Page 85 of My Favorite Kidnapper

She shrugged. “Slipped out. Now, we’re discussing your associate.”

I tried not to laugh. She was pushing my buttons. Deliberately.

“Is he married?”

“Several times,” I replied.

“Seeing anyone?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Children?”

“No idea.”

“Hobbies?”

“Collecting art. Selling art. Brokering deals.”

She frowned. “It’s going to be hard to chat with him, then.”

“Richard is not a man you chat with. We’ll talk business. You can smile at him. Be my arm candy.” I kissed the side of her head. “Sweetest arm candy in the world.”

That got me another huff and a smile. “Your business is so man-driven. Such an old boys’ club.”

“At times. I deal with lots of women, but yes, men do tend to have the upper hand.”

“Fine. So, his name is Richard.”

“Yes. Richard Wiggles.”

She froze as she reached for her drink, carefully setting it back on the table. She turned and faced me fully.

“What did you say?”

“Richard Wiggles.”

“His name is Richard Wiggles?”

I crossed my arms. “Yes.”

A smile tugged on her lips. “And he is a big shot art dealer?”

“According to many, yes.”

“Named Richard Wiggles.”

“Yes, Little Bee. Is that so hard to grasp?”

She began to laugh. The laugh I loved. Loud, raucous, filled with mirth, some snorts thrown in for good measure and causing her to double over in delight.

I tried not to join her.

“What is so funny?”

“You have a business associate named Richard Wiggles. Dick Wiggles. Oh, I can’t. I can’t, Dante. Don’t make me go to this dinner.”

I glared at her sternly. “You will go, and you will behave yourself.”