Royal Seduction by Donna Clayton

a mask. The real you is hiding in there somewhere.”
    Quietly, but firmly, Faye said, “And that’s exactly how I want to keep it.”
    Confusion knitted Catherine’s brow. “But why, Faye? You’re a beautiful—”
    â€œI’m not,” Faye insisted, cutting Catherine off. “I don’t like the real me, to tell you the truth. The real me got her priorities all screwed up. She messed up everything and now she just has to live with what she’s done.”
    Empathy made Catherine’s heart go all warm and fuzzy. “You’re being way too hard on yourself. The clinic is a wonderful place. And you were the one who made it happen.” She shifted, her head tilting a fraction. “Faye, since the clinic was your baby, why aren’t you running the place?”
    â€œOh, that was David Graham’s idea,” she said. “He felt we needed someone flashy in the job. That’s why he hadme recruit Dr. Richie. And I was made second in command.”
    Catherine could tell the subject was a bone sliver that stuck in Faye’s craw.
    â€œBut now he’s gone,” Catherine couldn’t help but point out, “and Riley’s in the position. Does Dr. Graham even know you’re interested in the job?”
    â€œI’m a woman, Catherine. Dr. Graham hasn’t promoted a woman to a top managerial position in, well, ever.” Faye raised an agitated hand to her hair, fidgeting. “It doesn’t really matter. All that matters is that the clinic is open to the public.”
    Catherine opened her mouth to respond, but Faye exclaimed, “What am I saying? Of course, it matters. Running the clinic should have been my job.”
    Meeting Catherine’s gaze in the mirror, Faye’s eyes went wide. “I’m sorry. That was a terrible outburst.”
    â€œDon’t apologize. I’m just happy you feel safe enough to confide in me.”
    â€œI like Riley,” Faye rushed to say. “And he’s doing a great job at the clinic. It was actually good of him to accept it since things are such a shambles.”
    â€œYes. But he’s not really happy there.”
    Evidently, Faye hadn’t noticed. “Really? Wow, what I wouldn’t give to become director.” She heaved a frustrated sigh. “But Dr. Graham won’t go for it.”
    â€œSurely he knows of all you’ve done up to this point.”
    â€œI’m not sure he does. Although I have no idea why he wouldn’t. He’s got this way of overlooking me.”
    â€œWell, we’ve got to change that,” Catherine announced. “And wearing this dress to work on Monday—with your hair down—is just the start!”
    â€œI don’t know that I want to be noticed for my physicalattributes, Catherine.” Faye attempted to take a backward step. “I want to be respected for my brains and my ability.”
    â€œAs you said, you’re a woman. And as a woman you have to use your brains and your ability and whatever attributes you can to get ahead.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œNo buts. Get in there and try on those other outfits.”
    For several long seconds, Catherine feared her friend would refuse. But suddenly Faye’s beautiful eyes lit with excitement, and something else, too. Determination? And with a new purpose, she spun on her toe and disappeared into the cubicle.
    Not too much later they were back out on the sidewalk with several new shopping bags in tow.
    â€œThanks, Catherine,” Faye said, her cheeks flushed with marvelous color. “That was so much fun.”
    â€œThe fun isn’t over. We passed a salon.” She indicated up the street with a jerk of her head. “Let’s go have a facial—my treat. And then I want to show you how a little makeup can set off your best features.”
    Faye admitted, “I’ve never been big on makeup. Never really had the