Page 84 of Nothing to Fear

Hand in hers, Darroch moved a few inches closer. “You know what this means?”

“What does it mean, Gentleman?”

His lips curled slowly. “We’re exclusive.”

She flattened her affect. “No.”

That switched off his smugness quick. “No?”

“No. I plan to keep seeing your mom.”

He laughed. “She can’t reach the top shelf either.”

“What’s on the top shelf that’s got you so obsessed?”

“All the best things come from the top shelf, Cherry. You should know, it’s where I found you.”

“On the shelf?” she asked and laughed when his faced dropped. “My hero.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“With the porno mags?”

He squinted. “Do they still print porn magazines?” Like she would know. “I’ll ask Astor. That kid’s probably got his own operation running.”

“You trying to deflect?”

“No, baby!”

“I suppose I should be grateful you scooped me up,” she teased, fighting her smile. “Off the shelf.”

“I’m grateful. Remember I’m the panting dog.”

Letting go of his hand, she slid hers up his body and leaned against him. “You’ve got the cure,” she whispered.

“The only person on the planet who does?”

Without waiting for a response, their mouths met, and the question was forgotten. So was their location and the fact the door was still open to the street.

“Get a room. You can afford it, brother, have some class.”

Their mouths parted in deference to the invading voice.

A guy. Hot guy. Hands in his pockets, bowed over, checking them out. His finger combed hair was probably a million-dollar style, but it hit roguish, rakish playboy on the nose.

“Hey, what you doing here?” Darroch asked, slapping his hand to the guy’s in a familiar shake.

“Demand he treats you better, Savvy. Don’t fall for the good guy act, he’s a player.”

“Says the world champion of charming women out of their underwear.”

“How do you know my name?” she asked.

“Roch talks about you. A lot.”

“Cherry, this is—”

“Tripp, right? The guy always on the go.”

---