Page 89 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
“I wouldn’t want to interrupt.”
“No, it’s fine.” She got off the treadmill and started toward the door. “I’m on my way.”
She emerged from the building. I ended the call as she hurried toward me, leaping over a hill of plowed snow. She got in and smiled, her eyes shining with excitement.
“I did it. I can’t believe I did it.”
“You were brilliant.” I pulled out of the parking spot and drove onto the street. “I knew you would be.”
She let out a breath. “I thought for sure he was going to ask me to coffee or something.”
“No, you planted the perfect seed. Besides, he wants to show off. If I had to bet, he’s thinking he’ll be the one to wine and dine you the right way.”
“That’s what I was thinking too.”
“You have good instincts.”
“Thanks. Let’s hope I can pull off the next step. Having dinner at his house is going to be a much bigger deal than flirting at the gym. And I don’t want to have to do this twice. If he’s not involved with the necklace, I don’t want to lead him on.”
“You won’t have to. I only need one shot. I’ll find out the truth.”
She smiled. “Okay. Is it bad that that was kind of fun?”
“Not bad at all. You’re good at this.” I glanced at her. “I’m glad I have you as my partner.”
Her smile was like the sun breaking through the clouds on an icy cold day. “Me too.”
The trap was set. Soon, it would be time to spring it.
CHAPTER 23
Natalie
Iwas surprisingly calm as I drove to Julian’s. I did feel a bit more like I was on the way to the dentist than to a date, fake or otherwise, but I wasn’t afraid.
In fact, I was a little bit excited.
Houses sparkled with Christmas lights, and I turned on a playlist of soothing instrumental Christmas music. Nina had caught me leaving, but I’d explained my outfit—a shimmery silver blouse, black pants, and heels—by telling her I was going out with Jensen. It wasn’t a lie, exactly. We were both going out, and to the same place.
It was going to be fun to tell her the entire story once the necklace was back with its rightful owner. She was hardly going to believe it.
“I’m in position,” Jensen said quietly through the earpiece. “How are you feeling? Ready for this?”
“I’m ready.” I turned onto Julian’s street. “A little nervous, but not as much as I thought I’d be.”
“Good. You look beautiful.”
I smiled. “Thank you.”
“I hate that another man gets to spend time with you tonight.”
“Don’t worry,” I said, recalling what he’d said to me at the Snowflake Ball. “It’s all part of the game.”
“Indeed. Once you’re inside, I’ll try not to interfere unless I’m needed. And darling, if he does anything to make you feel unsafe, leave. We can always come up with a new plan.”
“I will.” I turned onto his driveway. “I’m here.”
“Brilliant. Go get him, beautiful.”
