Lust and Lies 04 - Pretty Maids in a Row

shod in worn loafers, everything about the man made her want to wrap him up and take him home. And if she had been thirty years younger, she would have. Unfortunately, Holly probably wouldn't even appreciate the snug fit of his slacks.
    She knew she should warn Holly, but then her boss might choose to hide in her office all night to avoid the man. Holly really needed to spend more time with young men, and occasionally Evelyn had to consider Holly's personal needs over being a proper assistant. She decided to keep Mr. Wells' presence to herself.
    At 4:30, Holly emerged from her office. As soon as she entered the reception area, Wells rose to his feet and she halted in her tracks with her mouth agape. "Oh, Mr. Wells. I hadn't expected you to still be here." She glared at Evelyn and received an innocent look in response.
    With a deep breath, she reclaimed her composure. "Evelyn apparently misunderstood me. I meant for her to reschedule our appointment. I'm sorry you were kept waiting."
    David grinned. "Evelyn gave me your message. It was my choice to wait anyway."
    "Oh. I see. Well, I haven't had a chance to eat all day and I'm starving. If you'd like to join me, I suppose we could manage a brief interview." Rather than wait for his acceptance, she walked to the office door.
    It took him a few seconds to recover from this unexpected turn of events—long enough for her to leave and let the door close behind her. He had to hurry a bit to catch up to her at the elevator.
    "Where to?" he asked once they reached the ground floor.
    "The coffee shop around the corner. I only have time to grab a quick bite. I have another appointment."
    He moved quickly to hold open one of the double doors for her. She exited at the same moment through the other door. Again he found himself several steps behind. For a moment he considered letting her go without him, but he had the feeling that was exactly what she was hoping for. He reminded himself that this wasn't just another blonde, this was the blonde with a secret that could lead to a major story. He wasn't about to give up until he figured out what that secret was.
    In the coffee shop, he held out a chair for her. She sat down in another one. He asked what she was hungry for. She gave her choice directly to the waitress—a quick cottage cheese and fruit plate. He just asked for coffee.
    "I don't like to be patronized, Mr. Wells. I am perfectly capable of opening doors and seating myself, and any other male gestures of superiority you had in mind. You said you had some questions for me. I assure you I am also capable of making statements in between bites."
    "Why do I get the feeling some of those bites are going to be out of my hide?"
    "I'm certain I don't know. Perhaps you have a guilty conscience?"
    He offered her a deep-dimpled grin. "Okay, you got me. I confess. I'm guilty as sin. But it's your fault."
    Her stern expression barely altered. "I beg your pardon?"
    "I said it's your fault. From the moment I saw you, all I could think about was stealing you away to a private island in the Pacific where I would ravish your sexy body for several weeks without interruption."
    She stared at him. "That was probably the fastest, crudest and least original pass I have ever received. I gather I was right in assuming you aren't really doing an article on recycling."
    "Wrong. I am completely legitimate. But first you're going to tell me why you're so hell-bent on freezing my ass."
    "Because I know you. Or I should say your kind. When you speak of a woman, you describe her physical attributes or sexual talents, because you can't remember her name or what she told you she does for a living. You never have a doubt about how you and your date will end an evening, because, after all, what woman in her right mind would turn you down? Shall I go on?"
    "Unnecessary, since you're wrong again. On the first count, I would be a lousy reporter if I didn't have an excellent memory for detail, every detail, including the names of my lady friends. As to your second accusation, I'll have you know there have been one or two occasions when I haven't been absolutely certain."
    "How exciting for you."
    "This evening, on the other hand, holds no surprises whatsoever." The waitress arrived with their order and he waited for Holly to spoon some cottage cheese and melon into her mouth before explaining. "While you're eating, I'm going to interview you. Then I'm going to walk you to your car or your appointment—if indeed