Page 18 of Stuart Woods' Smolder

“Do you think I have unlimited vacation?”

“Based on past history, I’d say yes.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Plus, even if I did, I have too much going on here right now. And don’t forget Viv and I are joining you in L.A. for the board meeting soon, so I’ll be taking time off for that. Any travel before then, you’ll have to do solo.”

“Fine.”

“Dinner tonight?”

“Patroon at seven?”

“Done.”

Stone spent the next hour attempting to review the draft of acontract for a client, but he kept getting distracted by trying to figure out where he should go. He finally gave up and put his computer to sleep.

Maine was out. Memories of the last visit to his house on Islesboro when elements of the Russian mob had tried to kill him were still too fresh. Key West? Possibly. Though he didn’t like the idea of going there alone.

Maybe Joan was right, and he should simply head to L.A. early. He could spend time with Peter and Hattie, and work remotely until the board meeting.

He was reaching for his desk phone to call Peter to make sure he’d be around when his cell phone rang. The caller ID readNo Caller ID.

He scowled. It had to be Lance, calling to brag about how well Carly was doing. Stone almost let it go to voicemail, but ignoring Lance’s calls, no matter how unwanted, was never a good idea.

He hit the accept button.

“Scramble,” a voice said too quickly to be recognized.

“Scramble,” Stone said, confirming his phone was using its CIA-installed encryption. “How can I help you, Lance?”

“I’ve been called many things in my life, but Lance is not one of them.”

Stone instantly relaxed. “Holly. How are you?”

Holly Barker was the president of the United States, Stone’s sometime paramour, and the only woman since Arrington with whom Stone would consider settling down.

“If you’re expecting a call from Lance, we can talk later.”

“Even if I was, he would be the one who would have to wait. Not you.”

“How sweet.”

“You haven’t answered my question. How are you?”

“Feeling like I’m being pulled in a million directions at the same time.”

“So, situation normal.”

“Sadly, yes. I miss you.”

“The feeling is mutual. Say, I’ve been thinking about getting out of the city. How about I come down to D.C. for a few days?”

“That would be lovely, but I won’t be there.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I’m sneaking away for some R & R myself, and I thought perhaps you’d like to join me.”

“Very much. Where and when?”

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