Page 38 of Just One Silver Fox

“It can. In this case, it did.”

“I didn’t even know you were going to college.”

“I didn’t talk about it at work, because I did the degree part-time. It was taking forever—plus the obvious question would be what I would do once I’d graduated.”

Nate toasted her. “I also like people with plans and dreams. It’s a Bachelor of Psychology.” Sonia nodded. “From Columbia andmagna cum laude. Go, you.”

“You’re the best cheerleader ever.”

“I try.” Again, that mischievous grin flashed and Sonia’s heart leapt. “How cool is it that you’re a registered therapist? You’ll be able to help people.”

“That’s the plan.”

“What made you decide to pursue it?”

“I was inspired by my therapists. One told me that I had the right traits to be a good therapist myself and once I heard the idea, I couldn’t let it go.”

“And you did that whole degree while working at the club. That takes dedication.” He looked her in the eye. “I’m not kidding. I’m seriously impressed.”

Sonia felt wonderful, even better than whenever she had a good workout and a great massage afterward. She felt appreciated. And yet, there was still a sizzle of awareness between them, one that made her hope for more. Nate made her feel confident and sexy, and she wanted to put that feeling in a jar so she could savor it again anytime.

“And now you’re done. Does that mean you’re going to get another job somewhere and leave the club?”

Sonia made a face. “That’s just it. I don’t really want to leave F5F. I feel at home there.”

“Your family of choice.”

“Exactly! But I want to be a therapist, too.”

Nate nodded. “So, you need a way to combine both things.”

“They don’t exactly go together like chocolate and peanut butter,” she said and he grinned. “Your turn,” she said before he could ask another question. “Tell me about Pierce’s new business and your job.”

“Always curious,” he teased.

“Is that a bad thing?”

“It’s probably good for a therapist to ask a lot of questions. Sounds like you’ve found your niche.” They smiled at each other for a potent moment that stole Sonia’s breath away. “Pierce is going to provide security for the rich and famous,” Nate said. “I guess it’s an extension of what he used to do. He worked for the family of that princess for years, in Greater Alghenia.”

“Farah.” Sonia wasn’t sure what to make of the glamorous princess. Farah apparently believed that everything she wanted was hers for the taking. She was the center of attention wherever she went and seemed to revel in that. In a way, she reminded Sonia of her twin—or her mother. “She’s quite beautiful.”

Nate laughed. “No one needs that kind of beauty.”

“What do you mean?”

“That it’s superficial. I’m not sure her character is beautiful. It might be, but she’s so much trouble that I’d never bother to find out.”

“Not even for one-and-done?”

“Nothing is ever done with a woman like that.” He spoke with conviction, and Sonia wondered whether Farah reminded him of someone. “I think she’s a lot of trouble and will keep Pierce’s team hopping. But maybe that’s the point. Lots of billing.”

Sonia didn’t want to talk about Farah. “It’s exciting that he’s gone out on his own.”

“Absolutely. He has a lot of contacts and has been putting together a team.”

“Including you.”

Nate grinned. “Yes. The official new kid on the block.” They clicked glasses and sipped.

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