Page 11 of One Hot Deal

Avery grins."You guys finally agree on something.It's a miracle."

I finish up my eggs and bacon just so my sister won't fuss over me like I'm a toddler.I swear once she actually did the airplane thing to try to make me eat more—and that happened last year.Women are weird.Avery might drive me crazy sometimes, but I love her anyway.Even if she is marrying Lord Sticky.

But Diana drives me crazy in a different way.

The three of us collaborate to clean up after our meal, which results in plenty of sarcastic jibes, mostly between me and Hugh.He's a good guy, and I can't deny he makes my sister very happy.I never could've imagined Avery would hook up with a British aristocrat, but all I care about is her happiness.I'm looking forward to having a niece or nephew.I bet that will happen soon.

I've just walked out of the swanky building where Hugh and Avery live when my phone rings.I answer with my usual greeting, but I barely have a chance to do that before a familiar voice interrupts.

"There's been an incident," Diana says."Nothing serious, but I thought I should let you know."

I freeze, and the couple coming up behind me almost stumble into me.They give me annoyed looks, but I'm focused on what Diana said."What's wrong?"

"Wesley and Sheldon got food poisoning.They wanted to go out for breakfast and they both chose to eat Greek gyros from a dodgy street vendor.I bought croissants from a respectable cafe."

"Are the guys okay?"

"Yes.I took them to the nearest hospital, and the doctor assured us they'll be fine.But they won't be able to fulfill their duties today."

"I'll meet you at your flat.I can be there in twenty."

"Minutes?"

I stifle a chuckle."Yes, Diana, minutes."

"But surely one of your other employees—"

"This is the weekend, and Geoffrey and Ellie need some downtime.I'll take over until Wes and Sheldon can resume their duties."

"But you need a weekend break too."

"Don't worry about me."I rush to the curb and wave at a taxi.As the driver pulls over, I yank the door open."Relax, Diana.I'll be there soon."

"No, I'll be fine alone.Do not come here."

"Shut up, Diana.I'm coming."

I hang up and jump into the taxi, instructing the driver to take me to my flat first.I need to change clothes.Hugh "accidentally" spilled tea on my shirt.He offered to buy me a new shirt and a matching suit, one that would undoubtedly cost more than my college education, but I told him not to bother.

Does Diana not want me at her place because of our kiss last night?I think that must be the reason.If she can't handle a mind-blowing lip-lock, I don't get how she thinks she can manage to have sex with me repeatedly.

But I've got a plan.It came to me while Diana was trying to talk me out of going to her flat to take over protection duties.She sounded almost panicked when I informed her I would be there in twenty minutes.My place is only two miles away from Hugh and Avery's flat, and it only takes me a few minutes to change.

Since I paid the taxi driver to wait for me, I get on my way again quickly and reach Diana's flat on time, ringing the bell to let her know I'm here.

The door swings open.Diana blinks rapidly, then glances over her shoulder and looks at me."It's been precisely twenty minutes.The clock on the cooker confirms it."

"A cooker is an oven, right?"

She nods.

"You know I'm always on time.If I say I'll be someplace in twenty minutes, that's when I show up."

Diana just stands there gaping at me.She's wearing a knit dress, kind of like a full-body sweater, and the fabric clings to every curve of her shapely figure.Am I surprised that she dressed up on Saturday?Nope.She does that a lot.

I take hold of her upper arm to gently urge her to back up so I can walk inside the flat and shut the door.

She still can't stop staring at me."You're wearing a suit."

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