Page 145 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“You could say that.”

“I’ve always wanted to live in New York,” Viv said. “It seems so exciting.”

“Now that you’re a free woman, you should come check it out,” Nico said. “I’d be happy to show you around.”

“Would you? I’d like that.”

Nico handed her a business card. “Let me know when you’re coming to town. I’ll pick you up at the airport.”

“My, aren’t you chivalrous?”

“How about you?” Monica said to Petry. “Are you going to show me around when I fly out there?”

“Honey, not only would I pick you up at the airport, I’ll also get you a suite at the Four Seasons.”

“Sign me up.”

He put an arm around her, and she let herself be pulled against him. “Nothing but the best for a beautiful woman like you.”

She playfully batted him and eased away. “Charmer.”

The flirting continued for a few more minutes before Viv said, “What was it you said you did? Something about helping other companies?”

“I help them reach their full potential.”

“That was it! My financial adviser says I should always be on the lookout for good investment opportunities. Are you out here for an up-and-coming company? And if so, should I buy some of their stock?”

Both men stilled.

“Did I say something wrong?”

“Not at all,” Petry said. “It’s just…”

“It’s just that we can’t talk about deals in progress,” Nico finished for him.

“I bet it’s one of those insider trading kinds of things, isn’t it?” Monica said.

“Something like that,” Petry said.

A member of the restaurant staff approached them. “Is one of you Mr. Savage?”

Nico raised a finger. “That’s me.”

“Your table’s ready.”

“Would you ladies like to join us?” Petry said to Monica.

“We’d love to, but we only stopped in for a drink. We’re meeting friends in Santa Monica. If we’d known we were going to run into you, we’d have made different plans.”

“You still could.”

“Tempting, but—” Monica put a hand next to her mouth and stage-whispered, “It’s a bachelorette party.”

“Maybe we should come withyou.”

Monica laughed. “Wouldn’t that be fun? But I’m afraid girls only.”

“How about tomorrow night?” Petry suggested.

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