Page 27 of The Mark (The Players 2)

“Right now, he’s just a guy you used to know. Trust me.” I eyed him warily. “But if you insist on going this route, I’m in itwithyou.”

“Thanks, I’ll call you every chance I get to check in.” He grinned and I could sense somerelief.

“Nope. There’ll be no need for that.” I smiledwryly.

“And why’s that?” Hefrowned.

“I’m going to live with you.” I surprised myself when I said it, but I already knew I meant it. I’m not sure if I felt better orworse.

13

Harry

“We’re goingto go find a house. Right now.” Laney pushed her chair back and stood. “I mean it. You can’t do this alone.Let’sgo.”

“Wait. Where are you living?” I stood and began picking up our mess on the conferencetable.

Laney immediately pitched in, pulling the garbage can over and helping load it. “My firm rented me a place, but I signed an agreement which prevents me from inviting you to move in, hence thehousehunt.”

“How soon do you think we could close a deal?” I wiped the table nervously while awaiting herresponse.

She shrugged. “I don’t know, honestly, but I have to believe in a city where you can get a marriage license and marry minutes later, there has to be a way to secure some real estate.” Laneywinked.

Together we walked to the door and I opened it for her. She jumped a little. “Has no one ever opened a door for you?” I frowned. “I find that very hard tobelieve.”

“I can’t remember the last time I let any guy close enough,” shemurmured.

We had started down the hall toward the elevator when Ty and Kate stepped off. With a smile, Ty held the button for us. “Knees to chest,” he joked. “I can’t wait here all day for you, Harry. And I’m sure Miss Jenner wants to get backtowork.”

“Actually, I’m leaving with Harry,” Laney announced. Ty stiffened and she explained. “I’ve worked a lot of late nights and even the weekend, since I’ve been here. Now, I’m going to leave early and go house hunting withHarry.”

“Do you think this is a good time?” Tyfrowned.

Kate smoothly moved to stand beside him and laid a hand on his chest. “She has put in a ton of hours. If she wants to help Harry, leave her be about it. After all, she’s not an hourly employee. Remember?” She smiled brightly at me and I was rather pleased to have her onmyside.

Then I frowned. There shouldn’t be sides. Why would Ty pick Drew over me? “So, I’ll do dinner on my own tonight. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I nodded curtly at him. Then grinned at Kate. “Thank you.” I laid a hand on Laney’s lower back and guided her through the open doors. After hitting the button for the lobby, I gave a slight wave as the doors closed and we began our descent to the ground floor. “Where to?” I asked her as soon as we were good andalone.

“Well, I guess a realtor. There must be one who wants to take some highly motivated clients, one of whom is wealthy, on immediately.” She laughedquietly.

“Okay.” I opened Safari on my phone and began to search. “Luxury homes.” I nodded. “Let me give these guys a call. Can you have the valet bring my cararound.”

Laney nodded and walked through the sliding doors to hand the waiting young man my ticket. He nodded at her and scurried away. Meanwhile, after the fourth ring, I finally had a realtor on the phone. “Hello, this is Jay. How can Ihelpyou?”

“Do you have any homes that are vacant, furnished, and ready to go?” I really could be this guy’s dream client if he’d work fastenough.

“Yes, we have at least five that I can think of. When would you like to see them?” He had quickly turned all suave realtoronme.

“This is my cell. Text me the address of the first one on your list and I’ll meet you there.” I sighed impatiently. Already the valet had returned with my car and Laney was waiting for me to come join her. When I saw her reaching inside of her purse for a tip, I strode out the doors and waved. “I’ve got this.” Then I yanked my wallet out of my back pocket and passed the guy atwenty.

“Sir, I didn’t get your name, your requirements, or your price range. Shall we startthere?”

I rolled my eyes. “No price limit. Must be three bedrooms and three baths minimum. I’d like a pool, possibly a golf course, and nothing too contemporary.” Ihuffed.

“Your name?” His voice crackedslightly.

“Harry. Harry Spencer.” I opened the car door for Laney. As soon as she was in, I closed it. Then I walked around to thedriver’sside.

“Oh, are you any relation to the Harry Spencer of Spencer Studios?” I could practically hear him salivating, although I was shocked he’d heardofme.

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