Page 22 of The Best of Friends

“It’s more than that. Friendship works both ways. If she had a problem, she should have said something.”

“You’re using logic. This isn’t a logical situation. This is female friendships.”

“Words that sound scary, I’ll admit. But the truth is, you get to have a life. She’s been living on another continent for years. She can be pouty. Don’t let her boss you around.”

“You’re taking my side.”

He grinned. “Part of my charm. Admit it. I’m the highlight of your day.”

He was, but she couldn’t even joke about that. “I broke my wrist about thirty hours ago. It’s a pretty low bar.”

“A win’s a win.”

She laughed, enjoying her time with David. He was fun—something she’d always known. But until the last couple of days, she’d never had the full force of his charms focused on her. It made thinking with a clear mind impossible

Time for a change of subject, she told herself, searching for something safe. “Elizabeth mentioned you were moving to L.A. permanently. Is that true?”

“I’m ready to give up my traveling ways. I’ve seen the world, found plenty of exciting gemstones.”

“You’ll have cocktail party conversation for a lifetime.”

“You don’t think people will get tired of hearing about the time headhunters had me trapped?”

“Unlikely.”

He leaned toward her. “I have a favor to ask.”

Was it possible he wanted to see her naked? Because that would totally work for her.

“Which is?”

“You’re not going to blindly say yes?” he asked.

“Do I look stupid?”

He grinned. “No. You look good.”

She thought about her ratty clothes and messy hair, but decided to take the comment in the deranged spirit in which he must have meant it.

Their eyes locked. She felt and heard an actual click as they stared at each other. Jayne told herself to look away or at least blink. Somewhere in the complex, a door slammed. She jumped.

“The, ah, favor?” she asked, reaching for her wine.

“I’m buying a house.”

“Okay.”

“Apparently this isn’t something a man should do on his own.” He pointed at her wrist. “Based on what Katie said last night, you won’t be going back to work for a while. Would you mind helping me? Looking at property with me and giving me your opinion?”

She said the only thing she could think of. “Why do you care what I think?”

He looked puzzled. “Why not? You’re smart, you have good taste, and I think it would be fun.”

How did he know this about her?

He sighed. “My mother wants me to have a woman along,” he admitted. “She’s not on my short list, but she trusts you.”

Now this was making sense. “So you’re using me to keep your mother at bay.”

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