Page 58 of Evidence of Deceit

“Well, it was sad. Unfortunately, he left me with all the bills. I thought I owned my condo, but it turned out it was in his name, and I had to give it up. Not feeling too sympathetic toward him.”

Claire could understand that. Keith may have left her with money and the penthouse, but he also left her with worse—physical and mental scars.

“So, what’s going on with you and Roman?” asked Hillary.

Roman. Claire liked her boss. However, he was a terrible flirt even though he had a girlfriend.

“Nothing.” Claire shrugged. “You know how he is. He flirts with every woman he meets.”

Hillary rolled her eyes. “Thankfully, he hasn’t acknowledged me. Yet. I don’t need the aggravation.”

“I hear you.” Claire sighed. They talked a while until Claire glanced at her watch. “Ugh, I have an early appointment and need to leave.”

Claire pulled out her purse and laid some money down for the drinks. “This was fun; let’s do it again.” She stood and gathered her things.

“You can count on it,” said Hillary.

Chapter Thirty-Two

The receptionist was on the phone when Joe and Hank walked into the gallery. Was she new? Joe wasn’t sure, but then again he had only been here one time. Not bad looking in a rough sort of way. She kind of reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t place who. Didn’t matter. He was here for Claire.

They had just come back from a quick job, and Joe was anxious to see Claire. He’d already taken a ribbing from Hank about being pussy-whipped. As far as he was concerned, he was happy to be called pussy-whipped as long as Claire was doing it.

“So, big guy, I know you’re jealous, but I thought you were in a relationship with—” Joe stopped to remember her name. “Wanda? Wendy?” He snapped his fingers. “Willow, that’s it.”

Joe saw a sadness pass through Hank’s eyes, but it passed quickly.

“Shit, that was a while ago. Willow decided she liked the partner in her advertising firm better than a sap who was working his way up in a security firm, was always in danger and constantly leaving for a job.” Hank shook his head. “She thoughtit was cool to tell everyone that I was a security guard but hated that I had to cancel plans if a job came up. I really thought she was it for me, but I’m better off playing the field.” He cut the air with his hand. “No more serious relationships for me.”

They waited impatiently while the receptionist took down a person’s information. Joe was anxious to see Claire.

The receptionist put up her finger—one second. She smiled apologetically and winked at them.

“Although I might change my mind,” said Hank, giving the receptionist a big smile.

She was finally off the phone.

“Is Claire around?” Joe asked.

The woman nodded but not before making a distinctive grimace. Joe wondered what was up with that. He shrugged.Maybe she’s having a bad day.

“She’s on the third floor. You can take the elevator up.” She pointed toward a single elevator.

Joe pressed the button and got in. The elevator dinged as it opened to a vast expanse of space. Paintings were hanging on the wall, leaning against the wall, in boxes, stacked high. Claire was in a corner with a clipboard in her hands, a man breathing over her shoulder.

Who the hell was that? Joe had the urge to go over and fling the man aside, but at that moment, Claire looked over.

“Joe.” She gave him a broad smile and walked over to him. The man stepped back from her and squinted his eyes. His lips pursed.

“Hey, sweetheart. I just got home and couldn’t wait to see you.”

He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. A soft growl from the man had Joe staring at him.

“I’m so glad.” She turned to the man. “Joe, I want you to meet Roman Ferrier. He owns the gallery.”

Joe stepped around Claire and shook hands with Roman. Perhaps a little too hard. Roman winced but didn’t remove his hand.What the hell was going on with this douchebag?He was definitely hitting on Claire. Joe made a mental note to ask Claire about it.

Hillary couldn’t help noticingthe two handsome, muscular men walking into the gallery.Oh my!Her mouth watered as the tall, dark-haired one sauntered up to her desk. They were waiting impatiently but tough for them. Answering the phone was part of her job—a job she needed to keep for the time being.

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