“Pemberly still trying to buy it off you?” I ask as I stop beside her.
She sighs. “Yes. The man doesn’t know how to give up.”
I take in the gorgeous painting in front of me. I don’t know much about art, but even I can tell this one is an artist’s crowning achievement. “Can’t really blame him.”
Amara doesn’t respond. Instead, she turns to me and asks simply, “How was last night?”
I can’t bring myself to look at her. “Are you asking because of me or the client?”
“You know you come first, mia cara,” she says sweetly, touching my hand.
I let out an unfeeling hum.
I don’t know the answer to her question, so instead, I focus on the easy part and hand over the bag I’m carrying. Fifteen percent of my bookings, all cash, no trace. Amara sighs as she takes it.
“He was nice,” I answer simply. “Clearly hadn’t done it before, was a little unsure in the beginning, but ultimately just wanted a vanilla date.” I don’t mention that vanilla date was the most mind-blowing experience of my life. “He was a solid referral.”
When Amara doesn’t react right away, I finally turn toward her with a frown. She looks lost in thought.
“Why?” I ask. “Is there something I should know?”
Her gaze jerks toward me in surprise. “What? Oh, no. Not about him. It’s the guy who referred him who I’m having an issue with, so I wanted to make sure I cut out the entirety of the rot. That’s all.”
“Hm. Well, whoever that guy was, I can’t see how it would extend to Nico. The guy’s a nice guy, through and through.”
Amara tilts her head. “Nico?”
I look away to cover my blush. I usually call clients by their last name; it helps make them feel like a nobody. “He’s young. It feels odd calling him Mr. Price.”
“He’s notthatyoung,” Amara says with a chuckle. “It’s one of the reasons he called us.”
Part of me is bursting at the seams to ask her more about that. She probably got more information about Nico during her background check than I did during our date, so she’s going to be my best shot at learning more about him.
But…I can’t. I can’t make Amara think Nico was a unique client. And I can’t care.
“He spoke very highly of you,” Amara says casually.
My head snaps toward her before I can control the impulse. “You called him? It’s barely been twelve hours!”
She gives me a knowing smile. “I didn’t call him, Scarlett.”
My eyes widen. Nico called already? What did he?—?
He called for a second date.
I turn my gaze forward, back to the painting in front of me. I don’t know why I’m surprised. He didallude to future dates a few times. I just wasn’t sure if he’d snap back to reality after I left and realize he was flirting with an escort.
I can’t tell if I’m relieved it didn’t happen or bummed that it hasn’t happened yet.
“Are you okay with seeing him again?” Amara interrupts my thoughts.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I answer in a flat tone. If only I could adopt this emotionless shell around Nico.
“He asked for this Thursday. I know you typically put a week or two between clients, but since he’s a new client, I thoughtyou might want to hook him early.” Her mouth twitches with a smirk. “Although it sounds like you’ve already done that.”
I shouldn’t say yes. I shouldn’t feed into her suspicion, shouldn’t encourage Nico.
“Thursday’s fine.”
