The Beauty Within by Savannah J. Frierson

Frierson
    “It’s not him at all.”
    Wendy’s frown went from confused to absolutely livid. “Tyler Carver!
    There is nothing wrong with you—!”
    “We need to hurry up and finish here. I gotta get started on preparing the
    food and all that…”
    Tyler went behind their buggy and began pushing, blinking furiously at
    the tears that had come unbidden. It was easy for Wendy to say there was
    nothing wrong, especially since she had the perfect body her own self. Besides,
    Wendy was her sister and she was supposed to say things like that, even if
    they weren’t completely true. Tyler knew she wasn’t repulsive, she’d gone on
    dates before, and she wasn’t a virgin, but her sister had been right as well.
    None of those guys had been “long-haul” candidates, not like Damon was for
    Wendy. Perhaps it was subconscious on her part, to choose men who wouldn’t
    mean a damn to her on that all-important level, but someone had dwelled there
    before, and when he’d moved out, he’d left it wrecked and close to inhospita-
    ble. Tyler was slowly rebuilding, but she knew it would be a long time before
    she could welcome a new resident.
    “Just because he sold you short doesn’t mean you have to.”
    Wendy’s voice was a gnat, especially so since she was right. “I know.”
    Wendy came beside Tyler and kissed her temple. “I know you know.
    Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t remind you sometimes.”
    They managed to finish shopping quickly, Tyler silently thanking her sister
    for suggesting they come at dawn to beat the Super Bowl party rush. Checkout
    was painless, and they used the buggy to transport the many bags to Wendy’s
    dark-green Jetta. Tyler offered to take the buggy back, deciding to forgo the
    drop-off points in the parking lot and go back to the store. The exercise would
    be good for her…
    “Excuse me, Miss?”
    Tyler started. She’d been so busy trying to shove the buggy in its proper
    place in line she hadn’t been aware someone was calling her. She turned
    towards the voice and damn near dropped her mouth in lust. He was tall,
    almost taller than Damon, and was the color of dark chocolate. He had a sharp
    mustache along his top lip and his hair was cut short and close to his head. He
    wasn’t as large as Damon or Gunnar, but it was obvious the man took care of
    himself, given the workout jacket and matching pants he wore.
    Her hands immediately went to her hair, which was covered by a worn
    bandana, though her own outfit of sweats wasn’t that much better, either.
    “Yes?”
    He grinned and Tyler wanted to whimper. “Normally I’m not so bold but, I
    wanted to ask you a question.”
    She frowned, curious. “Okay.”

    The Beauty Within
    39
    He shuffled a little and put his hands in his pockets. His hesitation
    charmed her. “Your friend is…extremely beautiful. I was wondering if she was
    single?”
    Tyler felt like an idiot, and her throat began closing with tears. “She’s my
    sister, and no, she’s not.”
    The shock that overcame his features didn’t make her feel any better. “Oh! I
    had no idea—I’m sorry.”
    Tyler knew he meant more than his inquiry about Wendy. “That’s all
    right.”
    The beep of a horn made them both jump, and she wished the concrete
    would open up and swallow her. “That’s my sister. Apparently we’re in a real
    hurry at six-thirty in the morning.”
    He chuckled. “Apparently. Well…um…have a good one. And sorry again.”
    “No problem, you too.”
    Tyler got in the car with as much dignity as she could muster, but cursed
    when Wendy slapped her shoulder. “Damn! What ?”
    Wendy was unfazed by her sister’s rough tone. “That man was fione ! Did
    you get the digits?”
    “No, but he sure wanted yours,” Tyler said, leaning her head against the
    cool window. And here Wendy wanted her to try something with Gunnar! If
    Mr. BroFine wasn’t interested, how could she think Gunnar would be?
    Sometimes Wendy was a little too optimistic for her