Rush

more time trying to get into my pants than he
     does actually working. As soon as I have enough money saved up, I’m going to start
     looking for another job.”
    Caroline took a deep breath and glanced up at Mia.
    “I met this guy…”
    Mia leaned forward. “Oh do tell. Is this someone I should know about?”
    “Well, maybe. I’m not sure yet. We’re just talking. Texting. God, I feel like I’m
     in high school or something. And I’m paranoid. You know, after Ted.”
    Mia sighed. Caroline’s last relationship had been a disaster. She’d met Ted, fell
     instantly in lust and love only to find out after six months of strange meeting times
     and dates that he was married with two kids. It had made her question herself in a
     huge way.
    “So you think he’s married or something?” Mia asked.
    Caroline’s lips turned downward. “I don’t know. Something’s off. Or maybe I’m just
     screwed up after what happened with Ted. Part of me wants to just walk away before
     we become involved, but the other part of me wonders if I’m being stupid and if I
     should give him a chance.”
    Mia pursed her lips and looked thoughtfully at Caroline. “You know, Jace runs background
     checks on every man I’ve ever seen. I could always have him do a little checking on
     your guy. Wouldn’t hurt to have some info before you take the plunge.”
    Caroline gave her a look of incredulity. “Are you serious?”
    Mia laughed. “Unfortunately, yes. If a guy so much as expresses interest, he launches
     a full investigation.”
    “Wow. That’s heavy. I’m not sure how I’d feel about doing a check on Brandon.” She
     wavered a moment, clear indecision written on her features. “But if he’s married or
     otherwise attached I don’t want to get involved, you know?”
    “Give me some more details,” Mia said. “I’ll speak to Jace about it tonight. No harm
     in doing a little digging. It’s not like we’re stealing his identity, although I’m
     sure Jace could manage it.”
    “He’s a bouncer at the club we’re going to Friday night. You know, my in with the
     passes. His last name is Sullivan.”
    “Okay, I’ll see what I can do,” Mia said. She reached over the counter to squeeze
     Caroline’s hand. “It’ll be fine.”
    Caroline let out a long breath. “I hope so. I don’t want to be made a fool of again.”
    “You weren’t a fool for loving someone, Caro. He was the fool. Not you. You went into
     the relationship in good faith.”
    “I don’t like being the other woman,” Caroline said, cringing as she remembered.
    The wife in question had confronted Caroline outside Mia’s apartment building. It
     hadn’t been pretty. Caroline had been completely blindsided and devastated by the
     revelation as well as the horror of facing an irate, jealous wife.
    Mia’s cell phone rang with Jace’s ring tone. She reached for it and brought it to
     her ear.
    “Hey you,” she said in greeting.
    “We’re just pulling up. Are you ready or do you want us to come up?” Jace said.
    “No need. I’ll be right down.”
    “Okay, see you in a few.”
    She hung up and then slid off the stool. “See you later, Caro. Can’t wait for that
     fudge!”
    Caroline waved as Mia left the apartment and headed for the elevator.
    A moment later, she walked out to see Jace’s car waiting at the curb. He drove a sleek,
     black BMW that still looked as it had on the showroom floor.
    Ash got out and waved, smiling broadly as he opened the door to the backseat for her.
    “Hey, beautiful,” he said, kissing her cheek just before she ducked inside.
    “Hey, baby girl,” Jace greeted once she was inside.
    Oh but this car just smelled of expensive male awesomeness.
    Ash settled back into his seat and Jace pulled away.
    “So how was Gabe after he hauled you out of my office after the incident with Lisa?”
     Ash asked. “My big mouth didn’t get you into trouble, did it?”
    She worked hard to suppress the heat from flaring into her cheeks and even harder
     to sound casual.
    “He was fine. Silent and brooding. We didn’t speak much before I left.”
    Jace shook his head. “I hope he doesn’t let her get into his head. She’s bad news
     all the way around. I imagine the only reason she’s sniffing around him now is because
     she’s out of money.”
    Mia arched an eyebrow. “You know this for sure? Didn’t she get a lot from him in the
     divorce?” Like a whole lot. Gabe had money. A lot of it. And from what she