“I know. That’s why I was nervous. I’m far better in written word than I am in person.”
“That’s a matter of opinion.”
“And? What’s your opinion?”
I stare at him, my stubbornness a stronghold, before shrugging one-shouldered. “The jury is still out.”
A glint shimmers in his green eyes. “Pretty soon we have a whole week to tip the scales.”
I stride to the door and open it, gripping it with one hand and placing my other hand on my jutted out hip. I am all sass, and judging by Klein’s appreciative expression, it’s hitting just right. “Ahh, but which way will they tip?”
An amused smirk broadens his cheeks. “I’m competitive, Ace. Be careful.”
“Good to know. I like my opponents qualified, Wordsmith.”
I strut away, leaving him to see himself out.
CHAPTER 20
Klein
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airportis nestled in the center of the city. Halston has offered to drive me, and for that I’m grateful because it will save me a lot of money in parking fees. It will cost me in terms of owing Halston, and when she reminds me of this, I tell her to add it to my tally.
She drops me at the departures curb with a wave, yawning as she pulls out into airport traffic.
I’ve been sitting next to the gate for twenty-five minutes when Paisley walks up. Her hair is tied in a messy knot on top of her head and she’s wearing sweats and a tank top. No makeup.
“Klein the writer,” she grumbles when she sees me. “I need coffee.”
“Vast improvement from Klein the stripper.”
A flick of a gaze is the only way I know she has heard me.
Wrestling the camel-colored leather backpack off her, I say, “You are awfully zombie-like this morning.”
“I’m a delight.” She squints one eye and looks at me suspiciously. “Are you a morning person?”
Pushing down my zest and zeal, I say blandly, “Yes.”
“Ugh,” she sighs. “Of all the bars in all the towns, I walked into yours.”
“It was your lucky night.”
“Was it?” Her head moves back-and-forth as she speaks, her messy bun careening precariously.
My head tips as I study her. “You’re kind of mean early in the morning. Add that to the list of things I just learned about you.”
“Caffeine,” she says, by way of explanation. “I haven’t had any yet, and it’s the only thing that makes me human at this hour.”
Placing my hands on her shoulders, I steer her in the direction of a coffee shop. “Let’s get you caffeinated so you can start being nice to me.”
Paisley orders the tallest coffee they have, plus a bagel with cream cheese. “Make that two, please,” I say to the cashier, handing over cash.
Paisley’s arm shoots out. “I can pay for mine.”
“You bought my plane ticket. The least I can do is buy you a coffee and a bagel.”
She nods. “I’ll allow it.”
