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“Someone famous?”
Zoe shook her head again and glanced at the view. The condo was leased to her by the Ruiz family. Natalia Ruiz was a famous reality star who grew up in the limelight. When she and her family were in Miami, she always contracted Zoe. On several occasions Natalia flew Zoe out on location for special events. But after Natalia got married, she’d shied away from the cameras. Zoe knew where Natalia lived, but she’d never betray Natalia’s trust. “You must know I’m not at liberty to say.”
“Perhaps you will tell me over dinner Monday night.”
“Monday?” Zoe repeated.
“I figured by the time we returned Sunday after the pageant, it might be too late. Although I could try to use my, what is it you say? My influence?”
“Affluence,” Zoe corrected him.
“Yeah, that’s it. I can call in a few favors and see about getting Trudy’s to open.”
Zoe turned in her seat and placed her hands on her hips. “What do you know about Trudy’s?”
“What?” Will’s mouth gaped open. “It’s only the best place to get roti in Miami.”
As much as Zoe loved her Southern food with its savory greens, crispy fried chicken and thick, sweet tea, she missed the taste of the Caribbean. “I might just let you take me there.”
“When we return home, you are coming with me, or I will pick it up and we’ll eat at my place or yours.”
A chill of desire ran down her spine. “You’re lucky their gulab jamun is my kryptonite.”
The reference to a superhero didn’t fall on deaf ears. Will winked and shook his head. “You should try the pudding made up with sweet dough,” he said. “If you’re good, I’ll make it for you.”
Butterflies fluttered in Zoe’s belly. She looked forward to holding Will to his word. She looked forward to a lot of things with him. Seeing him naked and finishing what they started this afternoon was at the top of her list. “Turn left up here. It’s the house with the bars on the upstairs windows.”
“Bars?” Will’s right brow rose with curiosity.
“It’s a long story,” Zoe laughed lightly. “But that sweet kid you met at the park, Kimber, gave her uncles a run for their money when they came to live here.”
If it weren’t for Kimber, Lexi and Stephen might not have met. Kimber had taken a very seductive dress from Lexi’s store without permission, and Stephen—assuming his niece was innocent—had arrived at Lexi’s store to give her a piece of his mind. Seeing how they were about to start a family of their own, so much for that plan.
Like the rest of the homes, children were playing on Lexi’s manicured lawn. Philly, Stephen’s younger niece and a seven-year-old future beauty queen, ran around the front yard, tiara secured on top of her twin pigtails as she shot a pink Nerf gun at two boys. Her army, a set of twins, stood by her side. The mini-militia stopped and saluted Zoe and Will as they pulled into the driveway.
Lexi stood at the doorway, her hairstyle looking bigger than ever, if it were possible. Her signature blond hair was pulled into a ponytail at the top of her head, which she shook feverishly. “I’m so glad you came. I have no idea how this happened so quickly.”
Zoe got out of the car before Will put the vehicle in Park. “Where is the patient?”
“She’s locked herself in the downstairs bathroom. I don’t think she even noticed while she was getting ready—until she looked in the mirror,” Lexi said, crossing her arms together and biting her fingernails.
“You guys must have florescent lights,” said Zoe. “Didn’t I tell you to get softer ones in the bathrooms?”
“I’m not the one who needs to be convinced.” Lexi turned back and gravely nodded. “It’s also motion censored in case the patient tries to sneak in late. The whole house lights up inside.”
“Did she say ‘patient’?” Will asked. He slammed his door shut and started to follow them inside. Before he locked the doors, Zoe reached into the backseat for her caboodle. Will jogged around the car and took hold of it.
“Let me get that for you.”
