Page 145 of Boss of Me

“Not really. Gunner let me practice on him, and he gave me some great pointers.”

“Ah, the perks of dating a brilliant scholar slash CEO.”

“Yup.” I grin.

“Is his dad still staying with you guys?”

“No, he went back to Aspen Oaks yesterday. Gunner made him promise to attend his counseling sessions and group therapy. The employees he bribed were reprimanded and given another chance, but only because Gunner didn’t want them to lose their jobs over his father’s actions.”

“That was kind of him,” Quinn replies, polishing off her pita and hummus. “Do you think his dad will stay out of trouble?”

“I sure hope so,” I say ruefully. “Mrs. Calder threatened that she would never speak to him again if he breaks his promise to Gunner. Ifthatdoesn’t motivate him to stay sober, I don’t know what will.”

Quinn sighs. “Fingers crossed.”

“Toes, too.” I sip my latte and smile at her over the rim of my cup. “So what’s new with you? Still no sightings of your stoner neighbor?”

“Actually,” she says, drawing out the word, “I saw Eric last night.”

“Really? So he didn’t get busted by the DEA like you suspected?”

“Nope.” She laughs. “He just got back from touring with his band. He’s in aband, Marlowe. Like a real musician. Can you believe it?”

“Wow. That’s awesome.” The excited gleam in her eyes makes me grin. “You had sex with him again, didn’t you?”

“I did,” she admits with a very satisfied smile. “It was even better than the first time. And the first time was pretty freaking spectacular.”

“Well, damn,” I exclaim.

She grins lewdly. “He may not be the greatest guitar player, but he definitely knows how to hit my G-spot and deliver some killer Os.”

We burst into naughty giggles, attracting the curiosity of several diners.

As our hilarity subsides, Quinn finishes her latte and licks foam off her lips. “Well, I’d better get back to work. I’m sneaking out early ’cause Eric has a gig tonight and wants me to come watch him play.”

“Aww. That’s so sweet.” I grin. “You really like him, don’t you?”

“He’s all right.” Quinn’s affected nonchalance doesn’t fool me. “I’m only sticking around because he promised to buy a new couch.”

“Oh, thank God. The idea of you guys screwing on that nasty ass couch is just . . .” I trail off with a shudder of disgust.

Quinn laughs and pulls out her debit card.

“Put your money away. Lunch is on me.”

“Well, look at you, big spender,” she teases, brown eyes twinkling. “Normally I would protest, but since I don’t get paid till Friday—and you make way more than meandhave a billionaire boyfriend—I’m totally okay with you buying lunch. In fact, let’s just make it a permanent thing.”

I laugh and playfully kick her shin under the table before she stands up. “Have fun tonight. I’ll want all the deets tomorrow.”

“But of course.” She grins and leans down to hug me, then walks off with a little wave of her fingers.

After she leaves, I order another latte and drink it while reviewing my presentation notes. I can’t help smiling at the changes Gunner suggested, expanding some of my ideas and fine-tuning my words. He’s my secret weapon, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

After settling the bill, I’m rummaging in my purse for my car keys when I hear a familiar voice say, “Marlowe?”

I look up to see Harlan Pierce walking toward me. Hot anger flares in my chest.

“I thought I recognized you.” He’s all smiles and charm. “Good to see you again. How’ve you been?”