Page 41 of Conrad

He released a breath.

“She swore off athletes after that. Said they were too in love with their success. Then again, she said that about a musician she dated, and even about a lawyer, the last year of college. But . . .” She sighed. “The only man she ever loved was engaged to her sister—and that’s a story in itself. And then he was killed in a fire. Or was murdered. Either way, don’t be too hurt, Conrad. Penelope has a deep heart. But I’m not sure even she knows what she wants.” She put a hand on his arm. “I’m not saying don’t try. I saw the pictures—you made her smile. That’s a start.” She patted his arm. “Besides, she really is working. She got another lead—she texted me this morning about a file that Beckett sent her before the fire.”

He stilled. “What?”

“Yeah. Said she didn’t check it until after she’d gotten home. It’s encrypted though, so I sent her to Coco.”

“Wyatt’s wife?” His goalie had married a computer wizard.

“Yeah. They’re probably trying to get the file open.”

The phone buzzed in his pocket.

Harper walked back to Jack as Conrad pulled it out, thumbed open the text.

From Penelope.

Penelope

Send me the when and where.

He’d have to call Jones and get the equipment manager to hook him up with their supplier.

Conrad

Okay. We can probably get in tomorrow. I’ll send you details. It’s a date.

He held his breath.

Dots . . .

Penelope

LOL. Good one. Yes, a date.

Weird response. Still, the words lit a little something inside him, and he couldn’t help it.

Conrad

Are you okay?

Immediately.

Penelope

Fine.

He probably shouldn’t ask, but,

Conrad

Did you get a bodyguard?

Blinking. Then,

Penelope

For the love, you’re overreacting.

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