"No. Men want arm candy."

Rina cocked her head to the side. "Come on. They can't be that shallow a species."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Get with the program, Rina. All men want a woman they're proud to display on their arm. It's the male ego, dear."

"That's true." Much as she hated to admit it. Take her deceased husband. After their marriage, he'd ostensibly fired her as his legal secretary, giving her a life of luxury most women would die to live. In exchange, he'd wanted a stay-at-home wife, one who was comfortable entertaining guests and who dressed well so he was proud to have her by his side. "You do have a point."

"And trust me," Emma said. "The reason you're still flying solo after being in this town for three months is because you're doing nothing to enhance your appearance."

Rina put a hand to her unflattering bun and grinned. "I know."

"Forgive me, but I simply don't understand." Emma shook her head, her look of confusion obvious. "I can see your potential. I've offered to have my limo driver take us to Bloomingdale's for a clothing makeover, offered to have my stylist come do your hair. You refuse. Care to tell me why?"

"Corinne hired me to bring life to the paper with my series idea. I can only do that by giving my readers personal experience. So I started by establishing myself in town as a quiet, inconspicuous woman."

Emma pursed her lips. "Go on."

"I've been researching from day one here. Recording men's reactions to this Rina." There hadn't been much interest in the woman who wore baggy clothes and no makeup, one who possessed a mild-mannered personality. Although Colin's heated gaze more than made up for the other men's lapses. "So now I'm going to alter my appearance and actions, and see what kind of changes men react to. So I can impart firsthand wisdom to my readers."