Evening Stars by Susan Mallery Page B

would look firmer.
    Penny stretched out on the carpet and yawned.
    “Too predictable?” Nina asked. “I’m not really a dress person. But I doubt Kyle wants to see me in cartoon scrubs.”
    She looked at her two best options. “What if I wear the suede pumps with the LBD?”
    She dug out the tights and shimmied into them. They had a control top which would cut into her ability to eat dinner, but made the dress look great. She shrugged on a robe and went into the bathroom to touch up her makeup. When she came out, Penny was standing in the hallway, staring intently.
    “What?” Nina asked. “He can’t be here yet.”
    Penny started for the kitchen, then looked back at Nina, as if inviting her along. Nina trailed after her. At the back door, Penny scratched the small rug.
    Understanding dawned. Nina opened the back door and let the dog out. The backyard was fenced. Even so, she waited until Penny had done her business and hurried back in. Together, they retreated to the rear of the house.
    “You’re impressive,” Nina told the animal as she brushed out her straight hair. “Maybe you can teach Averil responsibility.”
    When her hair was smooth, she slipped on the dress and pulled up the zipper. She added gold hoop earrings, lip gloss and a ten-year-old cropped leather jacket. Fortunately, it was plain enough that it didn’t look too out of date.
    She’d barely had time to smooth her skirt when the doorbell rang.
    Nina was surprised to feel her stomach lurch. The slightly tingly feeling of anticipation was sadly unfamiliar, she thought as she crossed the worn carpet and opened the front door.
    Kyle, all six feet of blond godlikeness of him, swore under his breath.
    “What’s wrong?” she asked.
    “You’re not supposed to look that good. I thought I’d prepared myself. I wasn’t close.”
    This guy was too much, she thought to herself. She reached for the small clutch she’d left by the door. At this point, she didn’t even care if he was lying. He was exactly what she and her battered ego needed. For one night she was going to forget about all the responsibilities in her life. She was going to go on a date with a hot, younger guy and toy with the idea of letting him sleep with her. If there were consequences—and there always were—she would face them in the morning. She’d been doing the right thing for a very long time, and she deserved a reward. Kyle was just the man to make sure she got one.

Chapter Seven
    NINA CHECKED TO make sure the door was locked, then started down the two stairs to the walkway. As she moved, Kyle stepped next to her and put his hand on the small of her back. The light pressure was unfamiliar, reminding her that it had been months and months since her last date. Nerves kicked up in her belly, as she realized this night might not be as easy as she’d first thought. Inappropriate guy or not, little Kyle had grown up into a handsome man.
    She spotted his car and laughed out loud at the low-slung two-seater convertible.
    “Seriously?” she asked with a chuckle. “That’s what you drive?”
    “A land jet,” he told her. “Chicks love it.”
    “I doubt you need the car to get the girls.”
    He stepped in front of her to open the passenger door. “Every little bit helps. Especially with you. I need to keep my edge.”
    “Very smooth,” she told him. “You’ve had a lot of practice.”
    She’d thought he might protest, but instead he grinned. “All the better for you,” he said easily. “You get to take advantage of all I’ve learned.”
    “A man who loves women. And whom women love back.”
    He shrugged. “It’s a flaw, but one I can live with.” He moved a little closer. “Tonight is all about you, though.”
    She could see the blue of his eyes and his thick, blond lashes. He’s shaved, she thought, studying his tanned skin. He smelled good, too. As if he’d showered. She liked thinking he’d taken his time getting ready. That he’d made an effort for her.