Johansson nodded eagerly. ‘But did she like it?’
‘Why don’t you ask her yourself?’
His grin became a grimace. ‘I don’t think that’s wise—a public showdown wouldn’t be great for business. How’s she doing?’
‘She’s okay.’
He nodded, his jaw pulsing. ‘If I ever get my hands on him...’
‘Hell, you and me both,’ Daniel agreed, ‘but that definitely wouldn’t be good for publicity.’
Johansson gave a bark of a laugh. ‘Since when have you cared about your public image?’
‘Fair point.’ He grinned. ‘Let me do the killing, then, and why don’t you see about making her all happy again?’
His friend’s expression turned wistful, at total odds with the manic kitchen around them. ‘I tried that once.’ He shook his head. ‘But it’s not meant to be. She deserves better.’
‘What? Like Edward?’ Daniel scoffed, unable to help himself, and Johansson visibly blanched.
Skit, great going, reminding him that Edward stole her away in the first place.
‘Look, just talk to her.’
His hesitant gaze swept the kitchen. ‘I guess it wouldn’t hurt.’ He rubbed his hand over his face. ‘Hell, I’m not even supposed to be in here any more, but it’s hard letting go.’
‘Of the girl, or the kitchen?’
‘Funny, Daniel, very funny.’ He sighed and piped up with reignited vigour, ‘Come on, then, before I change my mind.’
Daniel raised his hand to his friend’s chest. ‘Whoa, just give them five. They’re having a chat.’
‘Ah, her and the mystery lady...’ His friend raised a brow. ‘So, who is she?’
‘She’s Julia’s estate agent.’
‘Just her estate agent?’
‘Don’t you start ribbing me.’ He grimaced. ‘Julia’s been at it all morning.’
‘From the talk in the kitchen, the pair of them have stirred up enough excitement among the male waiting staff to tell me she’s no plain Jane.’
‘And?’
‘And you’re never one to pass up an opportunity.’
He shoved his hands into his jeans and shook his head. ‘Whatever.’
‘Is that all you’re giving me?’
He shrugged. ‘Nothing to tell.’
What was wrong with him? He wasn’t one to over share for sure, but he was never one to avoid the truth either. Yet telling Johansson about Zara felt wrong, debasing even.
‘If you say so,’ Johansson said, clearly not believing him. ‘So, how is the hunt for a new home going?’
‘It’s going.’
‘Going?’ He chuckled. ‘Sounds awesome.’