Chapter 34

Standing behind Bianca was Vince Hammond, the sports agent who'd confronted Jake at the museum. Talk about double the fun – someone who hated me and someone who hated Jake. What could possibly go wrong here?

I gave Bianca an annoyed look. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

She strode through the front door like she owned the place. "I came to get my things."

I turned to Vince. "And what about you?" I asked.

He flicked his head toward Bianca. "I'm her ride."

"He's more than my ride," Bianca said. "He's my newest client."

From the look in her eye, he'd probably be more than a client before the night was through. I could see the appeal. The guy was rich, successful, and if I were being honest, good-looking in that classic sort of way.

Without another word, Bianca started heading toward the back hallway. I strode forward to block her path.

"Jake's not here," I said, "so you'll have to come back later."

She gave her key card a little wave. "In case you haven't noticed, I have a key. That means I don't need your permission."

"But you still need Jake's," I said. "And as I already mentioned, he's not here."

"Ooooh what happened?" she said in a voice of mock concern. "Did he dump you? So soon? Poor baby."

"It's not like that," I said.

"Sure it isn't." She glanced down at my torso. "And I'll be needing my dress back now."

I did my best Bianca impression. "Oooooh, are you sure?" I made a show of fanning myself. "Because I've been sweating buckets in this thing."

"Oh grow up," she said. "I'm not planning to actually wear it. I just don't want you to have it."

"Gee, who was being childish now?" Still, two could play at this game. "In that case," I said, "I'll be needing my dress back too."

She pursed her lips. "Why?"

Actually, I didn't have a clue why. The dress was butt-ugly and had Bianca cooties all over it. Still, I heard myself blurt out, "Jake thinks it's sexy."

"Don't be ridiculous," she said. "He does not."

"Well, maybe not on you," I said. "I mean, you're not exactly the 'willowy' type, are you?"

"Hey! I'm more willowy than you are."

"If you say so…"

Her gaze narrowed. "Are you returning my dress or not?"

Before giving the dress to anyone, I'd need to change out of it. And there was no way I'd be leaving Bianca unattended, especially with Vince in tow. It was no secret the guy wanted to do Jake harm. I'd be a fool to turn my back on him for even a minute.

"If you want the dress," I told Bianca, "you'll have to come back tomorrow."

She made a sound of annoyance. "Why tomorrow?"

I smiled. "Because I'm not done sweating in it yet."

Bianca whirled toward Vince. "You see what I've been putting up with?"

Vince gave a noncommittal shrug.

Biance frowned. "Is that all you have to say?"

He held up a hand. "Hey, I'm just the guy with the car keys."

Again, Bianca made a move toward the hall. Again, I blocked her path.

"Will you stop that?" she said.

"Sorry, but I can't let you go back there. Not without Jake's permission."

"Who are you?" she said. "Suzy Hall-Monitor?"

"Who are you?" I said. "Petunia Prairie Lady?"

Her jaw clenched. "Petunia? Really?"

I smiled. "Don't forget the prairie part."

With a long-suffering sigh, she threw up her hands. "Fine. I'll call him."

She reached into her little purse and pulled out her cell phone. She tapped away at the screen and put the phone to her ear. Standing just a couple feet away, I could hear the phone ring once, and then twice.

On the third ring, I heard Jake, loud and clear, say, "Yeah?"

At the sound of his voice, my heart ached. I wanted to yank that phone out of Bianca's bony clutches and beg Jake to come back home.

I gave Bianca a speculative look. She was taller. And mean as hell. She wouldn't give up her phone easily. But if it came to a catfight, I could probably take her.  

Bianca cupped a hand around her phone and gave me an annoyed look. "Do you mind?" she said.

I blinked over at her. "Mind what?"

"Oh for heaven's sake." She turned and started stalking toward the balcony. I didn't bother trying to stop her. If she wanted to freeze her butt off, that was her business, not mine. Besides, there was nothing to steal out there, unless she wanted to lug off some patio furniture. And in that case, more power to her.

When she strode out through the French doors and shut them behind her, I turned to Vince, who was still standing in the entryway.

"How about you?" I asked.

"Me?" he said. "I'm not talking to the guy."

I gave him a no-nonsense look. "Good."

"But there is another reason I'm here," he said.

Just great. I expected as much. Was this where he tried to trash the place? Threatened to sue? Went for the good silverware? I frowned. Did Jake even have good silverware? Honestly, he didn't seem the type.

Under Vince's gaze, I put my hands on my hips. "And what reason is that?" I asked.

"To apologize."

My mouth fell open. "Excuse me?"

"Earlier, I was a jackass. And I'm sorry for that."

I glanced around. "So, uh, you want me to relay that to Jake?"

"Hell no," he said. "The apology wasn't for him. It was for you."

I shook my head. "I'm not following."

"Bianca mentioned you'd be here tonight, so…" He gave a shrug. "I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone – give her a ride and tell you that I'm sorry. I shouldn't have blown up like that."

I couldn't help it. I just had to ask. "Did Jake really cost you half a million?"