Page 33 of Rekindle My Heart

“You can take his place.”

“What? Why would I do that?” She wrapped her arms around her torso, keeping her from strangling him.

“You want to make contacts. Climb the proverbial corporate ladder,” he suggested.

She could feel the what-the-fuck creases between her eyes deepening. “That will never work. He’ll know somethings going on.”

“Okay, what if you tell him you always wanted to go to one of those fancy events? Whatever you say, it won’t matter, as long as you make it beneficial to him.” His hopeful look made her cringe.

“Fine.” She grabbed her phone and sent the text. Less than a minute later the reply came. She read his response. “Shut up! No way.”

“What did he say?” Ryan teetered on the edge of the couch.

“Yes. His daughter’s been sick, and he was debating about cancelling anyway. He actually thanked me for going in his place.”

“See, I told you there would be something in it for him. Plus, no guy likes to put on a monkey suit.”

Erica pulled up the event page on her laptop. The photos showed men in dark suits and tuxedos, and the women wore gowns. Were those sequins? A nervous tic pulled at her cheek. She hadn’t worn a sequined anything since her second-grade dance recital. “Man, I don’t think I have anything fancy enough for that.”

Ryan smiled. “I know a person who can help you. What size are you?”

“Excuse me?” She scoffed.

He scanned her up and down. “Never mind. I can guess.”

She didn’t want to know how he came by that ability. Erica’s foot bounced as she watched his fingers work. Chewing the inside of her cheek, nerves rolled over her. Why couldn’t this event be a casual affair? She’d have to see if she still owned the heels her mother forced her to buy for her cousin’s wedding.

He picked up his phone and sent a text. Thirty seconds later a reply came.

“All taken care of. The posse will be here at two to help you get ready. You’ll have a dress, shoes, and everything you’ll need.” He replied to his DM and closed his browser.

Erica wasn’t exactly sure what she had just gotten herself into. “Ryan, I’m not a police officer. I’m not trained for this.”

“You’ll be fine. All you have to do is mingle and listen. It’ll be a piece of cake.”

Her stomach soured at the thought.

Bummer. She usually loved cake.