Page 33 of Bargain With the Boss

“Xavier wants to cover the rest.”

Claire’s eyes widened. “Xavier Hastings?”

“Yes.”

“Wow.”

“Do you know him?”

“Only by reputation.”

I sighed. “Shining example of a man far too attractive for his own good?”

Claire’s laugh was light and delighted. “Something like that.”

Once we were outside, she turned to me. “We should pick up sandwiches at Jersey Angel’s and go on my boat. I don’t want to be stuck in a stuffy restaurant then back in my house.”

“Your boat?”

She nodded. “I’ve been sailing since I was twelve. You’ll be safe with me.”

Claire reached over into my bag. “That suit and these shorts. Perfect.”

“I should really go back to my room first.”

“Room?”

“I’m staying at the Sherman Inn.”

“Oh, are you only in town for a little while?”

“Undetermined.”

“So mysterious.” She linked her arm through mine. “Let’s continue with our hooky day. We have all that we need.” She led me over to a sleek silver Mercedes convertible.

What was it about this town and convertibles?

I slid inside and barely got my belt across my waist when she was zipping into traffic. Summery and fun music screamed out of the speakers. She shot across Main Street and took a wide, winding left where a few smaller shops were. She parked in front of a small deep blue building with white trim and white chairs and tables outside. It reminded me of Greece with the patterns on the tile around the door. A porcelain angel with a chipped wing hugged a sign. It’s trumpet seemed to be heralding the name, Jersey Angel’s.

“I love this place. Definitely not on my mother’s menu, but God, they make the best roast beef sandwiches with tangy sauce.”

“Your mother doesn’t know the definition of fun either, huh?”

“Absolutely not. Her version of fun is a beautification meeting at town hall, as well as the dry business dinners with my father’s associates. My brother keeps finding ways to get out of them, leaving me to play dutiful daughter.” She rolled her eyes. “If I have to listen to one more Harvard graduate extol about how good his hedge fund is, I’ll expire.”

I laughed as I followed her into the store. The yeasty scent of fresh bread made my stomach roar. From pancakes to more carbs, I was going to ruin all Ember’s hard work on alterations. I looked over the anemic display of salads, but the sandwiches were definitely the star of the show.

“Ahh, Claire. How’s my favorite sprite today?”

“Hey, Apollo. I’m good. I’m taking my new friend on the boat, so we need the works.”

“A Claire basket coming up.”

“What’s a Claire basket,” I asked out of the side of my mouth.

“Fruit, cheese, Moschofilero, and hoagies you can’t even get your mouth around. Oh and a few seltzers to make my favorite lemonade drink.”

“I should probably get a salad.”