping the blonde’s butt, Ana pushed her toward the bedroom door. “Go have fun. You deserve happy. I don’t want to see you again before dawn, missy. You get that? No curfew for youtonight.”
Moira grinned until her cheeks hurt from theeffort.
She looked forward to her night withAidan.
She wasn’t afraid to hopeanymore.
When the doorbell rang, her heartfluttered.
He washere.
“I’ll get it,” sheshouted.
* * *
Aidan’s slack-jawedexpression rewarded Moira’s effort. His gaze traveled over her, caressing her with the hungry desire she spotted in it. He took in the burgundy silk that hugged her breasts, hips, and clung to the middle of her thighs. The solid color contrasted with the flowery shawl tied to her waist in lieu of a belt. The soft material of the dress turned its plunging neckline more enticing as it revealed, or concealed, her skin as shemoved.
“You look ravishing.” His low whistle made her blood race and her breath catch in herthroat.
She smiled inresponse.
Words failed her as she returned his once-over and had to bite the inside of her mouth not to gape. His black slacks were not loose enough to hide his strong thighs and the gray dress-shirt accentuated his dark hair, even though it was neatly tied in the back of hisneck.
Pity.
