Page 147 of Wicked Little Thief

Utah felt someone standing too close for as much room as was available at the bar. She put her elbows out as she turned, and the man next to her took a step back, but he was still too close for comfort.

He appeared to be in his late forties, maybe early fifties, and must have spent a lot of time outside, probably on the golf course, because he was far too tan for a man who was in his office all day. His hair was slicked back, and it smelled like he spilled his cologne all over himself, the odor was obnoxious.

His smile when he said, “Hello, there,” made her feel like she needed a shower.

She offered a polite, “Hi,” then turned back to look for a sign of the bartender.

“You’d think they’d have more wine out, with as much as these people drink.”

He was obviously attempting to be funny, so she gave him an obligatory chuckle, followed by, “They must not be familiar with the crowd.”

He continued his attempt to make small talk.

“Which hospital are you with?”

“Oh,” she waved her hand in front of her, “I’m just here with a friend from Boston General.”

“Boston General? Really? I’m on the board there.”

Offff course you are. Fuck!

And the way he said it, like, “gee, what a coincidence” seemed far too phony.

“Huh.” She hoped her laugh didn’t sound nervous. “Small world.”

Come on, bartender, hurry up and bring me my wine already!

“Who are you here with?”

She had a dilemma. She wanted to throw him off the scent and say she was a friend of Alexandra’s, but her gut told her the guy knew exactly who she was there with and was fishing for information.

She decided to answer truthfully.

“Liam McDonnell.”

“You came with Liam?” His surprise felt feigned. “How long have you been dating?”

“Oh, we’re not dating. He’s just a friend.” Lest he think that meant she was available, she quickly added, “I have a boyfriend.”

“And he doesn’t mind that you’re here with Liam?”

“Of course not. He knows Liam is an honorable man.”

He chuckled. “I notice you didn’t say you’re an honorable woman.”

Her spidey senses immediately went on high alert, and she almost abandoned her glass of wine, but realized that would seem suspicious and draw more attention to herself.

He pulled his hand from his pocket and offered it her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. Riley McCormick.”

She took his hand and limply shook it. “Nice to meet you, Riley.”

“Likewise, Ms…?”

“Douglas. Utah Douglas.”

She didn’t miss the way his mouth curved up when she told him her name. Fortunately, the bartender appeared just then and set her wineglass in front of her.

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