Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
The room begins to spin around me, and I clutch the bar for support.
What the hell is happening?
What the hell has my husband been up to for the past year?
It seems everything in his life has become one giant lie—not just his marriage.
“Blythe?” Darryl checks to see if I’m still on the line. “I really don’t know what to make of this. Obviously, he didn’t feel comfortable in telling you.”
“Obviously,” I concur. “Th-thanks,” I stammer, ending the call.
“Everything okay?” Caleb asks, concerned. “You’ve gone ghostly pale.”
“Just fine,” I lie, downing my martini in one go. “See you next time.” I throw a twenty on the counter and exit onto the busy city street. I need my sister. I need to talk to someone who can offer an outsider’s perspective, because right now, I’m too riled up to think clearly. Dialing Samantha’s number, I wait, until once again, I hear her voicemail.
“What is with everyone lately,” I exclaim, drawing cautious glances from those walking by.
I dial once more and when it goes to voicemail, I leave a message. “Sam, please call me. I don’t know where you’ve disappeared to, but I need a voice of reason, and believe it or not, you’re it. Hope you’re okay.”
Ending the call, I ring through to Amanda at the office.
“Boss,” she answers almost immediately. At least someone isn’t screening my calls. “What can I do for you?”
“I need you to find me the best, most ruthless divorce lawyer New York has to offer.”
9
“Where are you heading off to looking all fancy and shit?” Amanda leans against the doorframe, arms crossed and wearing a Cheshire cat grin while admiring my off-the-shoulder classic black dress.
“I’m having dinner with Kane Alexander,” I reply, transferring some items from my handbag to my suede clutch.
“As in a dinner date?”
I laugh. “No, certainly not a dinner date. We will be discussing business. I’m sure he’s keen to talk me into taking on his mysterious project.”
“I’m sure that’s not all he’s keen on taking on.”
I snap closed my clutch and eyeroll toward her. “It’s definitely not like that, so get your mind out of the gutter. I’m hoping I can stir his pot a bit to get more answers from him.”
Amanda frowns, eyes radiating suspicion and humor. “Is stirring the pot code for something sexual?”
“If it is, I don’t wanna know what it means.”
We leave my office, and she takes a seat behind her desk.
“Should I call you with a faux emergency at say… seven?”
“I think I’ve got this. He’s harmless enough.” I make to leave but stop at the door. “Oh, and… can we swap cars tomorrow night? I’m on somewhat of a sleuthing mission.”
“Girl… you’ve got all the excitement going on. But, are you really trusting me with the Audi?”
“I am, but don’t ride people’s asses like you normally do. I want it back without a blemish.”
“And I want to hear all about tonight, no details spared.”
I wave goodbye and stop once more, the thought springing to mind. With all that’s happening with Shawn, I’d forgotten about Kane’s comment.
“One more thing. Do you know the original Red Riding Hood story?”
* * *
“Welcome, Ms. Blakely,” the middle-age balding maître d' smiles, opening the door so I can step inside. I’m momentarily shocked that he greets me by my maiden name since there’s no reason he should know it. I haven’t even used it for seven years. “May I take your coat?”
“Please,” I say turning my back to him and shrugging out of the coat. He disappears into the cloakroom, and I admire the restaurant foyer. It’s all beautiful parquetry floors, Victorian walls and brilliant chandeliers. If Kane is trying to impress, he’s already starting strong.
The maître d' re-emerges. “Mr. Alexander is waiting for you. Please follow me.”
I do so and bypass the few tables occupied with diners who look like they’ve all flown in on private jets.
“Stay calm,” I murmur, feeling nerves dancing around my stomach.
I’m led across the room to the one booth separate from the other diners, our own intimately lit chandelier hanging above.
“Enjoy, Ms. Blakely,” the maître d' says before departing.
Kane stands, holds out his hand, and guides me up the two steps. He pulls me close, kissing my cheek. I feel a rush of something I suddenly want more of, and when his lips brush my ear, the feeling intensifies.
“You look ravishing, Ms. Blakely,” he rumbles, and I smile knowing that, of course, he’s behind the maiden name antic. Kane pulls away and gestures for me to sit. I do so while he takes his place opposite me, immediately pouring me a glass of champagne.
“Very clever,” I say, unable to hide my smile.
He looks up through his lashes, his own smile ever so slightly tilting his lips. “Cooper just doesn’t… suit you.”
“Is that so? Well, I am still married, you know.”