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“What is it you want to hear?”

“Your plan to charm Emi.”

“What the hell makes you think I want to charm anyone? And who the fuck uses the word charm? Are you my grandma?”

“Deflection, first sign of avoidance.”

“Listen, Law Geek, don’t pull your psycho-babble on me.”

“Stop avoiding then.”

“Avoiding what?” Two can play at this game. Annoyance starts to show on his face, and I grin in satisfaction.

“Fuck you, Scott. What’s the deal with her?”

“There is no deal,” I lie easily. I’d never hear the end of it if he knew I spent an hour combing through her background today and found nothing on her record but a few speeding tickets. Half of those had been forgiven because she’d shown up to court to argue her innocence. One officer even noted in his report he’d given up just to shut her up. I fight to keep a straight face, knowing Marcus is looking for any sign of interest.

He studies me for a second, and then his lips twist. “Great. Glad to know it.” He stands, grabbing our plates and taking them to my sink. “We still watching the game here on Saturday?”

He changes the subject so easily, I become suspicious. “Yeah.”

“Okay, see ya about three.” He gets his coat and tie to leave.

“That’s it?”

“What’s it?”

“Don’t fuck around with me, Marcus. You came in here with an agenda.”

“I did, but you set me straight. You’ve made it clear there’s no interest in Emi.”

I watch him go through the house. He stops at the front door and turns to me with a wicked grin.

I know this look. It tells me whatever comes out of his mouth is going to piss me off.

“We have a new guy at the firm. He specializes in insurance. You met him briefly the other night. He’s young and hungry, has a good future ahead of him once he’s more established. Since he’s walked in the door, he’s shown persistence and dedication.” He pauses, staring at me blankly.

“Great news, Marcus. Why the hell are you telling me this?”

“Because he’s been partnered with Emi for a fraud case with her company. You’re not the only one who noticed her when she walked in the other night. Word has it that she works from home and he’d never seen her before. One look and he’s interested. He’s not shy about his intentions to ask her out. Good thing she’s single.”

My mind scans through the men with Marcus the other night, and I instantly know exactly whom Marcus is referring to. The door bangs while his words ring in my ears.

“Fuck him.” I jump up so quickly, my chair hits the floor and I’m at the door in four strides. I throw it open, ready to shout at him, but stop dead.

He’s leaning against my front porch column with his arms crossed, wearing a cocky smirk. “Not interested my ass.”

“Fuck you,” I sneer.

“A little birdie tells me that Emi and her friends are having drinks at a certain bar downtown Friday night.”

“You’re driving. Pick me up at eight, and tell that prick at your office she’s off-limits.” I slam the door in his face but can’t block out the sound of his laughter.

Son of a bitch played me, and I fell right into the trap.

Chapter 4

Emi