Page 70 of Dreaming of You

"She really liked your suggestion on the Conservatory of Flowers. I have you to thank for that."

"Looks like you're back in my debt," he said lightly.

"Should I ask what the payoff will be this time?"

"I'll have to think on that."

She pulled into the driveway of Andrea's house, which was a three-story mansion in Pacific Heights. "We're here. Let's check in with Andrea and then start unloading."

* * *

Andrea Donovan was an attractive blonde, who gave Kate a tight hug when they greeted. Then she turned to him with a curious smile.

"Barrett Fox, Andrea Donovan," Kate introduced.

"It's nice to meet you," Andrea said. "I didn't know Kate was bringing a date. You are her date, right?"

"I believe so," he said with a grin. "I think I'm also the muscle, judging by the amount of items packed in Kate's car."

"Good. We can use some muscle. Alex had a meeting run long, so he won't be here for another twenty minutes."

"No problem. Barrett and I can handle it. I don't want you to do a thing," Kate said. "Where's Conor?"

"He's taking a late nap."

"I can't wait to see him." Kate turned to him. "Conor is Andrea's baby boy. He's adorable."

"And he'll be with our nanny most of the evening," Andrea said. "Tonight is couples' night. Liz is leaving Josh with her sister. And Jessica got a babysitter for Brandon."

"Well, you know we love the kids," Kate said.

"Yes, so do I," Andrea said with a laugh. "But it's also nice to have a break."

They spent the next fifteen minutes unloading the car. Eventually, everything was spread across the massive counters in Andrea's gourmet kitchen. He was a little surprised there was no help around, since Andrea had mentioned a nanny, but apparently that was the extent of her staff.

"So tell me your story, Barrett," Andrea said, as she grabbed a carrot off the veggie tray and munched on it.

"I'm a lawyer," he said.

"Well, that's not much of a story."

"Andrea is a television news reporter. You might have seen her on KJTV," Kate put in.

"That's why you look familiar," he said.

"Which means questions are in my nature. How did you and Kate meet?"

"We met in the office building we are currently sharing."

"Oh, wait, you're the guy who got shot by Cupid's arrow?" Andrea asked. "The cynical, arrogant divorce attorney, who is making Kate's life a living hell?"

He glanced at Kate.

She gave him a guilty look. "I might have shared the story of how we met with Maggie and Jessica, who both have big mouths, by the way. And I didn't know you as well then." She turned to Andrea. "He's not making life a living hell. He's actually been really good to me. He took care of my grandfather after my grandmother was in an accident. He spent the night with him, so he wouldn't be alone."

"That is very nice," Andrea said, giving him a speculative look. "Sounds like Kate undersold you in the beginning."

"We didn't get off to a good start, but that's changed."

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