One Hot Desert Night. KRISTI GOLD

months ago. A few dignitaries hoping to hold court with the king. Some schmoozing. That kind of thing.”

      The kind of thing that made her head hurt. “Am I required to attend?”

      “No, but you’ll miss a lot of great food.” Piper withdrew another dress and held it up. “What about this one?”

      She eyed the satin evening gown that reminded her of a shiny hothouse tomato. “You know I look horrible in red, and I’ve had fancy food before. Just bring me a take-out box after you’re finished schmoozing. Or I’ll scrounge around in the kitchen after the festivities if I get hungry.”

      “You can come to the banquet and leave early if you’d like.” Piper brought out the final evening wear selection. “I’m sure Rayad wouldn’t mind seeing you in this one.”

      “That’s perfect.” Sunny was caught off guard by the verbal seal of approval that spilled out of her mouth without thought. One mention of the mysterious sheikh, and she was ready to party. What in the heck was wrong with her? “I meant it would work if I decide to go, and it really is immaterial to me whether Rayad is there or not.”

      Her sister sighed like she’d lost her best gal pal. “Stop being so stubborn, Sunny. You need to get out and socialize a while. Meet new people. Get to know those you’ve already met, better.”

      She needed to stay in and lick her wounds. “Believe me, I had enough socializing to last a lifetime in my youth. I swore at our debutante ball I’d never put on another ball gown again.”

      Piper chuckled. “I remember how much you hated being a deb.”

      “And I remember how much you loved the attention, although I don’t know why. That has to be the most antiquated tradition in the history of womankind.”

      Her sister’s blue eyes sparkled with amusement. “It was worth it seeing you in that hoop skirt. Now promise you’ll attend tonight or I’ll post pictures of that on the web.”

      Sunny snatched the gown from Piper’s clutches. “Fine. I’ll put on the darn dress and parade around for fifteen minutes, thirty tops.”

      Piper frowned. “Funny, I thought this royal blue one would be your least favorite. And I know how much you detest a high neck.”

      Not when she had an obvious scar to hide. She didn’t dare let her sister see the wound for fear she would have to explain, and she wasn’t prepared to reveal the details yet, if ever. “I like the overall cut of the dress. Sleeveless, satin and simple, yet elegant.”

      “And also loose fitting,” Piper said. “You won’t be able to show off your figure that I’ve envied since we were teenagers.”

      She didn’t care one whit how it looked on her. Much. She admittedly yearned to catch a glimpse of Rayad, and maybe continue her interview. “It’s fine, Piper, and I’ve envied your curves for years. And that you got the blue eyes and I got stuck with green. Besides, I’m sure no one will notice me at all.”

      Piper barked out a laugh. “Sure, Sunny. Just keep telling yourself that. I’m fairly certain I know at least one man who’ll be staring at you all evening, just like he did at dinner last night.”

      Darn if her sister hadn’t noticed. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

      “Rayad. He eyed you like you were dessert.”

      “He did not.”

      “Did so.”

      Sunny was simply too sleep-deprived to get into this now. “Go take care of your son.”

      “Aren’t you going to try it on?” Piper asked, followed by her patent scowl.

      Only after she was assured she had complete privacy. “I need to shower first, but I’m positive it will fit.”

      “We have yet to discuss your shoes.”

      Obviously her twin was intent on playing dress-up. “I have shoes.”

      “Heels?”

      “What does it matter? The gown is floor-length so no one will see my feet anyway. And I promise not to wear sneakers or hiking boots.”

      “Or you could wear these.” Piper reached into the pocket of one garment bag to retrieve a pair of silver sandals with three-inch heels. “The perfect finishing touch, and they’ll give you a little height, although at five-six you really don’t need that.”

      Her sister’s long-time height envy was now showing. Sunny snatched the platform torture shoes and set them at the foot of the bed. “Great. I’m all set. Now if you don’t mind, I need to bathe.”