Secrets of the Lotus. Michelle Garren Flye

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      “Does this mean you’re going to take me up on my offer?”

      Dan sat across from Josie at the finest table in one of the finest restaurants in New York, the type for which anyone not on the A-list had to make reservations months or possibly even years in advance. Of course, Josie knew those rules didn’t apply to Dan Mason. In fact, she didn’t think he’d even called ahead, yet when she’d walked into the restaurant with him a half hour before, the maitre d’ had shown them to a table without hesitation.

      “What would make you think that?” She took a sip of wine.

      “For one thing, you accepted my invitation to dinner. For another, you told your editor you weren’t sure what was going on between us.”

      “And nearly lost my job. I think the only reason Lamar didn’t fire me outright was because your dad is one of his heroes.”

      He sat back in his seat. “Yeah, Dad affected a lot of people that way.” He frowned at his glass. “Well, at least you’re here with me now.” He leaned across the table and took her hand. “I suppose it’s up to me to show you how charming I can be when I set my mind to it—”

      “I’m well aware how charming you can be. That’s what got me into this mess.”

      “—And how worthwhile it can all be when you’re my girlfriend.”

      Josie looked up, startled. For a moment, she let herself dwell on the fantasy of being his girlfriend: the nice restaurants, the envious glances of women, the glamorous nights at the best functions. But her mind flashed back to the moment at the door of this exclusive restaurant when his hand had rested lightly on the small of her back. She felt a blush beginning and looked down quickly, a tiny, involuntary smile on her lips.

      “Danny boy!” The bluff, British-accented voice made them both start. Josie looked up at a round red face topped with white hair. The face reminded her of an enormous tomato she’d seen at a roadside stand during the summer—slightly malformed and splotchy, she hadn’t trusted it enough to eat it, and she felt pretty much the same about the ugly man standing next to her table.

      Dan didn’t look happy about the interruption. “Greg.” He acknowledged the other man with a curt nod, but Josie noticed he made no move to stand or shake his acquaintance’s hand.

      “Aren’t you going to introduce me?” Greg’s gaze slid over Josie. “I heard you were looking to break another heart, Danny boy, but I had no idea the object of your affections was so enchanting.”

      “Josie Stewart, Greg Morrow.” Dan made a brusque motion with one hand then turned to Josie, almost apologetically, to add, “Greg is a business associate.”

      Realizing this particular business associate was one Dan would prefer she didn’t know and wondering why, Josie decided to test him. She rose, holding her hand out to Greg, who took it eagerly. “How nice to meet you, Mr. Morrow. I’ve heard your name many times over the past few years, of course, but it’s always good to make new friends.”

      “And of course, I know all about New York Life’s lovely society reporter.” Morrow bowed over Josie’s hand in a passable imitation of a European manner.

      She cleared her throat, shooting Dan, who had risen to his feet when she did, a quick look.

      “I guess you hadn’t heard Josie recently took over the theater beat at New York Life.” Dan smoothly bridged the awkward pause and Josie appreciated his courteousness.

      “Indeed?” Greg’s eyebrows shot up his forehead. “Well, I’m sure you’ll soon be the toast of the theater world, my dear. Ah, I see my party has arrived. Splendid to see you both.”

      “Splendid,” Dan echoed with a hint of mockery, moving to hold Josie’s chair.

      She watched until Greg Morrow was safely across the room then turned back to Dan. “You don’t like him.”

      “No.”

      “Why not?”

      He took a sip of his wine, his eyes on hers. “Maybe we shouldn’t discuss business.”

      “Sure. So why do you do business with someone you don’t like?”

      He made an exasperated noise. “Didn’t we decide we shouldn’t discuss business?”

      “You decided that. But maybe you shouldn’t be dating a reporter. Especially if you have secrets.”

      “What makes you think I have secrets? And as far as I know, I’m not dating any reporters, am I?”

      “You might as well be. You’ve made it clear you want to make this going-out-together thing a regular occurrence, haven’t you?” She paused. “And why would you duck my questions if you didn’t have secrets?”

      He rolled his eyes. “Fine. I don’t like Greg Morrow because he’s a phony. He’s not even British.”

      “And you do business with him because?”

      “Because my father did. Good enough for you, Nancy Drew?” He smiled. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. Morrow affects me in a bad way.”

      “That’s fine. Although from what I hear, Greg Morrow is a terrible gossip, so by tomorrow it’ll be common knowledge you’re dating a reporter.”

      He gave her a surprised look then grinned. “You know more about him than you let on.”

      “Of course I know about him.” She shook her head and laughed at him. “I was a society reporter for СКАЧАТЬ