Page 25 of Nothing to Win

“I’m sorry, Daddy.This wasn’t Brogan’s fault, it was mine.I kissed him.”

“Come with me,” Brogan said, taking her hand to guide her to the hall with the secret elevator.“Conway, Bram, sit down.”

Brogan shut them in the isolated space.

“I’m sorry for—”

“Don’t explain or apologize.”

Taken aback by his anger, she was at a loss.“He’s my father.”

“And as far as he’s concerned, we’re together.Never apologize for our relationship again,” he said and tugged her to the elevator.“Do you have your pass?”

“My what?”

He produced a piece of black metal from his pocket and eased her into the elevator.“Security gave you a pass when you arrived.”

“It’s in my purse, on your desk.Brogan, I’m not wearing shoes.”

Holding the door open, he swung inside to press the green button.“Don’t go anywhere in this building without your pass.Jenna will meet you in the lobby with your things.”

“You can’t be serious.Brogan, my father—”

“Is my problem,” he said and caught the door when it tried to close.“We’ll have dinner tomorrow night.”

That worked out because that night she had a date with Shanna.With his feet planted on the outside of the elevator, he leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth.

Gia caught his lapel.“Will you call me tonight?”

For a second, he lingered.“Do you want me to call you?”

She nodded.“You owe me an answer to my question,” she said, sidling closer to slip her hand up and down beneath his lapel.“And you hate debts.”

“Then I’ll call you.”

“Jenna has my number.”

Kissing him before he could withdraw, she enjoyed the power of letting him go to retreat to the back of the elevator.

Their eyes stayed locked while the doors slid shut.A smile grew on her face, so wide that her cheeks ached.Brogan conned her into this deal, or did he?After a kiss like that… Had she been more willing to date him than she’d confess?

EIGHT

SHANNA WAS ALMOST frenzied with excitement at dinner.The PI hadn’t progressed the case, there hadn’t been time.Yet he was confident.Oh, really?Nothing to do with the fifty grand Shanna freely handed over?The PI said it covered the retainer and expenses.Please be true.Don’t let it be that the guy was a charlatan who’d just seen dollar signs.

If that was the case, it was as much her fault as Shanna’s.Her friend was eager to find the man she loved, that drive had to be compelling.Anyone would be forgiven for tossing money at a possible life belt for the one they loved.

Dinner with Shanna didn’t usually go so late.Her friend could be forgiven for struggling with being alone.Going from having a boyfriend in your bed every night to being by yourself would chill anyone’s sheets.

She snuck back into her parents’ house, grateful her path stayed clear of relatives.Upstairs, she showered and readied for bed, still worrying about her friend.If only she could do more.Shanna’s heartache plagued her.Losing love.Caring for someone that much only to have them vanish.She couldn’t imagine the torment.

Her own bed covers weren’t toasty when she slipped under them.No boyfriend had warmed hers for a while.A long while.

What was normal for her would be a reminder of isolation for Shanna.

Just as she turned off the lights, her cellphone rang.Maybe Shanna—unknown number.Not Shanna.No!Brogan?Could it be that he’d followed through?That would be impressive and surprising.

Subduing her smile, she answered.“Hello, Mister.”