to partner in this endeavor, you’ll keep your hands to yourself.”
“If we’re to make this believable, then a few liberties are a must.” He flung up a hand as her lips formed a flat refusal. “I swear by my finest bottle of Ballantine’s that I shall behave as the utmost gentleman. Though in my own defense, I’ve never had complaints before.”
“Then you must’ve been lied to before last night.”
Last night hadn’t been his finest hour in romance, but she hadn’t exactly turned away with revulsion. He’d promised to behave, but somehow his heart refused as his gaze dropped to her mouth. “Care for me to show you?”
“Try it again and I’ll crack your precious bottle of Ballantine’s over your head. Unless there’s a Nazi present, keep your liberties to yourself. Deal?” With a haughty tip of her head, she stuck her hand out.
Barrett’s lips curled. This assignment could be a little more fun than he’d given it credit for. He took her hand and shook it. “Deal.”
Chapter 8
Ellie turned right and left in front of the full-length mirror, plucking at the low neckline of her soft-pink watered-silk gown. A disapproving frown marred her powdered face. “If only I had the curves to pull off this dress.”
“You look beautiful.” Angling a diamond comb over her ear, Kat pushed it into the cluster of curls piled on her head as Ellie twirled behind her.
“You wouldn’t know about it. You look like Lana Turner, and I look like her stick of gum.” Ellie swished across the room and draped her arms over Kat’s bare shoulders. Her red lips scrunched as she stared at her sister in the vanity mirror. “I think my lipstick is too dark.”
“It’s not. They always put terrible lighting in ladies’ rooms.” Kat tucked her pressed-powder case back into the beaded bag that perfectly matched her periwinkle chiffon gown. “I’m surprised you have any left after I found you out in the garden with Eric. This is his big night. You need to behave yourself.”
“He needed a boost of confidence before his welcome speech. Besides . . .” She tugged on Kat’s ear as a wicked grin burned her lips. “Wouldn’t hurt you to misbehave a little more with Barrett. Don’t deny it. I saw his arm slip around you more than once. He hasn’t ventured more than two steps away from you the whole time we’ve been here.”
Barrett played the perfect date. Never leaving her side except to refill her glass, introducing her to the brass he knew as customers, teasing her, and always with an arm or hand brushing hers. But as much as she wanted to believe Barrett’s smiles, it was an act. Just like Marcus and their orchestrated engagement over two years ago. She meant nothing more to him than one of the dozens of bottles lining the bar shelves, and when this was all over, he’d forget about her just like the others.
But could she forget about him? Nerves fluttered in Kat’s stomach like a hundred demented butterflies desperate to get out.
“He is rather charming, isn’t he?” Kat couldn’t quite look her sister in the eye.
Ellie squealed and threw her arms around Kat’s neck. “Oh, Kitty Kat! It’s about time you found someone. I knew this romantic Parisian air would get to you eventually.”
“I think it finally has. Without all the strict rules of home hanging over my head and seeing you so happy with Eric has made me want that for myself.” Kat smiled through the disgust roiling in her throat at the hypocritical words and squeezed Ellie’s hands. “I can see why you’re so happy here.”
“Can you really? I’m so glad.” Dropping her arms, Ellie sank down on the tufted bench next to Kat. The glow on her cheeks dimmed. “Since the minute you showed up on my doorstep I’ve been edgy thinking you came to drag me back on Father’s orders. That the old dog’s so worried about protecting his own neck he couldn’t come himself so he sent you.”
“I came because I love you and worry about you.” Kat brushed her hand over Ellie’s cheek. “And despite Father’s English sensibilities that prevent him from expressing it, he worries about you too.”
Ellie’s eyes dropped to the bunched fabric in her lap. Beneath the rouged and powdered cheeks and expensive gowns, she was still the insecure little girl crying out for attention and affection. No wonder she’d fallen into Eric’s most attentive arms.