Page 11

“We don’t have to—”

“Sorry she’s making you—”

They laughed.

“You first,” Nick said.

“We don’t have to go together if you don’t want to. I’m sure Fran will understand.”

“I don’t mind, but don’t feel obligated.”

She had no real reason to back out. Besides, Fran might question why they didn’t go, and she wouldn’t have a good excuse. “It’s fine with me if you’re okay with it.”

“Let’s do it.”

She tried not to take his words out of context but failed miserably. Her phone rang again, and she was glad for the distraction.

“I’ll wait for you at the reception desk,” Nick said.

After he left, she picked up the phone.

“Holy hotness!” Kelsey exclaimed. “Forget Brad Pitt! Nick looks like that sexy young guy from Desperate Housewives. What was his name again?”

“Jesse Metcalfe,” Stacy replied instantly since she’d thought the same thing.

“What’s he like? Are you two having fun?”

“I can’t talk right now. We’re going out to lunch.”

“You and Jesse?”

“Me and Nick, and it’s strictly business.”

“Funny, I don’t recall you going out to lunch with any of your other trainees.”

“Fran was supposed to come too, but she had to cancel.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Stop it! I have to go.”

“Fine, but I want to hear all about it later.”

“Goodbye, Kelsey.”

On the way to the lobby, Stacy stopped off at the restroom. She used the facilities, and while she washed her hands, she studied herself in the mirror.

I wonder if he knows how old I am. Not that he cares, but still. Do I look like I’m going to be thirty-six?

She rubbed her index finger over the slight crease between her brows. She’d probably gotten the indention from frowning at her ex-husband. Other than that, she was wrinkle-free.

She smoothed a hand down her mid-length blonde hair, which was soft and shiny thanks to the expensive hair products she used and her expert hairstylist. Her blue eyes were bright, and her cheeks rosy, probably due to the sun (aka Nick). Her lips were dry and bare, though, from all the talking. She was digging in her purse for her lip balm when Britney walked in.

Britney glanced around the otherwise empty restroom. Then she leaned in conspiratorially. “Ohmigod. He is sooooo gorgeous!”

There was no need to ask whom she was referring to. Stacy shifted uncomfortably, her lip balm clutched in her hand.

“How can you stand it? You get to work with him one on one for, what, eight weeks?”