Chapter 12

"Would you like something to drink, Mr. Sloan?" This came from Tai, who had moved behind her sleek, glass-topped desk. "A bottle of water? Coffee?"

-or Tai or me? Despite herself, Erica smirked when she spied the definite interest in the assistant's face.

"No, thank you. Please, you both must call me Nico." He bent closer to speak to Erica. "I was wondering if I could take you to lunch."

Glancing at the wall clock, she realized it barely registered ten. "Well, it's awfully early for lunch."

"Coffee then. I promise not to take up too much of your valuable time."

How could she refuse? Excusing herself for a moment, Erica ran to the back room for her purse, and then did a quick touch-up with her lipstick.

"Oh, oh, someone is out on the prowl," Sacha observed with a little purr. "What's he like, this mystery man?"

With a sweet smile, Erica started back to her guest. "Darling, I'll tell you all about it later."

They ended up at the bookstore and coffee bar around the corner.