Page 13 of Sexy Bad Escort

“Ididn’t.” Not really.We’ve known each other a while. We’ve even worked togetherto create not one but two perfect weddings, so I was aware of whatI was getting into. Besides, starting at the top of this businessmeans I’m not fighting for promotions with people like Carl Blue.As soon as I realized that, I knew Rent-A-Danny was going to be mybest bet. Start small and then build on it.

My phonerings, and I glance at where I left it on the table beside the vasefull of sunflowers. “Crap. It’s my mother.”

Herelinquishes my wrist,and I put a finger to my lips, motioning him to bequiet.

He nodsand moves his attention to the laptop screen as he scrolls throughthe testimonials his clients have left so far. They adorehim.He’s handsome,attractive, smells good, makes them laugh, gives them confidence.Refuses to sleep with them.

I clearmy throat and answer myphone. “Hi, Mom.”

“Whydoes your Facebook status sayit was posted in Chicago? You wouldn’t come home and nottell us, would you? Are you trying to avoid us? We don’t get to seeyou often enough.”

Ugh. Ishouldhave known she’dnotice something as small as the location on my posts. My motherhas always had an eye for the smallest detail, which I’m proud tohave inherited because it’s invaluable in decorating, but not somuch when you’re hiding things from her. “I’m not avoiding you,Mom. I was going to tell you I’m in town. I’ve just beenbusy.”

“Howcould you have been so busy that you can’t take five minutes tocall your mother?”

“Well,I...”I quit my job andmoved home to start up a company with Erin’s best friend, sellingdates to women who need an escort. I moved home to Chicago so Icould monopolize a man for material gain. And the reason I’mavoiding you is because I know the minute I let you know I’m home,you’re going to start worrying about why your daughter, who shouldbe gaga for babies and white dresses, refuses to date anyone whocould possibly give her those things. Of course, we’ll have tofollow that up with at least an hour of poring over every availableman you’ve collected in your address book.

“I’m justsaying it would have been nice if you’d called.”

“Sorry,Mom.”

“Andyou’ll come visit this afternoon.We’ll have tea. You need to meet the new neighbor.He’s a single dad. Poor man lost his wife—”

“I’m notsure.I have animportant meeting that might turn into drinks with a client.” Iglance at Danny. Even though we’ve known each other more than ayear now, I don’t know anything about his family. Does he have asister? Do his parents have expectations they refuse to let go of?Does his father think that just because he’s a guy, he should beconquering the world the way my mother seems to believe I should beconquering marriage and family?

“Here.”Danny holds his hand out for my phone. I don’t know why I give itto him other than the way he’slooking at me like he’s got this. Have to say, if that’sthe way he’s treating our clients, I can see why they’re tipping sobig.

He takesmy phone and puts it to his ear, a smile spreading across his face. “Hi, Mama Frost. How’smy favorite matriarch?”

“Oh.” Hetakes a sip of his coffee and sneaks a hand into the paper bag onthe counter. Should have known he’d eyeballed my pastry while my back was turned. “Weran into each other this morning. Getting coffee at the sameplace.” He snorts. “Yes, of course she paid for it. Bought me aDanish too.” He rips into it with his teeth.

I glowerat him and mouth, “One. I onlyhave one.”

“Ofcourse they aren’t as good as yours. You make the best blueberryDanishes I’ve ever had.”He waves the remains of it in my direction as if to say,wantit? When he grins, I seechunks of flaky pastry between his teeth.

Folding myarms across my chest, I shake my head.

His lipscurl up as his gaze drops to my breasts. “No, I don’t know how longshe’s in town.Right.Yes, she absolutely should have called.”

“Are youkidding?” I whisper, shoving at his chest. “Give meback myphone.”

Hegrins at meas he catches my hand, keeping it glued to his pec, which is hardunder the softness of his shirt. “Yes, she should absolutely meetyour neighbor. What did you say his name was? Ben? Right. Afternoontea. And I’m invited too? Danishes?”

I can’tbelieve he’s managed to sweet-talk my mother into making pastries for him.

“Absolutely. She’ll be there.” He chuckles. “No. No, if Ihave toI’ll pick her upand carry her, but I’m sure that won’t be necessary. She reallydoes want to see you. I think she’s already rearranging her meetingfor this afternoon.”

“I’m going tokill you,” I mouth at him.

“Ofcourse I will. I wouldn’t miss it, Cynthia. Okay. Ta-ta for now.” He hangs up andgives me my phone. “There. All sorted.”

“Letgoof my hand,” I snapat him, yanking my fingers out of his grip. “Do you realize whatyou just did?”

“IDanny-ed yourmother.”

“YouDanny-ed...”I sputter into my hand. “That’s so wrong. My mother is not one ofyour clients.”

“I gother off your back, didn’t I?” He pops the last bite of my pastry into hismouth.

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