Page 16 of The Billionaires' Gamble

“Enough about me. Let’s talk about your date.”

“Girl! I’m shaking in my off-brand stilettos. She is—” Her voice trails off, but she sounds all dreamy-eyed, which thrills me to no end.

In fact, I’ve been feeling that way an awful lot the last few days. I can almost see her fanning herself.

“Should we talk outfits?” I ask.

“Oh god.” She sighs.

“She’s going to like whatever you wear.”

“Of course she is. She’s amazing and level-headed and wicked smart, but?—”

There’s no mistaking the tremor in her voice.

“But what?”

“It feels important.”

“Your outfit?”

“The date.”

“Oh, well, I think that just tells you how much you want it.”

Another sigh. “Part of me likes being a free agent, you know?”

“I do.” She’s barely dated, for a variety of good reasons. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t been looking. Who hasn’t? “But you’ve been talking about this woman for the better part of a year.”

“I know...”

“So maybe it’s the perfect time and you just have to be open to whatever happens.”

“Is that what you’re doing?”

“One thousand percent. And crossing my fingers the whole way.”

7

ALEX/KATHERINE

Alex

“You’re sure about this?” I ask.

This is the kind of situation where I have to be positive I have all the information, not a best guess.

The afternoon traffic is surprisingly heavy for this time of day, but worth it to see Katherine. I’ve got an event tonight that I can’t miss, which means making time with her where I can.

“That the coroner’s body washed up?” Magnus’ voice rumbles through my cell phone’s speaker. “Yeah, they’re sure it’s him. Dental records match.”

I’m surprised he survived this long, given the money and power the Chanlers have. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lucinda thinks no one is watching. After all, her father was an old man, and old men die every day.

My guys haven’t found a telltale money trail, so I give her props for that. But my gut tells me there’s something fishy about the whole situation, from Henry Chanler’s untimely death to the coroner’s early retirement and now, his death.

It reeks of tying up loose ends.

“What does your guy think?”