Evening Hours

“Now you’ve really got me curious. What on earth is going on?”

“I think she’s interested in a man.”

Rebecca’s gray eyes widened. “Why, that’s wonderful. If the feeling’s mutual, that is.”

“Ah, that’s the kicker.”

“How about you start at the beginning and fill in all the blanks.”

Edgar told her about Kaylee’s encounter with the cowboy at the chamber function. “She didn’t know I was watching, of course.”

“Oh, honey, I think that’s wonderful, but just because she seemed interested doesn’t mean she really is.”

He was taken aback and didn’t bother to hide it. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Rebecca squeezed his hand again. “It means that Kaylee might’ve been charmed for the moment and that’s all.”

“You didn’t see her face,” Edgar responded, an obstinate set to his jaw.

“You’re right, I didn’t, which means I’m not qualified to make that call.”

“I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“You didn’t.” Rebecca paused and narrowed her eyes on him. “Where are you going with this? I know you have something up your sleeve.”

“I have to figure out a way to get the two of them together.”

“Who is he? Do you know?”

“When I first saw him, a niggling in the back of my mind told me I should know him. But for the life of me, I couldn’t place him.”

“Not then, maybe,” Rebecca said, harboring a smile, “but I bet you can now.”

“You bet right. His name is Cutler McFarland.”

Rebecca’s eyes widened. “The district attorney?”

“One and the same.”

“Wow.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“So tell me about him.”

“He’s not married. Right now that’s the most important thing.”

“Which you think gives you a green light to play matchmaker.”

Edgar leveled his gaze on her. “And you don’t?”

“That’s not—” She stopped midsentence and flashed him a sweet smile. “Tell me how I can help.”

“You look shell-shocked, boss lady.”

Kaylee shook her head to clear it, realizing Sandy had walked into the room and was staring at her out of puzzled eyes.

“What up?” Sandy asked when Kaylee didn’t respond right off.

“You’re not going to believe who I just talked to.”

“Mmm, that sounds interesting, especially since you’re still wearing that dazed look. So ante up. Who was it?”

Kaylee could barely contain her excitement. “Emily Austin.”

Sandy looked puzzled. “But you’ve talked to Emily before.”

“I know.” Kaylee’s grin consumed her features.

Sandy gestured with a hand. “You’re not making sense, girl. Tell me what she wanted.”

“She wants to fly down and meet with us.”

“And…” Sandy coaxed.

“I’m trying to keep a lid on my excitement, only you’re not helping.”

“Tell me what you’re trying to keep a lid on before I pee up one leg and down the other waiting.”

Kaylee rolled her eyes. “You’re crazy.”

“Details. Give me the details.”

“One of the French houses—she didn’t say which one—wants to do a show here. They hired Ford to spearhead it. Ergo, she wants our expertise and our models.”

“Oh, my gosh.”

“I know. It’s mind-boggling, isn’t it?”

“The purpose of the visit is to hash out the details.”

Kaylee blew out a breath. “I assume so.”

“What a coup.”

“I can’t help but wonder what made her tap us.”

Sandy made an unladylike snort. “You know the answer to that—we’re damn good. You’re damn good.”