Page 26 of Kiss Me Forever

"Three hundred and eighty-five dollars."

Alex rolled his eyes and dug into his pocket for his wallet. "You want it in twenties or tens?"

"You shouldn't be walking around with that much cash." Mick motioned toward the wad in Alex's hand. "People like you get robbed down here."

"People like me know how to protect themselves. I have you to thank for that."

"Just don't get too comfortable, Alex. When you stop looking over your shoulder is when trouble comes. And I don't need any more money, so put that away. The check you gave me earlier will keep us going for quite a while.

"Good. But speaking of trouble, I need a favor."

"What's that?"

"I may have a problem."

Mick laughed, a knowing gleam in his eyes. "You definitely have a problem, and she's a beautiful blonde named Andrea."

"Yes, but she's not trouble in the way you mean. She's doing a story on me."

"That's not all she's doing on you."

He frowned at Mick's cheerful smile. "Look, Andrea wants to interview you. I probably shouldn't have brought her down here, but I can't take that back now."

"And you want me to cover for you." Mick leaned back in his chair and kicked his feet up on the desk. "I don't know if I should."

"Why not?"

"Secrets eat away at the soul."

"They also protect," he countered. "And you know I'm not just talking about myself."

"If you're so worried about your privacy, why did you agree to the interview?"

"Because I've never had a problem handling a reporter before."

Mick's grin broadened. "She got under your skin."

"Yeah," he admitted. "And she's determined to find out all my secrets."

"Did you really feel it was necessary to warn me to be quiet? I'm insulted, Alex. We've known each other a long time."

"Don't take it that way. Consider it a heads up."

"All right. Since this woman has you rattled, I'll do that. But I don't think it's just her story you're worried about. She's not like those flaky models you date. She's got brains and a mind of her own. And you've always liked a challenge."

Mick was right. He did like a challenge, and he definitely liked Andrea. Her sharp wit, her candor, and even her vulnerability had impressed him. And he had the strangest urge to try to impress her in return, which was really why he'd brought her to the gym in the first place. He'd wanted her to catch a glimpse of a man who did more than party with rich people. But that had been an impulsive mistake.

"I like a challenge," he said, realizing Mick was still waiting for him to comment. "But I'm not stupid. I won't jeopardize everything."

"What happens if she does find something out? What then?"

Alex's mouth tightened into a grim line at the thought. "I'd have to make sure she didn't use it."

"By doing what?"

"Whatever I have to."

"Maybe when Andrea gets here, I should offer her some boxing gloves. She might need them before you're through."

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