A Perfect Fit.

"Richard?"

Richard Arnett looked up from his phone. "Yes, Sugar Plum?"

"Do you have any scissors?"

He frowned. "Scissors?"

"Yes, scissors. Those sharp metal things people use to cut stuff."

"I'm familiar with the concept, thank you."

"Well, do you have any?"

Richard chuckled and crossed to the writing desk, where he found a small pair in the stationery drawer. "What exactly are we cutting?"

"Tags, silly!"

Mara emerged from the dressing area, still wearing her reddish-orange dress, but with the little black box tucked beneath one arm. She held out the lingerie.

"These horrible little plastic things. I don't want to pull them off and ruin the lace."

Richard handed her the scissors. "An excellent point."

"See? I can be sensible."

"Occasionally."

"Richard!"

He smiled.

Mara snipped the tags from her new present, examining the delicate material with obvious delight. "God, it's beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Like it? I love it!" She glanced at the price tag before dropping it into the wastepaper basket. Her eyes widened. "Bloody hell!"

Richard looked amused. "Something wrong?"

"Nothing! Absolutely nothing!"

She looked at him again. "You're completely mad, you know that?"

"I've been told."

"Nobody's ever bought me underwear this expensive."

Richard's smile faded just a fraction. "Well, I'm pleased it's found an appreciative home."

Mara hugged the box against herself. "You're going to spoil me."

"Your father accused me of that on several occasions."

At the mention of her father, Mara's expression softened. "He did spoil me."

"Yes," Richard said quietly. "He certainly did."

For a moment, neither spoke. Then Mara cleared her throat. "Right! I'm trying this on." She disappeared into the dressing area again.

Richard returned to his armchair. He could hear the occasional rustle of tissue paper, followed by Mara muttering something about complicated straps. "Richard?"

"Yes?"

"Is this supposed to go over or under?"

Richard stared at the ceiling. "I'm afraid you'll have to be rather more specific."

"The little ribbon thing!"

"I suspect the manufacturer's website might be more helpful than I am."

Mara laughed. "Some expert you are!"

"I never claimed to be an expert."

"Well, you bought it!"

"That doesn't mean I know how to assemble it."

Her laughter floated out from the dressing area.

A few minutes passed. Then silence.

Richard glanced towards the doorway. "Everything all right in there?"

"Yes!" Another pause. "Actually..."

Richard waited.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Did you really think Vanessa would like this?"

He considered the question. "I hoped she would."

"But you never found out."

"No."

"That's sad."

"These things happen."

Mara was quiet for a moment. "Was she pretty?"

"Yes."

"Prettier than Mrs Arnett?"

Richard sighed. "Sugar Plum."

"What? It's a perfectly reasonable question."

"Beauty isn't a competition."

"That's what people say when they don't want to answer."

He smiled despite himself. "Vanessa was an attractive woman."

"And she broke your heart?"

"I wouldn't go quite that far."

"But she hurt you?"

Richard looked towards the darkened windows. "Perhaps a little."

Mara's voice softened. "Well, I think she's an idiot."

"That's very loyal of you."

"I mean it."

"I know."

There was another rustle from the dressing area. Then Mara's voice came again. "Richard?"

"Yes?"

"Don't laugh."

"Why would I laugh?"

"Just promise!"

"I promise."

Mara appeared in the doorway wearing one of the hotel's enormous white bathrobes, tied securely at the waist. Her dark hair fell loosely around her shoulders, and she'd made another attempt to tidy the smoky makeup around her eyes. The result was still a little uneven, but the worst of the earlier smudging had disappeared.

She looked rather pleased with herself.

Richard smiled. "Well, that's certainly a change of outfit."

"Very funny." She stepped into the lounge. "Remember how you said I didn't have to show you?"

"I do."

"And that the present was mine regardless?"

"Naturally."

Mara smiled. "Well, I decided I wanted to show you anyway."

