“I’ll get you material.”

“Won’t that be happy reading.”

He ignored her comment. “In return, Tim will get the help he needs, fifty percent of the debt will be forgiven and he’ll have a reasonable payment plan for the rest. Do you have an appropriate wardrobe?”

She nibbled on the last M &M. “Define appropriate.”

He looked at her with a thoroughness that left her breathless. Before she could react, he’d scanned her battered kitchen, his gaze lingering on the warped vinyl flooring.

“Someone will be in touch to arrange a session with a stylist,” he said. “When the month is over, you can keep the clothes.” He rose.

She stood and trailed after him. “What kind of clothes?”

“Cocktail dresses and evening gowns.” He paused by the front door and faced her.

“I have the dress from my prom.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t be comfortable wearing it at one of these events.”

“Is this really happening?” she asked. “Are we having this conversation?”

“It is and we are. The first party is on Saturday night. My assistant will call you with the information. Please be ready on time.”

He dwarfed her small living room, looking too masculine for the floral-print sofa and lacy curtains. She would never have imagined a man like him in her life, even temporarily.

“I’m sorry my brother stole from you,” she said.

“He’s not your responsibility.”

“Of course he is. He’s family.”

For a second Duncan looked like he was going to say something, but instead he left. Annie closed the door behind him and wondered how she was going to tell her cousins and Kami what she’d gotten herself into now.

Saturday morning both Jenny and Julie stared at Annie with identical expressions of shock, their green eyes wide, their mouths hanging partially open. Kami looked just as surprised.