After surveying her, Gracie turned back around, apparently deciding Ryan wasnât much of a threat. Ryan didnât know what possessed her, but before Gracie got too far ahead, she blurted, âExcuse me, Gracie? Can I talk to you?â
Gracie turned around, her brow furrowed in confusion. She was probably wondering why Ryan wanted to talk, since theyâd hardly had a single conversation since sheâd moved to Rock Canyon. âHi Ryan,â the other girl said. âHow are you?â
Ryan felt a twinge of nervousness but pushed on. âIâm good, thanks. I was wondering if I could ask you something.â
Gracie cocked her head. âSure. Letâs walk and talk, though. Itâs freaking cold out here.â
It was on the tip of Ryanâs tongue to mention that if she was wearing more clothes sheâd be less cold, but she decided it would defeat the purpose of her little impromptu powwow. âI was just wondering how you . . . well, you obviously . . .â
Gracie stopped at her car and turned to her impatiently. âSpit it out, girlie.â
Ryan felt a twitch of temper. Gracie wasnât much older than her. âI want to learn how to be sexy. Can you teach me?â
Gracie looked at her seriously, her eyes trailing up and down her outfit. Gracieâs face broke into a huge smile and she said, âHop in; we can take a road trip.â
Ryan started to stutter an excuse and Gracie raised an eyebrow. âLook, I hardly know you. You approached me and I am more than willing to answer your questions, but youâve got to trust me. Deal?â
Ryan stared at Gracie as if she had horns and a tail. She was supposed to just go with a woman she barely knew and do what she said, no questions asked?
Gracie shrugged. âSuit yourself.â
She started to open her car door, and Ryan cried, âWait!â
Gracie looked over her shoulder with exasperation. âSeriously, get in.â
Ryan walked carefully to the passenger side and hopped in. âWhere are we going?â
Gracie smiled at her. âWell, sexy comes with a price tag. I figure itâs only five. We have enough time to head into Twin Falls for a little shopping and other beautifying experiences.â
Ryan blushed. âI donât know . . .â
âYou have your wallet?â
Ryan blinked. âYes.â
Gracieâs smile flashed, lighting up her green eyes. âGreat, letâs go.â
Gracie pulled out of the parking lot and headed out of town toward Twin Falls. She glanced over at Ryan. âWhat made you ask me, anyway? I never really got the impression you liked me very much.â
Ryanâs face was beat red at Gracieâs blunt assessment. âItâs not that I donât like you. I just . . .â Her voice lowered an octave. âGreggâs my friend. You hurt his feelings.â
Gracie silently stared at the road for a while. âYou know, I never meant to hurt Gregg. Heâs a sweet guy but we just . . . werenât compatible.â
Ryan gave a bark of bitter laughter. âYeah, I get that a lot too.â
Gracie glanced over at her. âHowâs that?â
Ryan looked down at her hands. âIâve been told Iâm . . . boring. And not sexy at all.â She swallowed hard. âThatâs why I thought I could get some advice from you. All the guys in town think youâre sexy.â
Gracie looked positively feline. âAnd you want to hook a guy? Anyone I know?â
Ryan looked away and muttered, âNo.â
Gracie made a left turn and said, âWell, girlie, I guarantee you, by the time weâre done, whoever youâre setting bait for will be good and hooked.â
R YAN LOADED THE last of the shopping bags theyâd purchased into the trunk and sighed in relief.
Gracie had dragged her into the salon, and after a brief negotiation, Gracie convinced her stylist,