Page 3 of Indiscreet

Liz shrugged and ran her hand through her new long red hair. “I recently got a makeover.”

“I’d say it was more than that,” I murmured. This went beyond her new highlights and layered hairstyle. She was giving off a sexual charge, and just a glance around the restaurant let me know men were responding by gazing over at Liz. Their looks were curious, their smiles full of admiration. She must have felt them looking, but she didn’t discourage them; instead, she just took it in stride.

Yeah, I’ll have whatever she’s on. I wasn’t sure about what had brought this boost in confidence, but I was happy for her, and honestly, downright envious. From the view on the outside, I’d have said she’d hit a gold mine in whatever she was doing now, and I wanted to know more.

“How about another round?” Astrid asked.

“Sure, but I’ll be right back,” Liz said, rising to go to the restroom. I stood up too, and Astrid minutely shook her head.

“You’re going again, Gia?”

I lifted a shoulder. “It’s the cocktails.” It was a little lie, but I wanted a moment alone with Liz.

She was at the sink putting away her phone when I arrived.

“I saw you sucking face at the door,” I said, grinning and poking her shoulder. “Spill.”

She laughed gleefully, and I joined in with her. “God, Gia…I mean, when Marco is around, I just forget myself.”

I couldn’t hide the wide grin that spread across my face. Even his name was sexy. “How did you meet Marco?”

“I may still have the card.” She dug in her purse and handed me a black and white card that said The Agency. “That’s how.”

“What is it?” I stared down at it

“It’s like a matchmaking service,” she said.

I wrinkled my nose. “I hate that shit.” I held the card out for her to take back. “No thanks.”

She pushed it back toward me. “This one is different. It’s exclusive,” she explained, leaning against the counter. “What I’ve found and learned…it’s beneficial in many ways.”

I shook my head. “Is this another one of those hot new online matchmaking companies? I can’t put my photo and information online.”

Along with the non-disclosure we’d agreed on to get Patrick to finally sign, he’d added a clause that we both agreed to avoid public relationships until after his re-election the next year, and not to embarrass each other in any scandal. If that happened, it would make the agreement null and I’d have to give him half of the money and property created during our marriage, so I had agreed. It could include some of my family inheritance released during the marriage and dividing up my company, neither of which I would ever risk losing.

“This one is strict about being secretive,” she said. “You know how it is with hacking, social media—it’s hard to have any privacy. From what I’ve found, they pride themselves on being discreet. This isn’t going online. It’s invitation only, but I have no doubt they’ll take you. I’ll check tonight.” She pointed down to the card. “You’ll need to present it to gain access to their building.”

“So, men like Marco are available at this agency?” I asked.

“Yes, and I would go with you, but we’re together now,” she boasted brazenly. “I didn’t meet him right away. There were other men before him—many.”

My mouth dropped open. Well, Liz was full of surprises tonight. “Many? Damn, slow down, woman.”

She lowered her head. “I’d only been with Richard. Christmas Eve would have been our tenth anniversary…” Her voice faltered.

I took her hand. Her husband Richard’s death the year before had been hard for her. I was happy she was trying to move on with her life. “I was teasing. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m fine,” she assured me. “Anyway, his name is Marco and he’s wonderful. He treats me like a queen. I would have introduced you to him, but he had a working dinner with his friend Dane Westbrook.”

“Dane?” I said in as casual a tone as I could muster. “Was that the name of the other man?”

She blotted her lip and grinned. “Saw him too, eh? You interested? I only just met him. I’m not sure he’s available, but The Agency has plenty of good-looking men. They’re sure to have whatever you might be looking for. The more detailed you are, the better the match. You can get a man that’ll take you for a picnic in the park, or you can go to the other extreme and get one who will tie you up, just like some of those erotica books you were always reading.” She giggled.

I powdered my face. “Were? Still am. You have the same books, need I remind you?” I pointed out, laughing. “I’m not interested in being treated like some personal blow-up doll.”

She laughed and said, “You don’t have to. It’s about finding what you want and exploring who you are. I’ll make the call for you. Text you later.” She moved toward the door.

“Wait, I haven’t agreed,” I called after her.

She paused in the doorway. “I know how you want to be treated, Gia. Try it out. It’s better than being lonely.”

“I don’t know…” I said. Then again, what did I have to lose? Awkward online dates and mediocre app hook-ups?

Astrid opened the bathroom door then came inside and took our arms. “Come on back to our seats, you two. The food is getting cold at the table.”

“We’re coming,” I said hurriedly, collecting my purse. Before I closed it, I took another glimpse down at the card. It was a chance for a change. I might be able to expand my prospects and find a man more compatible with me; I couldn’t just throw that away. I quickly tucked the card into my bag.

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