Page 100 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“You’re just now figuring that out?” Stone said.

“I blame jet lag.”

To Viv, Stone said, “When did you get in?”

“Around three a.m.”

“You must be exhausted,” Monica said.

“I slept most of the flight, so I’m not too tired yet.”

“Have you two eaten?” Stone asked.

“Two hours ago,” Dino said.

“Then I guess it’s just you and me,” Stone said to Monica. “What would you like?”

“What are my choices?”

“Room service can whip up pretty much anything you might want.”

“I keep forgetting we’re in the middle of a hotel.”

“Think of it as a fancy resort,” Dino said.

“Itisa fancy resort.”

“See? You’ve already adapted.”

“Breakfast?” Stone reminded her.

“Right. Eggs Benedict?”

“One of my favorites. Anything else?”

“Some strawberries, if they have any.”

“Done.”

Stone called in their order, and they joined Dino at the table.

Monica checked her phone, then frowned and set it down.

“Still no word?” Stone asked.

“No.” She had sent Tristan several texts since the premature end to their meeting the previous evening, but he had yet to respond. “The gallery opens at eleven. I’ll call him there.”

“Tell him you’re planning on coming by again. I have a feeling he’ll agree to an alternate location to keep you from showing up.”

“That’s devious. I like it.”

“Unfortunately, in my line of work not all the people I come in contact with are on the up-and-up.”

“I thought you’d have a better clientele than that.”

“Not my clients. More the people with whom my clients have issues.”

“Ah, so youarea bastion of truth and justice.”

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