Page 77 of Perfect Satisfaction

Then I dare to do something I’ve only done through a computer of late. I run my fingers over her cheek. It’s just as smooth as it was the first night we slept together but so much else about her has changed.

The carpet muffles my footsteps as I make my way over to my side of the bed and shed my shoes and clothes by the side table. Crawling into the bed, I roll to my side and watch her sleep.

I frown when—asleep—she stretches out her hand across the expanse of the bed. Tears leak from her eyes. Her mouth parts, but no sound comes out.

Is she calling for Basset?

Is she calling for me?

As the night passes and dawn starts to rise, it hits me. I’ve done nothing but stare at her face throughout the night, trying to see past the barrier she keeps hidden under lock and key.

But isn’t part of being a reporter finding out what’s behind those closed doors?

I make a vow to start searching.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

List of items to start saving for from birth:

Life insurance—check.

College fund—check.

Engagement ring

Wedding

Honeymoon

Screw it. Vegas should start looking more and more appealing. You can tick off the last three in one shot.

—StellaNova

April

I must be dreamingbecause I hear Brendan Blake’s voice singing about fishhooks and ballgowns.

Then uproarious laughter before a feminine voice says, “You didn’t!”

“I had to, little sister.”

“That’s a criminal offense.”

The voices fade away.

An hour later, I come out of the bedroom dressed for work when I find Sula in a tight-fitting dress and sky-high heels.

I circle around her and admire her trim body encased in the clingy ensemble. “Wow, where are you going today?”

She swallows her coffee before picking up a matching jacket from the back of the chair. “I’m meeting my next client for a demo.”

“What does that mean?”

“A demonstration.”

“I know what the word means, Ursula. What does it have to do with you? Why doesn’t Basset have one of his minions do something so meaningless?” I ask impatiently.

“Meaningless?”