“No, that’s just an example. But yeah, the Bureau of Prisons has a database of prisoners online, if you’re interested …”
I have to laugh at that.
“Nico Matthews has not done time behind bars, Lark. I feel confident on that one. Besides, I want to keep things natural. It’s more mysterious and romantic to get to know someone organically. Plus, it’d be so awkward for him to bring something up when we’re on a date, and then I have to pretend I don’t already know because I’m some crazy on-line stalker.”
My friend frowns at that, her pretty pout pulling down at the sides.
“That’s true,” she says in a slow voice. “But Petunia, you know we’re hostesses, so we’re not exactly going out on ‘dates’ with these guys.”
I realize my error immediately.
“Oh, I totally get that,” I say quickly. “It’s just that, well, when Nico took me out last time, itfeltlike a date. I mean, we went out on his boat off Long Island Sound, and it was super romantic and he was really sweet. He waits on me hand and foot, and there’s no reason for him to extend himself like that.”
Lark nods thoughtfully, biting her lip.
“Hmmm,” she hedges. “I see.” Meanwhile, I continue in a rushed voice.
“In fact, Nico doesn’t make mefeelas if I’m a hostess getting paid to keep him entertained. We go out on a lot of dates, off premises too. Like the other week when we went to see a play together, and the weekend before that when we caught an exhibit at a museum.”
“Okay,” Lark says carefully. “Those are definitely plusses, for sure. I guess I just want to make sure that you’re being safe, Petunia. You know how our profession is. The first rule is to not fall in love with clients, and it’s hard because they can be handsome, rich, charismatic, and as charming as all get-out. But Petunia, hon, it kind of feels like you’ve gone down the rabbit hole already.”
That makes me come to a full-stop as my heart pounds in my chest. Have I fallen in love with Nico? Or am I on my way to falling in love? The truth is obvious even as my chest grows tight.
“I have, haven’t I?” I acknowledge in a soft voice. “Oh shit.”
Lark nods and takes a deep breath.
“Don’t worry because all is not lost, girlfriend. Okay, how about this? We’ll compromise,” she proposes. “I’ll google Nico for you, just to see if there’s anything crazy about him out there. So long as there isn’t, I won’t tell you about it. That way, you retain your aura of innocence.”
I think about it for a few moments before smiling.
“Okay, yeah I suppose that sounds fine, but tell me if there’s somethingreallyinteresting about him, although I don’t think there will be.”
“Will do,” Lark salutes smartly and immediately whips out her cellphone before typing away. While she scrolls, I turn my thoughts inward again. OMG, have I fallen in love with the gorgeous CEO? My heart swoops and then falls at the thought of Nico’s handsome mien, his engaging manners, and of course, the way he always makes me feel so cherished and precious. Of course I’ve fallen head over heels. What girl wouldn’t?
“Anything?” I ask my friend.
Lark shakes her head, still staring at the screen.
“Nope, just your usual CEO stuff. You know, going to charity events, getting quoted in the paper about business, that kind of thing.”
I nod sagely.
“I didn’t think there’d be. Nico’s not like that.”
But after a few more minutes, Lark’s fingers stop moving as she stares at the screen.
“What? What is it?” I ask. “Did you find something?”
My friend’s eyes squint as if she’s reading some fine print.
“This is really weird,” she murmurs.
“What is it?” I demand again. “Here, let me see.”
Lark immediately hands me her cell and my heart starts racing as I stare down at the screen. But the headline is there in bold letters, as bright as day.
Billionaire playboy Nico Matthews to be married to Greek heiress Persephone Christos.