“No. I’m not. And she was as charming as ever,” She didn’t know whether to be relieved by Hannah’s actions last night when it came to Naomi or whether to be horrified that her escort had heard everything her ex-wife said. It was humiliating enough without other people overhearing. “She still hates me…just so we’re clear.”
“I think it’s time I had a word with Rox. We go way back.”
“Have a word?”
Joy nodded. “Why should Naomi have free run of the city, playing the sweet and innocent card in all the regular haunts, while you feel uncomfortable around her? Rox will kick her out if she knows what’s gone on in the past.”
Caroline held up a hand. While she appreciated Joy’s concern and her help, it wasn’t necessary. “Please, leave it. After last night and this morning, I don’t think I’ll step foot in another bar again. I really have zero inclination to socialise anymore.”
“Talk to me, Caz. Please…”
Caroline lowered her eyes, chewing the inside of her cheek as she thought about Hannah. That woman had the hands of a goddess, the lips of an angel, and a voice that could arouse Caroline in seconds. But it wasn’t to be, and Caroline only had herself to blame. If she hadn’t let go of control last night, if she hadn’t given in to what she craved, she wouldn’t be hiding in Joy’s office on a Saturday lunch time. God only knew the state Caroline would be in now if she’d actually slept with Hannah.
“Caz?”
“M-my escort from the other week,” Caroline paused, shaking her head. “She overheard Naomi last night outside the bar. She kind of came to my rescue, walking in the bar and kissing me, just so she could get one over on Naomi.”
“Okay, I like this woman already.” Joy grinned. “Do you think it worked? Does Naomi think you’re a couple?”
“I don’t know. Probably not. You’ve seen Eva, she’s gorgeous. Naomi wouldn’t believe we were together, I don’t think.”
“Uh, you’re gorgeous, too.”
“Not Eva gorgeous, though. But that’s not what the issue is, not really.”
Joy frowned, crossing her legs as she sat back in her seat, her elbow perched on her desk. “Okay, talk to me. I’m not letting you leave until you do.”
“Can this…not get back to Gail first? I love her, but I don’t want her to push this. You know what she’s like.”
“Sisters,” Joy said, holding out her pinkie.
Caroline smiled, reaching out and linking her own little finger. “Sisters.” And then she exhaled a shaky breath, running her palms down her thighs. “Eva came home with me last night.”
“Oh, for a nightcap?” Joy raised an eyebrow.
“N-no. She stayed the night.”
Joy gasped, clapping when what Caroline was saying finally sunk in. But Caroline didn’t feel an ounce of the happiness Joy seemed to feel. “Please tell me you woke up naked with her this morning.”
“No. But it almost happened.”
“Caz, this is amazing. You’re finally realising your worth and putting yourself first. This is huge.”
“Hardly. I brought my escort home with me, Joy. What’s normal about that?”
Joy laughed, shaking her head. “It doesn’t matterhowyou went about it. It’s the fact that it happened at all. I knew booking Eva would be good for you. I’m glad Gail twisted my arm about it.”
“You…didn’t agree at first?”
“Why would I want my sister to book an escort?”
Caroline smiled weakly. “Honestly, I don’t know. And I’m beginning to wonder why you went along with it. It’s only complicated my life, and I really don’t need that right now.”
“How on earth has it complicated your life, Caz? You had some fun last night; I’d say you’re doing pretty damn well for yourself this weekend. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t sleep with her. You let go and had a good time.”
“With Ha…Eva, it’s not like that.”
“Then what’s it like?” Joy smirked. “I suppose most escorts are good at making people swoon. You’re paying them a pretty penny, after all.”