Page 4 of Diamonds & Deception

“It’s nice to meet you, Drake. My name is Lenora, but my friends call me Nora.” I shake his hand, and he draws me closer, lifting our joined hands to his lips, and placing a kiss on the inside of my wrist.

“The pleasure is all mine, Nora.”

Holy firecracker, the man is sex on a stick. Daisy pulls on her leash, and Drake releases my hand. We continue our stroll along Commonwealth Avenue.

“What is it you do, Lenora?”

It feels wrong to have him call me that. Even though I’m using my best friend as an alias, I’d rather him use my name.

Our names started our friendship at Boston College. We were both English majors with similar names. Our professors often confused us. By our sophomore year, we became roommates and instant best friends. Lenora and Nora, sometimes Nora squared when others forgot which was which.

“You can call me Nora.”

“Friend status in a matter of minutes. I like where we’re heading.”

I chuckle. “I’m a food blogger.”

“Food. One of my top three favorite things.”

“Really? What are the other two?”

“Numbers and...” He glances down at me, giving me a sly grin. “We may need to wait until the second date to talk about the third. Granted, it ranks much higher than playing with numbers.”

I feel my cheeks turn bright pink. Or it could be the excursion since I already put in two miles before crashing into Drake.

“Second date, huh? We haven’t even had a first.” I’m feeling bold, and hopeful I can get the information I need before my four weeks are up. Lenora will be back in town and will need her apartment—and identity—back, and I’ll need to meet with my boss in Philly.

However, I could meet with Kendra via video conference. I rarely go into the office anymore, working remotely from my apartment outside the city. My travel is limited, only when Kendra wants me to scout a location or meet my interviewees in person. You can learn more about someone in person than over the computer.

“I work nights but can break for dinner if you’re free this week. I’m guessing you like to make restaurant recommendations based on your career.”

If he only knew I’m simple when it comes to food choices. I have a monthly subscription to a company that ships healthy prepared meals freeze-packed, so all I have to do is throw them in the microwave. I pick from dozens of delicious meals and place an order every few weeks.

“I don’t review restaurants in Boston. I mostly do destination spots and review there. I travel a lot.”

“Must be hard having a dog.”

Shit.“Yeah. But my love for animals runs deep. It’s nice to come home to my fur baby after being on the road for a few weeks. I have neighbors and friends who help out.”

I pray that makes sense. What do people who travel frequently do with their pets? Is there a company or service they use? I should have researched that.

“So, is that a yes?”

“Sure.” I try to sound casual and not too desperate to go out with Drake. Not because he’s panty-melting hot, but because he’s a person of interest in the case I’m investigating.

“Your level of enthusiasm is making my ego soar.”

I laugh. “I’m pretty sure your ego doesn’t need any stroking.” I cringe at how that sounds. Kind of bitchy and kind of erotic. “I mean, you’re a good-looking man. I can’t imagine many women turning down a date from you.”

“Be still my heart.” He stumbles and smacks both hands dramatically over his heart.

“And a comedian, to boot.”

Drake turns so he’s facing me and walks backward. “While I’d love to make our stroll through the park last all day, I sadly have a conference call in less than an hour. How does tomorrow night sound?”

“I’m pretty sure I can make that work.”

“Since I have to squeeze you in on my dinner break”—he gives me a wicked grin—“which I absolutely have no problem doing, do you mind coming to Four Aces? I can meet you in the north end lobby at seven.”

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