Chapter 26

Cruz showered and dressed first, needing to be ready out front to greet his guests.

"Take your time, cara," he told her. "No rush. Look for me at the entrance to the tent when you're ready."

Shea took him at his word, soaking in the tub, then washing her hair and carefully blow-drying it. Tonight she left it long and loose, a riot of dark blonde curls around her face. She took extra pains with her makeup and sprayed herself from a new bottle of expensive cologne. Finally she dressed in the outfit she'd brought-a long printed skirt that swirled around her ankles and a white peasant blouse that she wore off the shoulders.

She'd had no idea what other women would be wearing and Cruz had been absolutely no help. She'd finally decided to dress for the environment and hope she wasn't laughed out of the place. Stepping into the sandals next to the dresser, she took a final look at herself in the mirror, fluffed her hair one more time and headed through the house for the backyard.

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