Lust and Lies 04 - Pretty Maids in a Row

that point has been nagging at me along with my instincts."
    "Then it's a matter of how and when. Could you handle the story your editor wants then take some time off?"
    "Actually, he's so satisfied with the coverage on the hurricane, I doubt if he'd gripe too loudly."
    "Next problem—money for expenses. I can't help you solve that one."
    "I really shouldn't have included that as a factor. I've had to live on a starvation budget for so long, I'm afraid I place spending money in the same category with having blood drawn."
    "It sounds to me like you've made a decision. You mentioned a lead in Miami. Will you be going back down there soon?"
    He laughed and leaned closer. "If I wasn't so secure about my manhood, I'd think you were anxious to see me gone again."
    "Perhaps you'd like me to help you pack." His wounded look was as false as her disinterest.
    Since she had taken a cab there, she let him drive her back to the office. He stopped in front of the building, but before she could get out of his car, he pulled her close for a soul-wrenching kiss.
    "David! You can't keep doing that to me."
    "Why not? It feels good and I know you like it."
    "Because..." She heard several horns blaring behind them. "We're stopping traffic, that's why."
    "Always thinking of others. How very ladylike. Okay. I'll pick you up at six tomorrow. Dinner first, someplace extravagant to show that I do part with my money from time to time, then the symphony. Wear that sexy, black number you wore at the fundraiser. I want to act out a fantasy I've had about you and that dress."
    She sighed loudly and pushed open the car door. "You are truly... impossible!"
    As she ducked out, he called, "You'd better dust off your thesaurus, lady. You already used that one!"
    Holly could remember her father saying, "The best defense is a good offense." He may have been referring to football, his favorite spectator sport, but she had often used the strategy when she was unsure of her opponent. Hopefully it would work on Philip. Because he accepted her need for independence, they rarely saw each other more than once over a weekend, so if she went out with him that night, she would be free to go to the symphony with David on Saturday.
    As soon as she picked up her messages from Evelyn, she went into Philip's office. Guilt prompted her to sound more enthusiastic than she felt. "Would you like to come with me to a movie tonight? The new Nicholas Cage one sounds good."
    Philip beamed up at her, clearly pleased with the suggestion. "Only if you'll feed me first. I'm easy but I'm not cheap."
    Holly wondered if he realized how many times he had said that over the years, and how many times she had smiled at the tired old line. Funny, it had never really bothered her before. "Good. Tonight will be my treat. I'll even pick you up and do the driving." That way, I can drop you at your house and go home alone.
    Philip was delighted with her unusual assertiveness and moved on to discuss a report he was working on.
    When Holly had returned to her office on Tuesday, there had been phone messages from Dr. MacLeash and Bobbi Renquist. April had also called her home and cell phones several times. Rachel Greenley had also called her cell. She guessed April was checking on her, since she hadn't made the promised call Friday night. She had no idea what the other two wanted, nor had she changed her mind about avoiding contact with them.
    Since Evelyn had told everyone that her boss was in Florida because of Hurricane Brigitte and it wasn't known when she would be back, Holly had decided to put off calling April until she was certain David had received the envelope on Frampton. She realized the overachiever in her wanted to prove herself to her new friend.
    As soon as she got home, she placed the call and caught April just as she arrived home. After the necessary apologies from Holly and assurances from April that it was no problem, Holly was ready to report.
    "Holly, I hope you'll understand if I'm not able to respond as freely as I'd like over the phone."
    Holly understood and heard an unspoken suggestion that she be careful about what she said as well. She supposed it was wise under the circumstances. "Yes, of course. I'm pleased to say that I've spent quite a bit of time with the man we discussed, and he's... interested."
    "Does he know anything about your... background?"
    "No."
    "Good. And will you be seeing him again?"
    Holly hesitated a second. "I think so. He's not... the kind of