Page 97 of On One Condition

“Just go with what?” Why am I going to be pissed?

“With the surprise I have for you. It’s not meant to tell you I don’t like you just how you are—but rather meant to spoil you.”

“Um . . . okay.” I walk to the window of the farmhouse and look out to where George is messing with something, my curiosity more than piqued. “Should I be worried?” I tease.

“No. Not in the least. I just wanted to do something special for you.”

Cue my heart skipping a beat. “Okay.” I draw the word out. “When should I expect said surprise?”

“You’ll know soon.”

“What does he mean, you’ll know soon?” Nita asks.

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

“But it has to do with the secret date he’s taking you on tonight?”

“Yes. I asked him last night if he could give me some suggestions about what I should wear. That phone call was his answer.”

“Sexy, rich, and mysterious. Are you sure I can’t make a play for one of his brothers?” She laughs.

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes and then hold my hands out to my sides to showcase a pair of old running shorts and a plain black tank top. “Well, if whatever he has in store doesn’t show up soon, this is what he’s going to get for my date attire.”

Nita laughs but then sinks back into my couch and looks at me wistfully. “It’s exciting though, isn’t it? To have a secret date and a handsome man planning it.”

I look at her and twist my lips. “I think this is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for me. That’s not saying much considering a close second is Brad Wheelan sneaking Valentine’s hearts in my lunch box every day for a month in sixth grade.”

“Seriously? Brad? As in Brad, Brad?” she asks, her eyes widening.

“Yes. That Brad,” I say. The same Brad who is now married to his husband and living happily with two adorable sons.

“Well, I think—”

A knock on the door interrupts her and makes me jump. The windows are closed and the air conditioning is on, so the fact that someone drove down the driveway and I didn’t notice, startles me.

“Are you expecting company?” Nita asks as I pull open the front door.

“Hello?” I ask the woman standing on the front porch. Her hair is pulled back into a sleek bun, her entire outfit is black, and her makeup is flawless. She looks completely out of place on my doorstep.

“Asher Wells?”

“Can I help you?”

Her smile widens, and it’s only then I see a rolling clothes rack to the right of the door, another two women standing beside it, and some very large portable cases.

She holds her hand out, and I shake it. “I’m Millie Paulsen and these are my assistants, Jayne and Fran. We are your glam squad.” She gives a sassy wink. “Ledger has sent us to get you dressed and made up for your evening out tonight.”

I glance back to Nita who is mouthing the words, Oh my God, in response.

Personal stylists? Seriously? I’ve never experienced anything like this in my entire life.

“I—I can’t aff—”

“Honey, do you actually think a man is going to send us to your doorstep and expect you to pay for it? If that’s the case, it’s a requirement to dump his ass. But that isn’t the case with this.” She gives a nod and a quick smile. I have a feeling the woman is a force that no one disagrees with. “Shall we get started?” She may ask the question but is already moving past me and into the house before I respond.

Jayne and Fran are right behind her, doing the heavy lifting by pushing the wardrobe cart and travel cases into the house. It’s only then that I see the gowns hanging from the rack. In the quick glimpse I get, their style covers the gamut and tells me whatever our destination is must be pretty fancy.

I hold a hand to my stomach as nerves and excitement bloom.