Page 27 of Dead Heat

“I’m glad you’re still excited to learn.”

“Did you know you’re far less likely to develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s if you continue to learn new information as you get older? There was a study done on a group of nuns…”

I was beginning to see Nana Pratt’s point. I held up a finger. “Hold that thought. As much as I’d like to hear you wax poetic about a group of nuns, I really need to get moving.”

“You only just got home. Where to now?”

“I need to apologize to someone, and a wise man once told me that apologies were best given in person.”

Ray stroked his chin. “Very sage advice, if I do say so myself.”

Nana Pratt rolled her eyes. “It was you, wasn’t it?”

CHAPTER FIVE

I marchedinto the Devil’s Playground like a woman on a mission—because I was. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of Kane. He stood alone behind the counter, hunched over a spreadsheet. The ends of his dark blonde hair curled around the collar of his shirt, which was unbuttoned far enough to offer a tantalizing glimpse of his broad chest. Even mundane tasks couldn’t dampen his sex appeal.

He glanced up as I approached. “Those heavy footsteps made me think you were Josephine.”

Ignoring the swell of desire, I slapped my hands on the counter and forced my focus away from his bare skin. “I have a few things to say, but I’d like to start with the most important.”

Kane straightened. “Is it that bad? You look a bit flushed.”

No surprise. Ever since our sexcapades, my body seemed to burn with the intensity of a thousand stars whenever he was near. Any stronger and I’d start to worry about internal combustion.

“It isn’t bad. Just awkward.” Apologies didn’t comenaturally to me, especially when the recipient was someone I cared about deeply. “I’m sorry for snapping at you earlier and then hanging up. It wasn’t my finest moment.”

His whisky-colored eyes softened. “It was my fault for riding you too hard. It was unfair, especially after asking you to help Alessandro.”

Aaaand my mind went straight to the gutter. “Never apologize for riding me too hard.”

His eyes glinted with mischief. “Careful, Miss Clay. The room is very empty right now.” He ran a hand along the countertop. “And the counter is very clean.”

Gods, that was more tempting than I would’ve expected. Then again, Kane could make the kitchen sink look appealing.

Stay on task, Lorelei. “Why is the lounge empty right now?”

“We have a delayed opening this evening.”

“Anything I need to know?”

“Alessandro called out and it took time to find a suitable substitute.”

“Where’s Dantalion?”

“He’s in the city picking up a crate of bottles from a supplier,” Kane said.

“Your supplier doesn’t deliver?”

“Not this particular brand, no. It gets the white glove treatment.”

“What is it?”

Kane slid aside the spreadsheet. “I’m sure you’re not here to talk business.”

“Not bar business, no. I had an interesting encounter at my house.”

His eyebrows drew together. “Not The Corporation.”

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