“Sooo, how was it?”
“He’s sexy as hell, very smooth, and sick handsome. So get this, I took care of him, but when he was about to return the favor, he got called away?—”
Fred’s belly laugh made Simone chuckle. “That is too perfect.” She continued laughing. “You’ve been watching him for weeks, he stalks you, you give him a blowjob. That man has the most charmed life. Did you get any dirt on him?”
“Not a damn thing. If he’s doing anything illegal, he flies well below the radar. He’s taken his private jet a few times, but I can’t find out where he goes and he’s never gone for more than twenty-four hours.”
Fred rubbed her hands together. “Ooooh, a man of mystery.” She plucked the card from the bouquet. “He wants an encore. Go for it. I mean, the man owes you one. Who would turn down sex withhim?”
“I got caught up in the party,” Simone said. “Hard not to when everyone’s screwing.”
“Don’t overthink this. Let him take care of you. It’s an orgasm, not a marriage proposal. Seriously, just go with it.”
“I won’t overthink it,” Simone said. “Sex for the sake of it.”
“Exactly. Isn’t that why you went to Burke’s? To hook up with some stranger?”
“I went to Burke’s because I’m a sexual pervert,” Simone replied, and the women laughed.
“Right, my voyeur friend. I forgot you’re into watching.” She pulled Simone’s laptop over. “Unlock this for me.” After Simone did, Fred logged into their website.
“Our site is crap,” Fred said. “Totally outdated. I have ideas. If you like them, I’ll ask for the changes.”
When they’d both moved from FBI Special Agents to Operatives at ALPHA, Z had suggested their cover—personal shoppers for a fictitious group of high-end clients.
Fred turned the laptop toward her.
Red & Fred
Personal Shoppers with an Eye for Design
Then, pointed out all the places where they could make improvements.
“This needs new verbiage,” Fred said. “The graphics are, like, five years old. We need a complete overhaul.”
The doorbell rang.
Simone checked her doorbell app and her heart skipped a beat. “No way.” Standing there dressed in all black was Luciano Santini. She spun her phone toward Fred.
“Oh, wow, it’s him.” Grinning from ear to ear, Fred took off toward the front door. After opening it, she said, “Here to see Red?”
Excitement fluttered through her.
Here we go.
“Who?” Luciano asked.
“Oh, sorry. Simone.”
“Yes, Simone. Is she home?”
“Sure is. Who can I say is calling?”
“Luciano Santini.”
Simone wondered how many house calls he made. She doubted many.
“I’m her business partner, Frederica. C’mon in.”
