Her sister popped her gum. “When were you planning on telling me?”
“I moved out ahead of schedule, so you’re welcome.”
“I’m not thanking you for doing something you were expected to do. I need the key.”
“I’m working from home. Swing by and pick it up.”
“I can’t even remember where you live.”
“Fine, whatever. I’ll drop it by.” She was anxious to put the move behind her, plus, she could tell her sister about all the office issues she’d been dealing with. After sliding the envelope into her handbag, she left.
The main lot of Cassie’s condo complex was full, so she pulled around back and parked. Her sister emerged from the building and their mom’s boyfriend, Ross, jogged over, pulled Cassie into his arms, and planted one on her.
Carly’s mouth dropped. “Oh, my God. No way.” Mom is getting screwed in more ways than one.
Arm in arm, the lovebirds hurried inside. Carly hung back a few. When she tapped on Cassie’s door, her sister didn’t answer, so she knocked harder.
A long moment passed before Cassie cracked the door open revealing flushed cheeks and disheveled hair. She thrust out her hand. “Give it.”
“I drove all the way over here. Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
Her sister grimaced, then jumped and yelped as if someone had pinched her ass. Carly didn’t see Ross, but she heard him breathing behind the door. “I’m in the middle of something.”
As soon as Carly dropped the key into her palm, Cassie slammed the door in her face. She’s busy, all right, but not with clients. As she slipped on her shades and exited the building, Carly laughed out loud.
Had her sister invited her inside, she would have told her about the rodents, the updated surveillance system, and the problem with the back door sticking…to name a few. Per usual, she’d just gotten the royal bitch treatment, so Cassie could complain to her new landlord. And while you’re at it, you can compare notes about your sleazy, two-timing boyfriend.
As Carly drove away, she glanced at her sparkly new stack ring.
Ashton is the best man I have ever known. I’ve gotta put my heart out there and take a chance. If I don’t, I’ll spend the rest of my life regretting it.
1 5
T H E H E A R I NG, R O U ND T W O
F riday morning, round two of the senate hearing. Maverick held his head high, but his guts were in knots. Execution day. The crowd of spectators and media hovered like vultures outside the Dirksen Building. How the hell am I supposed to get in? Maverick’s cell phone rang. Sinclair. “This is a madhouse.”
“What did you expect?” Sinclair replied, the grogginess in his voice a sure sign he’d gotten little sleep. “You’re innocent and about to be crucified. I’ll get you into the building. I’m around the corner.”
Maverick slid inside the town car. The chauffeur dropped them at the rear of the building. Free of the media, the two men sailed inside.
“Hang tight.” After Sinclair spoke with a security guard, he returned with two badges and they were waved through.
Maverick couldn’t help but smile. “You have the magic touch.”
Sinclair shot him a wicked smile. “Black magic.”
As they made their way down the corridor, Maverick asked, “How is it that you don’t need an escort?”
“These aren’t the droids you’re looking for works every damn time.”
In spite of the anxiety in the pit of his stomach, Maverick chuffed out a laugh.
They turned a corner and Sinclair slowed. “Let’s take the Capitol Subway.”
Once seated on the electric monorail that connected the Capitol Building to the senate offices, Maverick said, “Internado will be ruthless.”
“Agreed, but once the gavel comes down, the real fun starts. He’s messing with the wrong family,” Sinclair said as the train rolled forward.
