Read Online The Glass Slipper Project by Dara Girard - Free Book Online

after her own money as planned. I’m an administrative assistant at an insurance firm, my liberal arts degree was useless anyway. You’re a lady’s companion. Daniella works part-time as a receptionist, hoping one day to return to college. How far do you think that will take us?” She held up a finger. “I know what you’re going to say. One of us could go back to school. But could we afford the time it would take to get through three to four years and the extra debt? No, this is not an option I would have chosen for myself, but presently our future looks pretty grim and I’ll do anything to change that. Mom emphasized looks and money and I plan to make one of those work to get the other.”
    “But freedom is —”
    “Costly. If we succeed with this plan, we’ll be all set.”
    Isabella glanced at Alex who now stood across the room as a lone dark figure. He looked as if none of the bright festivities touched him. “How could you marry someone who’s so cold?”
    Gabby studied him. “I could warm him up a bit.”
    “He doesn’t have the highest opinion of us or anyone.”
    She turned to Isabella her gaze sharpening. “Did he say something?”
    “Many things he shouldn’t have.”
    “Like what?”
    She didn’t want to repeat his hurtful words. Yes, Gabby loved her desserts, but she was also kind and smart. “He hurt my pride. He said I was a wallflower.”
    “Well…”
    Isabella made a face. “That’s not the point.”
    Gabby smothered a laugh. “You’re right. That wasn’t very nice of him. Did I tell you how pretty you look?”
    “You don’t have to.” She looked around. “It doesn’t matter anyway.”
    “I’m sorry he hurt your feelings. You deserve better than that.” Gabby squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry, Izzy. Once he’s family I’ll make sure he apologizes.”
    Alex stifled a yawn while a man as thin as paper and nearly as pale tried to convince him of the benefits of investing in his lawn mower repair company. He nodded absently then a shock of blue caught his eye. It amazed him that in the crowd of rich purples, brilliant reds and exquisite blacks, such an ordinary color should demand his attention. He watched curiously as Isabella marched toward one of the exit doors.
What was she up to?
    “Excuse me,” he said, cutting the man off in midsentence. Then he followed her.

Chapter 6
    “W here are you going?” he called after her. His voice echoed down the hallway despite the sounds from the ballroom.
    Isabella spun around, giving him a full view of her dress. Blue suited her. The color complemented her skin, as did the delicate embroidered detailing in spun gold thread around her neck. Her hair sat piled high on her head, held in place with a jeweled hair comb, but a few tendrils had escaped. Alex wondered how they would feel curled around his finger. “Why do you want to know?” she asked.
    He shoved a hand in his pocket. “Curiosity. It’s too cold for an evening stroll.” He smiled, an engaging expression that usually made a woman smile back, but Isabella only stared.
    “I’m leaving,” she said in a cool tone.
    His smile fell. He stared surprised that she showed none of the warmth she’d displayed before. “Alone?”
    “My sisters will find their way back in the limo you provided.” She turned and began walking toward the coat check.
    He followed as though propelled. “You’re leaving too early. Didn’t you enjoy yourself?”
    “As much as I expected to.”
    He jumped in front of her. “That’s not an answer.”
    She halted before she bumped into him. Alex felt a little regret that she hadn’t, he wouldn’t have minded. She met his gaze. “I found everything very amusing. Excuse me.” She walked around him leaving him with the faint scent of vanilla and orchids.
    “At least let me walk you to your car.”
    She stopped in front of the coat check and handed in her ticket. “That’s okay.”
    “I thought we were old friends.”
    She sent him a