Page 95 of The October Arrangement

“It’s nice to meet you, Devon.”

“Daisy told me you were a beauty, but, oh lord, you’re stunning.”

“Stop.” I laughed.

“Devon.” Simon nodded, walking into the foyer with his hand tucked into his pants pocket.

“Well, look at you.” He eyed him up and down. “Now you don’t look so emotionally unavailable.”

“We’ll be in the bathroom if you need us.” I patted Simon’s chest.

Three hours later, my makeup and hair were done. The only reason it took so long was that we talked a lot and Devon kept stopping.

“Devon, can you come out here for a moment?” I heard Simon shout.

He walked out of the bathroom, and I stared at myself in the mirror. I couldn’t wait to get into my dress. Devon walked back in and started packing his things.

“What did Simon want you for?” I asked.

“He paid me.”

“What?” I exclaimed.

“And he gave me a generous tip. He’s a keeper, doll.” He grinned.

After he left, I slipped into my dress. Simon walked into the bedroom after showering in the other bathroom. He stood in the doorway with a towel wrapped around his waist.

“My God. You look—stunning.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. “But I have a bone to pick with you.”

“About?” He walked into the bathroom.

“Why did you pay Devon?”

“Why not?”

“Because I was going to pay him.”

“It was three hundred dollars, Bella. What’s the big deal? I have more money than you.”

“Oh, my God.” My eyes widened. “You cannot say things like that.”

“Why? It’s the truth.”

“That’s not the point, Simon.”

“Then explain to me what the point is, Bella.” He squirted some shaving cream into his hand and lathered it on his face.

“I don’t want to become one of those women.”

“What women?” He glanced at me through the mirror.

“The women who expect some rich man to pay for everything.”

He picked up his razor. “Do you seriously think that’s how I see you?”

“No, but⁠—”