Richard sat a little straighter. "Mara, you really don't have to."

"I know, Richard." She paused, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "I'm doing it because I want to."

With that, Mara untied the white bathrobe and slipped it from her shoulders, letting it fall in a soft heap around her silver platform heels. Beneath it was the beautiful black Agent Provocateur lingerie.

The set fitted her slender figure remarkably well. Fine black lace featured intricate floral embroidery, delicate scalloped edges and tiny satin bows. The matching pieces were coordinated with slender straps and carefully placed sheer panels, giving the entire outfit the appearance of something from an expensive fashion campaign.

Mara's dark hair tumbled over her shoulders, contrasting with the black lace. Her smoky eyeshadow was still a little uneven from her earlier tears and hurried attempts to repair it, while her bright red lipstick provided a striking finishing touch. For the first time that evening, she looked genuinely delighted with her reflection.

"Well?" she asked.

Richard glanced up, momentarily surprised. "Good heavens, Sugar Plum."

Mara grinned. "That's a good reaction, right?"

From the front, all of Mara’s most private parts were covered. Just. "The outfit is certainly very elegant."

"Elegant!" Mara repeated triumphantly. "That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say!"

She turned towards the full-length mirror, examining the fit from the side before turning completely around to inspect the back. The intricate lace pattern continued across the matching pieces, with delicate detailing that Mara hadn't noticed while examining them in the box. She adjusted one of the straps, pleased by how comfortably everything fitted.

"Look at the workmanship," she said, glancing over her shoulder. "Even the back is gorgeous!"

From behind Richard was treated to an almost unobstructed view of Mara’s gorgeous behind. Her perky cheeks held tantalisingly aloft by the exceptionally well-crafted lingerie.

Richard smiled as he felt his face starting to flush. "You seem very pleased with your present."

"Pleased? Richard, I'm absolutely thrilled!" She turned to face him again, planted her hands on her hips and struck an exaggerated fashion-model pose. "Well, Mr Arnett? Your professional assessment?"

Richard laughed. "I believe we've already established that I'm not a professional in this particular field."

"Then your amateur assessment!"

He considered her for a moment. "It's a beautiful set, Mara, and the right size, just as you said. I'm very glad you like it."

Mara gave a delighted little laugh. "See? Vanessa didn't know what she was missing!" She reached down for the bathrobe and slipped it back around her shoulders, still smiling. "Thank you, Richard. Really."

"You're very welcome, Sugar Plum."

She gathered the robe closed and headed back towards the dressing area. "And don't go anywhere! I still need to get changed!"

Richard shook his head, amused. "I wouldn't dream of it."

She disappeared into the dressing area again. When she returned several minutes later, she was back in her reddish-orange dress, her faux-fur bolero draped over her shoulders and the lingerie carefully packed into its shopping bag.

Richard was seated on the sofa, checking a message on his phone.

Mara settled beside him. "Richard?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think I'm pretty?"

The question caught him off guard. He studied her for a moment. "Of course I do."

"You're only saying that because you've known me forever."

"No. I'm saying it because you asked me an honest question."

Mara looked down at her hands. "Hugh doesn't make me feel pretty anymore."

Richard's expression grew thoughtful. "Has he told you that?"

"No."

"Then perhaps you shouldn't assume that's how he feels."

She looked up sharply. "You're supposed to be on my side."

"I am on your side."

"Doesn't sound like it."

"Being on your side doesn't mean agreeing with everything you say."

Mara considered this. Then she smiled faintly. "You sound like Dad."

Richard looked away for a moment. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"It was."

The room grew quiet. Outside, the city lights glittered against the dark glass.

Mara shifted on the sofa, turning towards him. "You know what's strange?"

"What's that?"

"I've known you my whole life, but I don't think we've ever sat and talked like this."

Richard nodded. "Your father and I usually occupied ourselves discussing business while you were busy finding new ways to get into trouble."

"I wasn't that bad."

