“I guess I never really realized that your business, the candy business,” she amended, “could be so, I don’t know, covert.”
“It’s not usually so cloak-and-dagger. This particular transaction is an exception.”
“A very glamorous exception.”
“Emma, that was all for appearances.”
“Did she know that?”
“Sort of.”
“And she was okay with that?”
“Definitely. I think she enjoys pissing off her husband.”
“Did you discover anything interesting about this candy?”
“Possibly. Anya, that’s her name, said her husband had a secret meeting several weeks ago and was muttering about it after. She said she asked him if everything was all right, and he assured her that it was, that the information was unexpected but useful.”
“So maybe it’s not the kind of candy you think it is.”
“Or maybe it isn’t candy at all.”
“And she just volunteered this information.”
“Quite.”
“How?”
“I’m really quite charming when I want to be.”
“Did you sleep with her?”
“What? Emma, no. It was a job. Tox and Chat were outside in a car listening to the whole thing. You probably walked right past them when you left. I meant what I said. If I didn’t want exclusivity, I wouldn’t have asked for it. And I expect the same of you.”
“Okay.” She blew out a breath.
“Okay?”
“Yes. Okay.”
“That’s it?”
“What else is there? I either believe you or I don’t. If I don’t, we are over, and if I do, it’s forgotten.”
“And the verdict?”
“I think you know.”
He pounced then, kissing her with relief. She laughed into his mouth.
“I don’t know why you’re so relieved. It seems like a lot of people trust your word.”
“You just don’t get it, do you?” He brushed her hair out of her face. “It’s your belief in me that matters.” She kissed him again, but then pulled back.
“One thing, though.”
“Anything.”