Page 41 of Cozen

Giving him an opening.

Jett took it like a gaping-mouthed fish—hook, line, and sinker. “I like this dress, actually. Not too much, but just enough. It suits you.”

Good to know.

“You’ll enjoy this restaurant. They make the best Italian food. Owned by an associate of mine,” Jett continued.

He prattled on.

Cozen acted entertained.

She chanced a look over her shoulder just before they entered the restaurant. Sargon had not left the side of the vehicle where he remained standing with his hands clasped at his back. He had barely spoke or looked at her before.

He was looking at her now.

Unashamed.

Yeah.

Bad all over.

Especially for her.

Cozen shook off the odd feeling, and went back to her date, and main target for the foreseeable future. Jett, that was.

“Jett,” she murmured.

His dark eyes looked her over, and he smiled. “What, darling?”

“I was wondering …”

“Mmm, keep going.”

“What your plans are for tonight? With me, I mean.”

Jett’s smile deepened a bit—a look some women might consider sexy, or suggestive. He was not a bad looking man, and she had not lied when she said he appeared in his forties. He was fit, tall, dark, and handsome. Any woman would be quite lucky to catch Jett’s eye, and keep his attention.

Cozen, however, was just using him. He was a means to an end. Her attraction and affections for him would only last for as long as it took to get the Astor’s ring back, and not one second longer.

“That would depend,” Jett said.

“On what?”

“Well, you, I suppose. And of course, what you want, Cozen.”

“I would like to have a good time here, but you should know that I am not the kind of woman who is quick to get on my back for a good looking man.”

Jett chuckled as they waited for the woman at the podium to finish with other patrons. His hand on Cozen’s arm tightened a bit—not a hurtful squeeze, but one that said he heard her unspoken words loud and clear.

“What about a rich one?” he asked.

“Not even for that.”

“Good—never let a fancy man demean you … unless, of course, you’re ready and willing to be demeaned. Then by all means, do what you wish.” Jett passed her a look, and winked. “I like you, Cozen. You’re an interesting one.”

“And what does that mean?”

“It means you should remain interesting to me. Otherwise, my patience runs thin, and my expectations change.”