Page 84 of Love Under the Microscope
Zelda’s eyes fill with a mixture of excitement and relief. “Yes, they would. They probably wouldn’t realize they don’t have the complete formula until they ran tests.”
“Since Orchid is ready to launch, I’d say that’s proof enough.”
“So do I.” She tucks the pages into a coverall pocket. “I’d better put the picture back.”
“I’ll do it.” Her hands are shaking, so I swiftly put the frame back together and place it on the nightstand. “Okay, we should get out of here.”
“You know what would be fun?” Zelda asks.
The smile tipping at her lips is so mischievous I have a feeling I know what she’s thinking. “Nope. We’re not having sex on Nigel’s bed.”
“Spoilsport.”
God, she’s beautiful and turning my life upside down, but I damn well love it. Life will never be boring with her, and the thought I might lose her once I write my story fills me with a familiar fear, one I experienced when Aisha’s organs shut down. “You know I’m starting to fall for you, don’t you?”
“I hope so because the feeling is mutual.”
“Good.” I grin, hoping she’ll remember this conversation. “And whenever you’re mad at me in the future, remember I actually broke the law for you twice. Now let’s go.”
We’re pressing our luck.
Her lower lip thrusts out. “Can I at least get a kiss in Nigel’s bedroom?”
Fuck it. I can’t deny this woman anything, so I plant my lips on hers.
“What the hell is going on in here?” The shrill female voice is annoyed—very, very annoyed. “Who the hell are you two?”
“Shit,” Zelda mutters against my mouth. “It’s Malisha.”
“The housekeeper?”
“Yep. She might recognize me.”
“Well?” Malisha asks.
“Sorry, ma’am.” I push Zelda’s head into my shoulder. “We’re here to size up for a swimming pool.”
“Canoodling in young Mr. Carrington’s room is not sizing up for a pool.”
“I was sizing up something,” Zelda says quietly.
I snort and then cough while her shoulders shake as she tries not to laugh.
“What’s wrong with him?” Malisha asks, pointing her finger rather rudely. “Is he upset?”
“Yes. So upset.” I try hard to look and sound serious. “He’s gotten some bad news from his family.”
“And you thought it was a good idea to bring him into a private room and make out with him?” Malisha thrusts her hands on her hips and glares at us. Forget about sending daggers our way. She’s firing nuclear missiles at us.
Zelda lifts her head, and I push it back against my shoulder with more force than I meant to use, and she whelps.
“Sorry.” I pat her head. “Sh—he, I mean he is really upset. I apologize, ma’am, but I didn’t know what to do.”
“Cavorting is what you decided to do, young man.” She takes a step closer.
Not wanting her to discover Zelda is a woman and Nigel’s ex-girlfriend, I step to the left with Zelda’s face still pushed against me.
“We’ll be on our way.” I toss Malisha a manic grin. “Tell Mr. Carrington I’ll put the pool quote in the mail.”
