Free Kiss and Makeup by Taryn Leigh Taylor Page A

pulled the door shut behind her.
    * * *
    C HLOE TRIED TO control her grin as she approached the bridal suite, but it just kept slipping out. It had been a long time since she’d liked a man this much. And really, this was the perfect situation for her. A two-night stand. A vacation fling—no commitments, no expectations, just fun, flirting, and—
    â€œThere you are, Chloe! I’ve got to get down to the ballroom to make sure it’s ready. Please go and keep your sister company.” Chloe accepted the key card her mother held out to her. “She’s all alone in there—talking some nonsense about needing a minute to herself.”
    â€œWell, we can’t have that.”
    â€œExactly.” The word was so emphatic that Chloe almost laughed, until she realized the reason for her mother’s panic. It had very little to do with Caroline, and everything to do with a Saturday afternoon four years ago. The insight sobered her. “I’ll sit with her. Go take care of the catering.”
    With a deep breath, Chloe unlocked the door to the massive bridal suite and stepped inside. Her sister was dressed in a white-satin robe with her brown hair pinned and curled into an elaborate updo. She was sitting at a mirrored vanity, looking beautiful and vulnerable, like some old-timey movie star.
    â€œMom, I’m fine. I promise. I just... Chloe! You made it.”
    Caroline was so different than Chloe remembered, and it was more than the fancy hair and lack of makeup. Sure, they were friends on Facebook—she’d seen her little sister mugging for the camera in internet pictures, but they didn’t convey Caroline’s presence, her stillness. She seemed so grown up for twenty. Well, twenty-one.
    â€œHappy birthday.”
    â€œThanks, Chlo.”
    Chloe was surprised by the nickname. A remnant from grade school, when having matching four-letter nicknames that ended with
O
was the height of sisterly bonding—back when they used to get along. Caro and Chlo. It all seemed a lifetime ago.
    â€œAnd thank you for coming. When Mom said your flight was delayed, I was worried you might not make it.”
    Her sister’s sincerity made Chloe feel a little bad for not wanting to come.
    â€œI know we haven’t seen each other for ages, but I need your help.”
    Chloe laughed nervously. “Don’t you have a half-dozen bridesmaids around to do your bidding? Where is everyone?”
    â€œThey’ll be here soon. They’re just finishing up in hair and makeup in the suite next door. I just wanted a few minutes to myself. Today’s been flying by so fast I feel like I haven’t had a moment to breathe. Besides, I didn’t want them around when I asked you.”
    â€œAsked me what?”
    Caroline bit her lip, an old nervous habit. “Would you do my makeup?”
    The question stopped Chloe dead. “What?”
    â€œI want you to do my makeup. Like old times.”
    She used to practice on Caroline constantly. At first, she’d done it against her little sister’s will, bribing her to play guinea pig with sweets or toys or money. Then later, she’d done it at Caroline’s behest, for dances and dates and parties. But all that had been many years ago.
    â€œYou want... I mean, didn’t you hire a professional makeup artist?”
    â€œYou’re a professional makeup artist. That’s what you do at work, right? And on YouTube?”
    Chloe blinked. “You’ve seen my videos?”
    â€œOf course! And don’t try to wuss out on me and say you don’t have your stuff, because I’m sure that giant purse of yours is full of every color and cosmetic known to man.”
    It was true, so Chloe didn’t bother to deny it.
    â€œYou’re sure?”
    At Caroline’s nod, she walked over and set her purse on the vanity, ignoring the way her sister’s eyes lit up as she began unpacking her