Kiss Me That Way by Laura Trentham

Author:Laura Trentham [Trentham, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laura Huskins

Fourteen

Nerves had Monroe shifting on her strappy heels. Her feet would be hating life tomorrow, but right now the confidence the extra inches gave her was comforting. She’d gone back to try on the sexy cocktail dress in Abagail’s shop window, and as soon as she’d seen herself in the mirror, she’d done some mental calculations in order to justify buying it.

Andrew’s eyes lit up when he’d met her at his parents’ front door, but she hadn’t bought it to impress Andrew. Instead, she’d stared at her reflection, wondering what Cade would think of her, and he wasn’t even coming to the party. Another red flag that he had worked even deeper into her psyche.

Mrs. Tarwater, dressed in a floor-length beaded gown in gold, greeted her with a kiss that didn’t quite touch her cheek. She bustled off to direct the caterers while Mr. Tarwater stood at the mantle with a whiskey, looking like he would rather be getting a liver transplant. The two-story living area had been turned into an open gathering area with buffet tables and a bar along the wall and a mini–dance floor in one corner.

“I’m in charge of getting the bar organized. Will you be fine alone for a few minutes?” The sense of ownership and entitlement in Andrew’s smile rankled, but she only gave him a polite, but faux smile drilled into her during hours of cotillion practice.

“I’ll be fine.” When he leaned in to presumably buss her cheek, she bobbed backward in an instinctive defensive move.

He gave her a funny look but headed off to do his duty. She reminded herself Andrew was doing her a favor. The party was for her. Or, at least, for her girls, and Monroe needed to sell the program. If tonight went well, she could book a meeting space and get a counselor in on a regular basis to discuss a roundtable of issues facing the girls. All Monroe had to do was smile and talk up the program for a few hours. A small sacrifice. Her thoughts drifted back to Kayla. Still no word from the girl. Worry took up space in her stomach.

Regan swept in the front door in a little black dress that molded to her curves but covered her from neck to knees. “You went back and bought the dress.” Regan hugged her, the delicate floral scent of her perfume enveloping Monroe.

“I wish I hadn’t.”

“Why on earth not? You look hot.”

Monroe looked around, but Mr. Tarwater didn’t seem interested in anything except emptying his glass. “Because Andrew assumes I wore it to impress him. I’m pretty sure he’s considering this a date. I feel like a fraud, and that I’m doing something dirty for the money. Like his mother is buying me for her son.”

Regan sighed and waved her hand dismissively around the room. “Ultimately, this is not about you or Andrew. It’s all about Mrs. Tarwater. I wouldn’t be surprised if she wants you to name the group after her. The Tarwater Girls or some such.

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