Page 55

“So it truly is a business deal.” Defeat in her voice. Is she wishing for more for her brother from this arrangement?

Before I can think over the reasons Gia would want her brother’s marriage to be about something more than money or business, my cell phone rings. It’s the front desk. What now? More unexpected visitors? I answer.

“This is Blaise.”

“Mrs. Stassi, there are more visitors.”

Goodness.

“They’re Miss Stassi’s bodyguards.”

“Okay, hold please.”

I mute the call.

“Your bodyguards are in the lobby. Maybe you should let them know you’ll be down soon.”

“Or your boyfriend can keep them company.”

She glances over her shoulder and gives Granger a scathing look. Granger stares back with stony silence. Why didn’t he set the record straight, that we’re not lovers? Or did I read him wrong and he’s not interested in Gia?

Men.

I unmute the call and inform the front desk that Granger will be down to speak with the men.

He leaves, and Gia peppers me with questions.

“Is he so intense?”

Intense isn’t how I would describe my friend.

“Not normally.”

“How is he normally?” She separates the ten cases into two piles. I’m guessing she’s made up her mind on which cases my foundation should take on.

I hold back my smile. Gia Stassi is straightforward and decisive like her brother.

“Granger is thoughtful, perceptive, and protective. Those qualities can be mistaken for intensity.”

“You love him.”

“I care for him. He’s my best guy friend. I love your outfit.” I change the subject. My friendship with Granger is no one’s business but ours.

“My design.”

“All the pieces?”

“Down to the panties.”

She ducks her head, but I don’t miss her smile. She’s proud of her work, and rightly so.

“Classy. Sexy. Beautiful. I love how you pulled off the entire look.”

“You do?”

“Absolutely. My bestie would’ve put in an order the moment you walked through the door.”

Her eyes widen. “Really?”