Working Man by Melanie Schuster Page B

was after he’d proposed, mind you. Told her he didn’t want people calling them Jonah and the whale, can you imagine? And then, just when Dakota was actually considering getting liposuction, he up and leaves her for this emaciated heifer with the IQ of a turnip.” Billie’s face turned deep red with anger as she recalled how devastated her sister had been.
    â€œShe was better off without him, of course and she knows that. But it was still a blow to the heart she didn’t deserve. That’s part of the reason she’s so skittish about getting involved with a man. She doesn’t trust them at all,” Billie confided. “And that’s too bad because this Nick sounds like—”
    â€œSounds like what?” Dakota had come out of the shower just in time to hear the end of Billie’s speech.
    â€œSounds like a man who’s going to be on time. You need to get stepping unless you plan to go out in that towel. Here’s your dress, but where is your underwear?”
    Dakota stared at the beautiful dress in dismay. It was lovely, just right for a summer-night date. But she couldn’t wear something like that! “Billie it’s beautiful, but I don’t think…”
    â€œI don’t think you have time to argue,” Toni said pertly. “Put on your undies and sit down so we can put on your makeup and do your hair. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about your attire anyway. You and I need to do some power shopping. You don’t dress to show off your figure at all,” she fussed.
    Dakota did as she was bid and put on a pair of thong panties and the only strapless bra she owned. Luckily, it was like new since she’d only worn it twice. She slipped into a summer kimono and obediently took a seat on the bed where both Toni and Billie attacked her with highly-skilled gusto. When they were finished, she didn’t recognize herself. Her skin glowed with its light application of foundation, a touch of blush and a soft juicy gloss the color of ripe cherries. Her eyes were huge and smoky with the application of dark charcoal shadow, indigo eyeliner that was smudged for a subtle seduction, and a ton of very expensive mascara. A bit of gold highlighter under her brows and on her cheekbones and she was finished. Her hair was a tousled mass of curls held up by some sparkly hair ornaments Billie had gotten at a flea market in Paris. When she put on the dress, which fit perfectly, Dakota didn’t recognize herself. “Is that me? That’s not me,” she murmured as she admired her reflection.
    Nick ignored the doorbell and gave his customary loud knock. Billie held up her hand. “A lady never opens the door for a date if she can help it. Toni, you get the door while I find some earrings,” she instructed. Toni went to answer the door with Cha-Cha hot on her heels. The cat had ESP where her man was concerned and she knew his knock.
    Toni let Nick in and greeted him. “Dakota will be right out. Would you like something to drink?” she asked sweetly. Before he could answer, Dakota entered the room and Nick’s ability to speak seemed to desert him. He literally devoured her with his eyes, looking her up and down as though he couldn’t get enough of the vision of loveliness that had come into his view.
    When he regained speech, it was unlike his usual playful banter. With utter seriousness he said, “Damn. So this is what you’ve been hiding from me all this time, huh? You look beautiful, baby. You need to wear more dresses. You’re made for a pretty dress and that dress is made for you. I almost don’t want to take you out, you look so good,” he said reverently.
    â€œOh, but you have to,” a new voice said. “I believe I was promised a meal and I’m hungry,” Billie announced.
    She stood there with her arms akimbo and her long legs shown off to their full extent by a micro-mini skirt made of