Page 20 of Stalker

“That’s right. Congratulations are in order. I read all about it with my morning coffee. Another reason you can’t say no.”

“Remind me what I’m not saying no to.” I’d literally run into Penny when I’d attempted to unlock the wrong door of a brownstone that looked exactly like mine. Only my front porch steps were devoid of any life while hers looked like a photograph inBetter Homes and Gardens.

I’d been too absorbed in whatever case I’d been working on to notice.

I’d been so confused that she’d invited me in for a glass of wine. I’d accepted and we’d been fast friends ever since.

But goddamn, was she a pushy bitch.

She had one thing going for her other than her not-so-subtle mouth, the fact she was a world-renowned interior designer. Without her, I’d still be living in college eclectic.

“The hot charity auction? All proceeds go to the network for underprivileged children, my favorite organization?”

“You hate kids.”

“Not if they belong to someone else. Besides, every child deserves a nice home, a loving family, food to eat, and presents.”

“I think you have a few priorities a bit mixed up. When is it?” I pulled out my iPad, which often controlled my life.

“A week from Saturday. You are coming. Period. We bought you a ticket.”

We meant the other partner in crime, Josie Dannon, a crazy loon who reminded me why I kept my head screwed on tight. “Fine. I’ll be there. Just tell me when and where.” I made a notation on the calendar. Maybe since the case was finished, I could finally get back to some aspect of a social life.

“I’ll send you an email. Just remember, it’s a masquerade party so you can be anyone you want to be.”

Smirking, I glanced at my reflection in my office window. Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad. Pretending to be someone else.

“Plus, think of all the hot, eligible, and rich men you can bid on.” She was practically singing.

“Ah, no.”

“Come on. It’ll get your mind off David, and don’t you dare try and tell me you haven’t been thinking about him.”

Not necessarily on purpose. However, I’d caught his picture splashed across the internet a few days before at some huge media event. He’d been wining and dining with someNew York Timesbest-selling author. They’d seemed close. Very close. If you asked me, I’d say the bastard had tossed aside his boss for a new flavor of the month.

“Rat ass bastard,” I huffed.

“See? You need this and I’m not going to allow you to say no. I know where you live, remember?”

“Only because you live in the same building. I think it’s time I moved.”

Penny laughed. “Ha. You couldn’t stay away from me if you tried.”

That was probably very true.

A knock on my door drew my attention away from the window.

Cash stuck his head in, making a face as he did every single time he walked into my office. The man was creative as hell.

“You know my budget won’t allow for extra spending,” I told her.

“I know. Saving for that beach house. By the time you decide on the right piece of property, you’ll be old and gray.”

“You are such a bitch!”

She laughed. “Maybe you’ll have a chance to bid on the bargain basement variety of men. You know. Construction workers and lifeguards. Oh, hold on here. That sounds perfect. They have the best, buff bodies and are the kind of men you can fuck and walk away from. Well, if you can walk after they stick their big, fat dicks in you six or seven times.”

“You are incorrigible.”

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