Falling In by Lydia Michaels Page A

attention. “I can see we’ll have our work cut out for us.”
    Scout’s spine stiffened. She didn’t appreciate his comment. If he didn’t want such an undertaking he should’ve asked someone else for their “company.” She sighed. This wasn’t how she imagined this going. He’d done nothing he hadn’t said he planned to do. It was her own wavering thoughts that were making her irritable and jumpy. She needed to jump into this thing with both feet or back out now.
    â€œLucian, I’m sorry about earlier. I’ve been up since three a.m. and I’m not at my best.”
    He frowned. “If you were tired you should’ve told me. This could’ve waited.”
    She had been tired, exhausted really, but since stepping into the limo her adrenaline kicked in. “I’m okay now. I must’ve gotten a second wind.”
    He studied her face a moment then said, “I expect you to be at your best, Evelyn. If you require eight hours’ sleep, take it. If you need ten, then make sure you get them.”
    His words were bossy and rude, but there was also a bit of concern beneath his censure. Underneath all of the gruff and growl, she suspected there was a soft little puppy. No, not a puppy, more like a bear cub or baby lion. She hid her smile.
    They arrived in a section of the city she had never visited before. “Is this still Folsom?”
    â€œYes, the upper west side.”
    Scout looked out the tinted window as the lavish stores and boutiques rolled by. Shoppers patronized the ritzy strip in high heels and designer suits. Glancing down at her tattered clothing and worn through sneakers, she frowned.
    The limousine pulled to a stop outside of a pristine store she couldn’t read the name of. She swallowed as a lump formed in her stomach. Lucian placed his glass aside and flattened the front of his suit jacket. He’d forgone the casual air she’d grown used to seeing him in while in the comfort of his penthouse. Scout liked that Lucian better.
    Dugan came around and opened the passenger door. She couldn’t move. Well-dressed patrons bustled past her vantage with dogs dressed finer than her. Her breath was coming too fast and she was going to be sick.
    â€œEvelyn? We’re here.”
    She looked at Lucian and he frowned. He leaned over her lap and said to Dugan, “Give us a minute.” He then pulled the door closed, submerging the heated car in silence.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Evelyn?”
    â€œWhen you said shopping for personal items I thought you meant we’d hit a drugstore or something.”
    He pressed his lips together and, again, took visual inventory of her clothing. His fingers pinched a loose flap of her bag distastefully, rubbing together as if he touched something unsavory.
    â€œYou can’t expect what you’re wearing to be appropriate for the places we’ll visit. You need clothes.”
    â€œBut you said the dinner wasn’t until tomorrow.”
    â€œThat’s right, we have a function tomorrow, but we still need to eat tonight. I have no problem with lunch or breakfast in the penthouse, but dining out is something I enjoy. What difference is there if we purchase some items tonight or tomorrow? Either way, you need an entirely new wardrobe.”
    He was right, of course. Dressed the way she was, Scout was an embarrassment to a man like him. She looked out the window. But did they have to shop here? She’d be uncomfortable at a department store. This was beyond swank.
    â€œCome on,” he said, nudging her leg and smiling. “Let me treat you. Clothing is armor. I prefer you feisty and I’m prepared to spend a great deal of money on you in order to have you that way. Let’s go buy some courage.”
    â€œPeople will stare at me.”
    â€œYou’re beautiful, Evelyn. People will stare at you no matter what you wear.”
    His words were sweet and warmed