Richard gave her a look.

"All right, maybe a little."

"A little?"

"Richard!"

He laughed.

Mara reached across and gave his forearm a playful shove. Unfortunately, she hadn't noticed the crystal tumbler sitting close to his elbow. Her hand caught the edge of his sleeve, sending his arm towards the glass.

"Oh!" Richard reacted quickly, catching her hand with his own while steadying the tumbler with the other.

For a moment, they froze. Mara looked down at his hand wrapped around hers. Then up at him. They were sitting closer than either had realised. Richard's expression changed, just slightly. Mara felt an unexpected flutter in her stomach. Neither spoke. Then Richard released her hand.

"Careful," he said lightly. "You'll have us wearing the drinks."

Mara laughed, although it came out a little less confidently than she'd intended. "Sorry."

"No harm done."

But she didn't immediately move away. Instead, she studied him with an expression he couldn't quite read. "Richard?"

"Yes, Sugar Plum?"

"Can I ask you something terribly personal?"

"You seem unlikely to be discouraged if I say no."

She smiled. "Do you ever get lonely?"

Richard leaned back. "Sometimes."

"Even with all your money?"

"Money doesn't make particularly interesting conversation."

"Neither does Hugh."

Richard laughed before he could stop himself. "Mara."

"What? It's true!" She drew her legs beneath her on the sofa. "Well, you're not lonely tonight."

"No," Richard agreed. "I suppose I'm not."

Mara smiled at him. "Neither am I."

For a moment, they simply looked at one another.

Then Richard glanced at the clock. "It's getting late. We should probably collect your room key."

Mara followed his gaze. "Oh."

"Mateo should have everything ready by now."

"Right." But she made no effort to stand.

Richard noticed. "Something wrong?"

Mara shook her head. "No. It's just..."

"Just what?"

She looked towards the shopping bag sitting on the coffee table. Then back at him. "I was having a nice time."

Richard's expression softened. "So was I."

Mara smiled. "Really?"

"Really."

She reached for her empty glass, then thought better of it. "Well, perhaps we don't have to rush downstairs just yet."

Richard regarded her thoughtfully. "You've had rather a lot to drink this evening."

"I'm not drunk!"

"I didn't say you were."

Mara folded her arms. "You're doing that thing again."

"What thing?"

"Being sensible."

"A dreadful habit, I know."

She laughed.

Richard stood and offered her his hand. "Come on, Sugar Plum. Let's get you settled into your room. We can have breakfast together tomorrow."

Mara looked at his outstretched hand. Then took it. "Promise?"

"Promise." He helped her to her feet.

She was standing closer to him than she'd intended, her silver platforms bringing her almost level with his eyes. Mara looked up at him. "Richard?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for tonight."

"You're very welcome."

"And for my present."

He smiled. "That too."

Mara hesitated. Then she rose onto her toes and kissed his cheek. It was meant to be a simple gesture of gratitude, but she lingered. Her hand rested lightly against his shoulder, and when she drew back, she did so slowly enough that their faces remained only inches apart. Richard met her eyes. Mara became acutely aware of how close they were standing.

Then Richard stepped back, gently breaking the moment. "Come along, Sugar Plum," he said, his voice quieter than before. "Let's get you settled."

Mara blinked. Then smiled. "Of course, Richard."

She collected her shopping bag. At the doorway, she turned back.

"Richard?"

"Yes, Sugar Plum?"

"Breakfast tomorrow. Somewhere fancy."

"Naturally."

"And you're paying."

"I rather assumed that."

She grinned. "Good. Because I intend to be very expensive company."

Richard opened the door for her. "Something tells me you always have been."

Mara laughed as she stepped into the corridor. As they walked towards the elevators, she found herself thinking about the look he'd given her when she'd kissed his cheek. Perhaps she'd imagined it. Perhaps not. Either way, she was beginning to realise that spending time with Richard Arnett was considerably more interesting than she'd expected.