Page 31 of A Tempting Seduction

“And?” It was fun to see her flush. It was clear she wasn’t scared or really mad, just embarrassed. I could work with that.

“Ford...”

“Saturday night work for you?” I asked, maintaining a normal speaking volume.

Ruby shot another nervous glance around the room. “Yes,” she whispered.

“I was thinking dinner. I'd normally suggest a drive through Cades Cove, because it's gorgeous this time of year. But I'd prefer to concentrate on you and not the road.”

Alice Draper made a small sound that might have been approval.

“Are you a vegetarian?” I asked.

“No,” Ruby whispered.

“Perfect. I know exactly the right place. How about six o'clock?”

“Okay.”

“I'll pick you up then.”

I turned to leave, but Ruby's voice stopped me.

“Wait.”

The single word carried enough volume that everyone in the coffee shop turned to look at her. Ruby's face went bright red as she realized she'd drawn exactly the kind of attention she'd been trying to avoid.

“What should I wear?” she asked, her voice husky.

I grinned. “It'll be a step up from casual.” I winked at her. “Pretty sure they have a 'no flannel' policy.”

As I walked toward the door, I was almost positive I heard Ruby mutter “jerk” under her breath.

I couldn't stop grinning all the way to my truck.

Chapter Eight

I shot Maddie the kind of look that could melt steel as I sat in her Jeep, staring at the imposing brick facade of Dillard's department store. The West Town Mall parking lot stretched before us like a battlefield, and I was about to march to my doom.

“Clothes shopping is worse than having a root canal without Novocain.”

Maddie killed the engine and turned to face me, one eyebrow raised in obvious amusement.

“How exactly do you have clothes then?”

“I shop the Eddie Bauer catalogue every year and look for what's on sale.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “It works perfectly fine.”

Maddie burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the Jeep's interior.

“Apparently not their good stuff.” She grinned at me. “Besides, Ford specifically said no flannel.”

Heat crept up my neck at the mention of his name and that ridiculous conversation at Java Jolt. The man had made his point about my wardrobe choices in front of half the town.

“I do want to look nice,” I admitted quietly.

Maddie's phone rang before she could respond, the shrill sound cutting through our conversation. She glanced at the caller ID and answered.

“We're parked outside Dillard's, about six spots from the main entrance.” She paused, listening. “Yeah, I can see you. We'll wait here.”