"Are you ready?" Raymond asked, his broad frame filling the doorway.
Phoebe glanced over her shoulder. "Almost. But... I still have no idea where we're going. Is this some high-profile event? I really don't feel like dealing with a crowd right now."
Raymond gave a slow, reassuring shake of his head. "Don't worry. There won't be any crowds. Just a minimal security detail and a few essential staff members."
"Hm. Fine. I'll wait for you downstairs," Raymond said quietly, his gaze lingering on her for a brief moment. "Take your time. We're in no hurry."
Once she was alone again, Phoebe studied her reflection in the mirror. A faint crease formed between her brows as confusion slowly settled over her. She could sense that something about Raymond had changed recently—something subtle, yet impossible to ignore—but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Pushing the thought aside, she picked up her blush brush and swept a soft touch of color across her cheekbones.
