Page 57 of Kiss Me

“Not exactly like that. It’s not like he needs the money,” I say. “Still, I did give him a little something to occupy your assistant’s time.”

I realize I put my foot in it when Liza and Tania gasp.

“You did what?”

“Shit.” I replay the comment over in my mind and realize how possibly, not good it sounds.

“He didn’t pay me!” Keith says. “I mean … yeah, he did, but I tried to give the money back to him.”

“What was he talking about when he said ‘it’s not like you need the money’?” Liza questions.

“You still haven’t told her who you are?” I look at him with a shake of my head. “Look around you.” I wave my hand around the luxury suite. “The Wilcox Resort.” I jut my head at him. “Ask him what his last name is.”

Her eyes go to Keith. “Wh-What is your last name?”

He visibly swallows, making me wonder what the big damn deal is.

“Wilcox,” Keith finally answers.

Liza’s shoulders shrink. “Unbelievable.” She doesn’t bother excusing herself as she storms out of the room.

“Liza, wait!” Keith calls after her, leaving me and Tania alone.

I shake my head at the door. “Hope he gets it together.”

I sidle up to Tania and attempt to grab her by the waist. She smacks my hands away and not in the playful way either.

“How could you do that?” She points at the door.

“I didn’t do a damn thing.”

Her mouth falls open as she gives me a stunned expression. “You didn’t do anything … Did you not just see my assistant runout of here, visibly upset? Liza doesn’t get upset. She’s the most calm, professional, rational person I know, except for my dad.”

“Everyone has emotions, I suppose.”

“And you just toyed with hers.”

It’s my turn to appear surprised. “I did? No.”

I shake my head adamantly.

“I merely created an opportunity for two people who were obviously eyeing one another to get together. And yes, I did it to have more unencumbered time with you. That’s not something I plan on apologizing for so don’t even think of waiting for it.”

“You son of a bitch.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, working to calm myself. This evening is not going how I wanted it to. I’d much prefer a night alone watching those holiday movies on her list instead of arguing about her assistant.

“Poor Liza’s been hurt. Did you see her face when she ran out of here?”

“I did.” I nod. “It’s because she obviously likes him. And I saw his face. Keith likes her. A lot. They’ll work it out. The money was just a slight incentive, a little push to get him to act on emotion he very clearly already wanted to act on.

“And, it gave you the breathing room you were looking for,” I remind her.

“You mean it gave you what you wanted,” she says before brushing past me.

I follow her as she storms off to her bedroom.

“Hell no,” I say when she tries to slam the door in my face. “What are you even upset about? Liza got to spend time with someone she already wanted to get to know.

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