The Bachelor and the Beauty Queen

Kimber reached out to pat Lexi’s arm. “Please. After how Uncle Stephen acted last night, it’s the least I can do.” She gave Lexi an apologetic smile.

Bottom line, Stephen still held her resp

onsible for the dress and still thought less of her for wearing the garment. Funny how the dress Kimber stole was what brought Stephen and her together.

Someone knocked rapidly at Lexi’s door. Nate went to answer and Chantal came flying inside with a garment bag in her arms. “Geez, you would think the presidential campaign was being held here,” Chantal breathed. “None of the guards would let me through. I had to give all my IDs to them. Thankfully Andrew spotted me and vouched.”

Lexi crossed the room to half hug her and take the garment bag from her. “Thank you for doing this.”

“Yes, thank you,” Kimber said.

“Tell me you love the dress and we’ll be even,” said Chantal, stepping backward. Lexi handed Nate the hanger to hold up while she unzipped the black garment bag. A collective gasp filled the room. The dress blinded them with sunset-orange beauty—perfect to kick off the fall season right around the corner. With Kimber’s hazel eyes and amber coloring, the floor-length gown with a sweetheart neckline was a sure winner.

“Lexi,” Andrew said, waltzing through the adjoining doors. He lowered his voice when he peeked into the other room and he realized Philly had fallen asleep on the bed. “You won’t believe this, but from wearing this shirt around I’ve already gotten orders for six new clients for your October workshop.” He ducked out of the way of the hurtling football.

“I don’t have any October workshops.”

The ball whirled his way again, and this time Andrew caught the pigskin and tossed it back with force. “You better tell her, Chantal.”

“Chantal?” Lexi said her name low and slow.

“Sorry, too many people were asking me about your services, so I started a sign-up sheet.”

“You’re busy until next summer,” said Andrew.

Lexi wanted to grab Andrew’s hands and twirl around the room out of sheer excitement, but she contained her joy with a close-lipped squeal. Kimber needed to change into the dress, so Nate kicked the boys out and closed the door for the women. While Kimber went into the bathroom to change, Lexi glanced over at Philly and grinned. A plate of apple slices remained untouched. Lexi preferred Philly continue the talent portion well rested. She hated when parents offered their children candy and Go-Go Juice—a mixture of high caffeine and sugar drinks.

“How are you doing?” asked Chantal.

“I’m fine. Didn’t you hear Andrew? Business is booming.” Lexi plastered on a toothy smile.

Chantal sat down on the bed and patted the space next to her. “I heard him. I also saw the picture of Stephen and Natalia Ruiz on Reala-tea.”

Did everyone follow the blogs but her? “Whatever.” Lexi shrugged.

Not believing her, Chantal rolled her eyes. “Don’t try and be tough.”

“I’m not trying.” Lexi attempted to sound cheerful and hoped she came off the same. “I’ve got too many things going on in my life, thanks to you.”

Nate knocked on the adjoining doors before poking his head in. “Everybody decent?”

“We are,” Lexi answered. Kimber mumbled from the bathroom and Chantal went in to help. A few minutes later, Kimber twirled into the bedroom in a ray of autumn sunshine. The boys rushed in to see all the fuss. Philip, clearly smitten, stood speechless. After a while, Chantal ushered the boys out on the promise of getting some food from downstairs. Everyone left through the boys’ room, leaving Nate and Lexi alone.

“Mind if I hang out in here? I can’t take another argument between Andrew and your cousin, Henri, over decorations for a pretend wedding.”

“Is your masculinity threatened?” Lexi teased.

Nate chuckled. “No.” He leaned against the doorjamb and sighed, shoving his hands in his pocket and training his penetrating deep green eyes on her. “How are you doing?”

“Why does everyone keep asking me if I’m okay?”

“Because last night was pretty crazy and my brother is a jerk.”

Lexi relaxed and smiled. “I’m fine, I promise.”

“Listen,” he began, “I didn’t get a chance to apologize to you.”

“I didn’t stick around—” she shook her head “—but you don’t need to apologize. Stephen is a grown man, Nate,” said Lexi. “What he says and does isn’t your responsibility.”