Free Secret Agent Minister by Lenora Worth

control his emotions. And his longings. Then, reminding himself he had a job to do, he hurried away and slammed the door to his room.

     
    Lydia turned to Kissie, her heart pounding with uncertainty. “This is so embarrassing. He doesn’t approve. He’s not used to seeing me like this.”
    “You can sure say that again,” Kissie replied, a wry twinkle in her eyes.
    Amy came downstairs, her smile sweet and shy. “I’m done straightening Lydia’s room now, Miss Kissie.”
    “Thanks, honey. Go on in the kitchen and get you some supper.”
    Amy, all pale and blond and wearing baggy khakis and a worn T-shirt, glanced over at Lydia. “You look great.”
    “Thank you,” Lydia said, “and thanks for all your help.” Amy had helped with her makeup and had even suggested she put on some perfume. Deciding earlier to use lotion instead of the heavy spray concentrate, Lydia now hoped the lily scent didn’t provoke her allergies.
    Amy nodded, then strolled toward the back of the house. But she turned at the door to the kitchen, her blue eyes going wide. “Take care, Lydia.”
    Kissie added an “Amen” to that.
    “I need to change,” Lydia said, moving toward the stairs. The high-heeled, glittery sandals were not so easy to move around in. “I can’t do this. I just can’t.”
    “Child, stop right there,” Kissie said, grabbing her by the arm with a mighty firm hold. “You gonna be fine. That man more than approves of the way you look. He’s just having to get used to the new you, on top of all his other problems. And we don’t need you adding to that load.”
    “I’m not planning on staying this way,” Lydia declared, determination making her voice rise. “And I’m trying very hard not to be a problem. Why can’t I just stay here, safe and sound? I’d stay out of the way. I could read a good book and go to bed early. I’ll write in my journal and read my Bible. I’m behind on my devotionals anyway.”
    Kissie shook her head. “Can’t let you. Devon wants you with him at all times. He knows it’s his responsibility to protect you.”
    “But why do I have to be someone I’m not?”
    “Part of the game, honey. Our contact can’t just show up here at my door, so we have to send you to this party, partly to throw them off, and partly to keep our operatives secret. An exchange will be made, information given over. If they’re watching, which we’re pretty sure they are, they won’t recognize Devon and you—or they won’t expect you to show up at this party. The element of surprise and all that. It’s important to blend in with the crowd and look as if you belong, and they won’t expect a sweet thing like you to look like that, trust me.”
    “I don’t plan on staying like this, and I mean it,” Lydia repeated, crossing her arms in a stubborn stance.
    “Nobody said you have to stay this way,” Kissie replied in a calm, serene voice. “In fact, this is probably just the first of many disguises. But the haircut is cute. And the makeup does play up your pretty eyes. And the dress…well, that’s just for show and just for tonight. You do not look like a floozy, okay? Kissie don’t do floozy, all right?”
    “I didn’t mean to insult you,” Lydia said, embarrassment causing her skin to heat up. “I’ve just never worn anything so fancy and so…clingy.”
    “I’m not offended,” Kissie said. “I’m having a good time. Haven’t seen this many fireworks since Christmas down on the river.”
    “Fireworks?” Lydia looked around, confused as usual.
    “Girl, you don’t see it, do you?” Kissie chuckled then started toward the coffee bar. “I got to get ready for the gospel crowd. They’re already pouring in.” She waved a hand toward the coffee bar. “We should have a full house tonight.”
    Lydia followed her, just to keep busy. “I’ll help.”
    “Not in that, you won’t.”
    “What did you mean, that I don’t see it?”
    Kissie turned at the long counter. “That man up