They rounded the corner and she saw Kenny’s SUV parked in her driveway. Her chest got tight, her heart raced and the rest of her sighed in anticipation. She didn’t know why he’d stopped by, but that was okay. Seeing him was its own reward.
But as she got closer to the house, she saw he wasn’t alone. He sat on their front porch, with a large, fresh-cut Christmas tree leaning against the railing. Chloe shrieked and ran up to stare.
“Our tree,” she said reverently. “You remembered!”
Bailey followed at a more normal pace, but she was shouting on the inside. “You got us a tree.”
“You promised Chloe one as soon as you got the house. I figured you might be too busy today, so I picked up this one. I hope you like it.”
Like it? She loved it. And...well, maybe him as well.
She wasn’t sure. Her feelings were still all over the place and she didn’t want to assign a name to something so wonderful and happy. There was also the complication of Kenny not wanting to get involved with her. But all that was for later.
He stood and held out both his hands. “Come on. Let’s take the tour. Then we’ll get the tree set up. If you’re nice to me, I’ll help with the lights.” He glanced at Bailey. “I thought we could order in pizza. You won’t want to cook tonight.”
“Thank you,” she said. Simple words that didn’t come close to expressing her gratitude for all he’d done for her.
She put her hand in his and he squeezed her fingers. Chloe danced on his other side.
“I want to see,” she squealed. “I want to see everything.”
CHAPTER NINE
BAILEY HELD HER hands palm-up. “I honestly don’t know how this happened,” she told Isabel. “It’s not like he asked me. It was just sort of expected.”
Isabel laughed. “As long as you’re going.”
“I don’t have anything to wear.” Dinner with Kenny’s business partners was one thing, but the Score Christmas party was something else. For starters, several clients had been invited. She didn’t know what to say to a man who owned a company that rented out private jets to rich people. Or a couple that owned a worldwide rum brand.
But Kenny had mentioned the party a couple of times and she’d finally realized that she was his date. Not that they were dating. Or kissing. There hadn’t been a single kiss since that one. This despite the fact that she saw Kenny nearly every day. She tried to tell herself the man had extraordinary control, only she was afraid the truth was much less flattering. He really was just friends with her.
Either way, she was going to the Score Christmas party, which was going to be an elegant affair up at the resort. Dellina had dropped hints about the decorations for the ballroom and what the guests would be eating. The invitation had stated black tie very clearly. And as Bailey didn’t own a tux, she was forced to find a dress.Which was where her visit to Isabel’s store had come in.
“I have you covered,” Isabel promised.
Bailey nodded, trying to telling herself everything would work out. Only she didn’t see how she could afford a nice dress, along with the accessories. It wasn’t like she was buying something for work, where she could justify the cost knowing she would wear it weekly for the next two years.
Isabel went into the back room of her store, then returned with a long dress. Bailey felt her breath catch as she stared at the stunning gown.
It was simple—a black lining with gold beading. The neck was round and not too low, the cap sleeves added interest at the shoulder.
Isabel handed her the dress and pushed her toward the changing rooms. “Try it on.”
Bailey did as she requested. She noticed there was no price tag, which made her nervous. But she stepped into the dress and pulled it up. The long zipper closed more easily than she expected. As she was on the bridal side of the store, there were no mirrors in the dressing room, so she had to go out to see how she looked.
Isabel smiled when she saw her. “I knew it. Try on these.”
“These” were a pair of simple black pumps with killer four-inch heels. Bailey managed to step into them and stand without hurting herself. She stepped up to the bridal mirror and glanced at her reflection.
“Wow.”
“I know, right?” Isabel stepped up behind her. “The fit is incredible. You look like a movie star.”
Bailey thought maybe her friend was exaggerating, but she would accept the compliment. The gold beading added a warmth to her skin that made it glow. The color was perfect with her red hair. The dress itself hugged her curves, but in the best way possible. She looked like a redheaded Kim Kardashian.
“I love it,” she admitted. “But how much is it?”
Isabel wrinkled her nose. “Don’t get mad, but it’s not one of mine. It’s a rental. I found the site online and had them overnight the dress to me.” She handed Bailey the invoice. “Considering the retail value of the dress, it’s a bargain.”
Bailey had to agree. She could rent the dress for the week for less than a hundred dollars. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. The shoes are Taryn’s. She also sent over a bag and some jewelry.” Isabel grinned. “Because she loves you.”
“I love her back.” Bailey glanced at the high heels. “I should have recognized them as being from her collection.”
She stepped down and they opened the box that had arrived from Taryn that morning. Inside was a Judith Lieber black-and-gold clutch and a pair of diamond-stud earrings.