I can’t go back to the B.S.C.K.—Before Storage Closet Kiss—time.
She opened her eyes and withdrew her phone from her purse. She couldn’t go back to B.S.C.K., but she could move forward. Her thumb unlocked the device and Philip Ryder’s message appeared. She started typing.
Dear Handcuff Obsessed,
I’ll be honest with you. I’m a handcuff virgin. Is that a deal breaker, Mr. Ryder?
Yours truly,
Lucy
She hit send and glanced up. On the opposite couch, Jared adjusted his position. Then he reached into his pocket and withdrew his phone.
“My brother?” she asked.
Jared nodded slowly. “He says I should remain hidden for a while longer.” He pocketed the phone without typing a response. “Save me from boredom and tell me about your new boyfriend.”
“He’s not my . . . That is, I haven’t met him yet,” she muttered. “At least not in person.”
“That hurts, Lucy. You kissed me like the sky was falling,” he said. “And yet, you’d walk away for a man you haven’t met?”
“I just rescued you,” she pointed out.
“You could ask for a favor.” His lips curved into a smile. “In repayment for the rescue.”
“You’re toying with me again.” She sat up straight and crossed her ankles beneath the long, black dress.
“No, I’m not.”
She bit back the inclination to shout ”Are to!” into the quiet library. Instead, she sat up straighter. “I would like a thousand shares of the sugar company if you take it public.”
He leaned his head back and laughed. “Well played, Lucy. The shares are yours provided we close the deal. You don’t need to wait until we go public. I’ll have the agreement drafted next week.”
Heat rose up in her cheeks. “I’m not a plaything, Jared. Don’t tease me,” she said sharply.
“I’m not. I’ll pay the price you set for your daring rescue.”
“Jared—”
“Your job’s not over yet.” He nodded to the door. “Any minute the people I’m trying to avoid could walk down that hall. Do you have a plan if that happens?”
“I’ll think of something,” she said dryly. Then she took another sip of her drink. “When will the sugar deal close?”
&
nbsp; “Another week. Maybe two.”
“Then you’ll head back to New York?” she asked.
“That’s the current plan. I have a company in New Jersey that needs my attention.” He leaned forward. “Now tell me about your mystery man. Is he magical?”
“Yes.”
The muscle in Jared’s jaw jumped. Jealousy? She cocked her head and studied his expression. The reaction felt too small for such a large emotion.
“Philip wants the same things,” she said. “Unless he’s lying. If Nicole’s right and he’s a murderer, well, we have different priorities.”
He nodded. The fleeting inkling of jealousy had vanished. “Trust your gut, Lucy.”