“If you could pick any place in the world, where would you go?”

The world? How about the United States?

“I don’t know. There are so many places I want to see.”

Coda had pictures and links saved on her computer. She’d listened to stories every year while in college about her friends who had gone to Mexico or Florida on spring break. She’d always wanted to go with them, but she’d never had the money. She’d hoped she could go to California after graduation for a week with some friends, but her internship at Sage had been unpaid. The hours she’d spent interning forced her to take a leave from the diner for a few months. That put a strain on their household income.

“I want to take you away.” He continued to play with her hair. “I need a break and I want get to know you better.”

“When?”

“I have to secure this account but then I’d like to go. Maybe in a week?”

“I thought you didn’t do anything on impulse.”

“A week ago that was true, but then I met you.”

“I have two jobs.” She bit her lip. “I don’t think I could go on such short notice.”

“Maybe I could help you find a new job. One that you could use your education for.”

“I go on interviews. I’ll find something eventually.” She’d only been out of school five months. She’d land a job in her field soon.

“I’m sure you will but I know people. I understand if you don’t want to work at Cannon and Carrington.”

That’s my dream.

“Let me help you.”

“You don’t even know if I’m any good.” She laughed.

“I know you’re good.” He shot her his signature grin. The one that made her want to drop to her knees and take care of him.

“You’re so dirty.” She shoved his arm.

“You like it when I’m dirty.” He pulled her to him and nipped at her bottom lip. “And rough.”

“Hmm.” She closed her eyes and let him take control of the kiss. Before long his tongue explored her mouth and his hands played with the hem of her shirt.

“Let me take you away,” he mumbled against her mouth. “Let me show you things you’ve only dreamed of.”

“You already have.”

When Andrew pulled up in front of Coda’s house and stopped the car, her heart sped up. Somehow she’d managed to put the inevitable out of her head. The weekend was over but the conditions had changed, hadn’t they? He wanted to take her on vacation. Maybe he’d want to pursue something with her now that they were back in New York. Only one way to find out.

Ask him.

“Hey.” She turned in his arms. “I was wondering if—” She stopped when he reached into his pocket and pulled out a check.

“What were you wondering?” He stroked her cheek. “Did you pick a place? Where would you like to go?”

“What’s that?”

“This?” He waved the check in front of her. “It’s the other half of the money I owe you.”

“Oh.” Her smile faded.

“Don’t look so disappointed. It was part of the agreement. This is yours.” He handed it to her. “You earned it.”