Page 16 of One Hot Deal

"We'll teach you to play poker."

Derek looks at me, then speaks to Hugh."I think Diana's not in the mood for a complicated card game.Maybe we should give up on that idea."

"Go fish is easy," Avery says.

He glances at me again, and something in my expression must have clued him in to the fact I'm uncomfortable with this entire situation."We shouldn't be playing games, anyway.I'm here to do my job, not horse around.And I'm sure Diana has things she needs to do."

"I get why you're working on Saturday," Avery says."But why would Diana need to slave away today?She deserves the weekend off.So do you.I'm sure we can all take one day to have a little fun.If not games, then how about lunch at a nice restaurant?You can guard Diana while we do that."

Derek looks at me yet again, but this time he raises his brows."What do you think of that idea?You do need some downtime.You're the hardest working woman on the planet."

Avery and Hugh both stare at Derek.They seem surprised by what he said, though I can't imagine why.It was hardly a shocking statement.A bit of hyperbole, but not a shock.I'm sure there are other people on earth who work harder than I do.

Hugh clears his throat."Are we going to lunch, then?It's a bit early for that, but we could take a walk along the river first for some fresh air."

Since it seems unlikely that our guests will leave without convincing us to do something with them today, I surrender."Yes, a walk and lunch would be lovely."

Chapter Seven

Derek

Hugh and Avery have become so annoying lately, probably because they're drunk on pre-wedding bliss.I know how stubborn my sister can be, so I realized quickly that she wouldn't give up on the idea of spending the day with me and Diana.I really am working today.This isn't a play date, not for me.But once my baby sister roped her fiancé into whatever plan she devised, I knew there was no stopping the meddling train.

"I need to change clothes," Diana says."This dress isn't appropriate for a walk."

"Sure it is," I say."If you wear flats instead of heels."

Now I'm a fashion expert.Jeez, I just want to get this day over with so I can stop watching Hugh and Avery give us knowing looks and whisper to each other.Whatever they think they're meddling about, it's bullshit.If they screw up my plan to win Diana over, I'll strangle the pair of them.

Yeah, it's clear Diana is very uncomfortable.

"Let her wear whatever she wants," Avery says."Since when do you care about her clothes?You're her bodyguard, not her fashion consultant."

"Well, uh, I—Never mind."

Diana hustles upstairs.

Hugh and Avery have dressed casually, and I imagine Diana will do the same.I didn't bring any extra clothes, which means I'll be the odd man out who's wearing a suit and tie.

Avery walks up to me and studies my suit."You don't look like you're out for a walk along the river.At least take off your tie."

Yeah, my sister can sometimes read my mind.At least it feels that way."I'm working, Avery.You three are the ones goofing off."

I kind of doubt Diana does "goofing off," but I couldn't think of anything else to say.

The woman herself comes down the stairs, and I can't help staring at her.Diana is wearing is the sweats she only ever puts on when she goes for her private walks along the Thames.She has her hands tucked into the pockets of her hoodie, and tennies cover her feet.But it's the scrunchy thing holding her hair back in a ponytail that has me reeling.The only time Diana ever pulls her hair back is during her twice-weekly walks.I've seen her this way many times before, but for some reason, it affects me differently today.For some reason?Sure, it's a big mystery.Not like I screwed her ten minutes ago.

With everyone else dressed for the weekend, I will stand out like a neon-pink flamingo.So I take off my tie and stuff it in my pants pocket.My fingers brush against lace.Oh, shit.That's Diana's panties in my pocket.With my tie in there too, my pocket now sports a conspicuous lump.

Diana glances at my hip.Her eyes widen, but only for half a second.She must've realized why that lump is there.

I toss my tie onto the sofa.

"Take off your jacket too," Avery suggests."Then you'll seem more casual."

"I'm fine this way.Stop being bossy."

"Don't get grumpy with me."

---