Page 26 of Pandora's Pleasure

I paused for a moment, and then asked, “What’s wrong with your laptop?”

She glanced at it with surprise.

“Did it crash?” I took a sip of Coke, and added, “I can have a look if you like.”

Her surprised look morphed into one of suspicion. “No, thank you, that won’t be necessary. Why did you want to speak to me, Ms. Bardot?”

I swallowed hard and then found my courage. “Why did you and Damien split up? You’re beautiful and smart, and clearly accomplished.”

“A straight shooter, I like that.” She nibbled on her lower lip and it looked seductive. “What happened between the two of you that’s caused you to run to my office like a scared little schoolgirl?”

“I’m twenty.”

“You look younger.”

I lowered my gaze. “I’m hoping for some pointers.”

“You make Damien sound like a conundrum.”

“That’s because he is.”

She smiled. “I signed a non-disclosure agreement when we began dating. Didn’t you?”

“No.”

Her expression told me she hadn’t expected that answer. “Well, that’ll come about soon enough. Unless…”

“Unless?”

“The rumors are true?”

“What rumors?”

“I still have friends in Washington.”

“We’re still together if that’s what you mean.” I hoped the lie sounded convincing.

She glanced at her wristwatch, hinting that I was eating away her time.

“He still loves you, Madeline.”

An eyebrow rose as she mulled that over, and then I saw the expression in her eyes soften with affection. It was the kind of reaction seen in those still in love.

“Are you still in contact?” I sensed they were.

“By phone, mostly.”

I decided to ask the question I wasn’t certain I wanted an answer to. “Why aren’t you still together?”

“People grow apart.”

“But…you’re everything he wants in a woman.”

She pushed up from the chair. “I’m flattered you think that.”

I’d offended her, and she was kicking me out.

My shoulders slumped in defeat. “I’m trying to understand him. Trying to make this work.”