Page 61 of Dangerous Secret

“Oh, look. There’s Marge and Homer.” And perfect timing. She didn’t want to talk about recharging batteries, and she especially did not want to think about never seeing Grayson again when this was over.

“Huh?”

“The swans.” She pointed to the lake where they were floating by.

“You’re deflecting, girlfriend.”

“Guilty as charged. So, everything’s great with you and J.D.?”

“Sure is. I’ll drop it for now, but I have all day tomorrow to convince you that you should think about the well-being of your battery.”

Harlow laughed. “Stop it. Never say the wordbatteryto me again.”

“Battery. Battery. Battery.” Lena stuck out her tongue.

Maybe it was because they were on their second glass of wine, but they looked at each other and dissolved into giggles. “Stop. My sides hurt.” It felt amazing to have her friend back.

A clunk sounded as a hook shot up from below and caught the balcony’s rail.

“What was that noise?” Lena said between gasps of breath. “Whoa! Is that a hook?”

It sure was, and Harlow’s heart thumped against her chest. “I think you’re about to meet my ninja.”

“For real?” She jumped up and peered over the railing, then glanced back at Harlow. “This is so cool.”

“You don’t have to whisper.” Harlow joined Lena at the rail. Sure enough, Grayson was rapidly climbing the rope, hand over hand. They stepped back when he put his hand on the rail. He swung his legs over and landed in front of them.

He grinned. “Hi.”

She was already giddy from the wine, and that he’d appeared when he had and the way he had, as if she and Lena had conjured him up, struck her as hilarious. She… Well, to her ears it sounded like she’d cackled.

“Sorry,” she rasped, wiping the tears from her face. “We, ah, we were just talking about you.” Why had she told him that?

His grin widened. “Were you, now?” He shifted his gaze to Lena. “You must be Harlow’s friend. I’m Grayson.”

“Sorry,” Harlow said again. “I don’t know where my manners went. Lena, this is Grayson Montana. Grayson, my friend Lena Nolan.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Lena shot Harlow a mischievous look before saying, “I’ve heard you excel at recharg—”

Harlow slapped her hand over Lena’s mouth. “Nothing. She’s heard nothing.”

Amusement danced in his eyes. “I’m curious to hear what I excel at recharging.”

“Batteries,” Lena said.

“Oh my God,” Harlow said.

“Is batteries a euphemism for something?” Grayson said.

“Who knows what she’s talking about.” Harlow was going to die of mortification…right after she strangled her friend.

Grayson glanced behind him before turning his attention to Harlow. “Can we take this inside? As amusing as you two are tonight, I need to talk to you.”

“Sure.” She followed Lena in with Grayson coming in behind her. He put his hand on her lower back, sending a delicious shiver up her spine.

“I don’t know why I came in when my wine’s out there.” Lena gestured toward the balcony. “You know where I am if you need me.”

“Sorry for interrupting your time with your friend,” Grayson said after Lena closed the sliding door behind her.

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