Love & Deception (Agents in Love - Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

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    Carlie still floated on a cloud of disbelief
that he’d rather have dinner with her than Shelley. However, if he
showed up in the next fifteen minutes to pick her up, she’d no
longer be able to deny it.
    “I’m nervous,” she admitted, watching
Shelley uncap the lipstick. “I haven’t dated much the last six
years.” She didn’t count her relationship two years ago. That had
been a purely physical attraction to someone she considered a
friend. It hadn’t involved much actual dating.
    “Pout your lips.” Once she complied with the
demand, Shelley applied the sticky color. “You don’t talk much
about your past. You had a serious relationship six years ago? Did
it end badly?”
    Even though Carlie trusted Shelley, she kept
her private life a closely guarded secret from her for the same
reason she didn’t tell Muhammad about her parents. Shelley couldn’t
reveal what she didn’t know.
    “In a way,” she said awkwardly, struggling
to keep her lips stiff. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
    Procuring a tissue from somewhere in her
bag, Shelley placed it against Carlie’s mouth. “Blot.”
    Carlie obediently pressed her lips into the
tissue while Shelley stood with a hairbrush in hand. She teased
Carlie’s hair and sprayed it with hairspray before brushing it down
again. Carlie wondered how many beauty supplies the woman kept on
hand at any given time.
    “If you haven’t dated in a while, I could
give you a few pointers.”
    Carlie grunted noncommittally, unsure she
could ever follow advice Shelley gave. She’s way
too...adventuresome.
    Her grunt must have passed for assent,
because Shelley continued, “First off, if you like him, don’t let
the night end without getting him to ask you on a second date.”
    Carlie rolled her eyes, though she knew
Shelley couldn’t see her. “And how do I do that?”
    “Oh, you know.” Shelley set to work ratting
her hair again, apparently not satisfied with the first attempt.
“Flirt, Carlie. You do know how to flirt, don’t you?”
    “Sure I do.” She wasn’t about to admit that
she never felt comfortable flirting. What could Shelley teach her
in the remaining ten minutes before Nick arrived?
    Ten minutes. Carlie wiped suddenly sweaty
palms against her slacks, wishing she had time to go home and
change her clothes. Waitress chic wasn’t very sexy.
    “I hope so.” Shelley clearly doubted
Carlie’s ability to handle a man like Nick. “Okay, so here’s the
most important thing. No matter what, don’t let him get away
without a goodnight kiss.”
    “On the first date?”
    She laughed. “The world moves fast, Carlie.
If you want a man like Nick Kendall, you’ll have to keep up.” She
passed the brush over Carlie’s hair a few more times and stepped
out in front of her. “You look super hot. There’s no way he’ll
resist you.” She pulled a small mirror from her bag and handed it
over.
    Staring in amazement at her reflection,
Carlie never imagined she could look so pretty. Her hair fluffed
around her shoulders, soft and feminine. Smokey eye shadow brought
out the color of her eyes, turning them from their usual dull hazel
to a sexy, vibrant green. Although Carlie knew Shelley piled on the
makeup, she didn’t appear to be wearing a lot. She smiled,
revealing the small gap in her front teeth, and quickly closed her
mouth. Unfortunately, Shelley’s makeup couldn’t cover all her
imperfections.
    “What made you decide to help me?” Carlie
couldn’t stop looking at her reflection. “You’ve made me so pretty.
I thought you wanted Nick for yourself.”
    Shelley laughed. “I’m always searching for
the right guy, but I’m not going to waste time with one who doesn’t
want me.”
    Carlie looked past the mirror, meeting
Shelley’s eyes. “Are you okay with me dating him? I’m not willing
to lose a friend over a man.”
    “There’s no chance of that happening.”
Shelley patted her leg. “I’m truly thrilled for you. Nick is