Unless…unless it was Diane. Did all of this really trace back to her?
There were still a few hours until the function that evening where his board would be trying to cozy up to all the businessmen they could get funding out of. Riley hated the things, but maybe if he went, Yancey would slip up. Let him get a glimpse of this so-called spy.
Then Riley could make his move and end this before Yancey took more than just a client from him.
Chapter 12
Phoebe spun around in her dress and stared at the person in the mirror. “This is so not me.”
“Are you kidding?” Charlotte called from the kitchen. “You look hot! Damn, I wish I could wear something like that. Afraid the ladies wouldn’t fit too well.”
“I think your ladies would fit just fine.” She twirled again and couldn’t help but smile. The last time she’d worn a dress like this…well, she’d never worn one. This wasn’t just a dress, it was a gown. Something rich people wore on their typical nights out. Yet here she was, in her tiny, shabby apartment, wearing something this gorgeous.
Charlotte’s reflection appeared next to hers. “Now, you remember what I told you?”
Phoebe nodded and picked up the small satin purse that had come with the dress. “I have my mace. If he gets obnoxious or does anything else, I spray him in the face, call you for a ride, then call the cops.”
“Yes, and I’ll be at the café right around the corner.”
“Really, Charlotte, you don’t have to do this. I think we just got off on the wrong foot. This is his chance to try and get it right. If not…then I’ll cut him loose and get a restraining order.”
They laughed together before there was a knock on the door. “Well, at least he’s punctual.”
Phoebe nodded and let Charlotte answer the door. She listened to them exchange pleasantries—though Charlotte’s were a bit on the threatening side—before she stepped forward from the hallway.
“Phoebe,” Mitch said, dressed in a snazzy tux with a bowtie, “you look amazing. Really, that dress…it fits you like a glove.”
She smoothed down the front and hung her head with a shy smile. “It really is a beautiful gown. And you look very handsome, too.”
“Thanks, but I’m afraid you will be drawing all the attention tonight.” He held out his arm for hers, and she picked up her small clutch. Charlotte said she’d lock up behind them, and the two headed down the hall to the stairs. “You really do look amazing tonight.”
Phoebe smiled and felt her cheeks warm. Charlotte had helped get her hair up and pinned back with curls trailing around her face. The jewelry was on loan from her, too. Costume, but still, the stones sparkled against the dark fabric. As she’d been getting ready, her thoughts kept going back to her pirate and how it would’ve been nice if he was standing beside her instead of Mitch.
“A limo?” she asked, surprised, when they reached the curb.
Mitch shrugged. “Trying to make up for my behavior the other night.”
“Well, you’re doing quite well so far.” She waited a second before they got in the limo. “Mitch, I don’t want you to not act like yourself around me.”
“Even if myself is that pompous ass from the other night?”
“Well, no,” she said, frowning. “But if that’s the case, then I’ll head back upstairs right now.”
Mitch took both of her hands gently and sighed. “I’ve been alone for a long time. Never really had a chance to have a serious relationship. But now, I’m at a point in my life…I need to get serious, settle down. That me you saw the first night…I don’t want you to see that again.”
She squeezed his hands and smiled, trying to believe him. “All right, then. Shall we go? I don’t want you to be late.”
“If I’m late, it’s for a good reason.”
When they were comfortably settled on the leather seat, the limo pulled away from the curb and they headed to the function. Phoebe played with her clutch and tried to keep a smile on her face. Mitch sat close but didn’t do anything except brush his shoulder against hers. Maybe he was telling the truth, but Phoebe wouldn’t trust him that easily. They were almost there when her phone buzzed.
“Do you need to get that?”
“Probably just an e-mail,” she said and dug her cell out. “Sorry.”
“No, please. We still have a few moments anyway.”