Page 45 of Bargain with Fate
Vale looked at me, mouth twitching in amusement. “You were saying?”
“It’s fear,” I said, bristling defensively. “Can’t you see it radiating from her?”
He crouched down to stroke her belly. “The only thing radiating from this cat is a satisfied purr that rivals a Ferrari engine.”
Jinx closed her eyes in blissful appreciation. Traitor. No treats for her at the party.
Vale stepped over the vibrating cat to explore the rest of the cottage. I knew it was a mistake to let him in. I should’ve flown him to his yacht and dropped him on deck like bird shit.
“You live like a Spartan,” he finally remarked, after a slow, agonizing perusal of my living room.
“I’m a woman of simple means.”
“Most homes are a reflection of their occupants. I look around and I see nothing that suggests Maya August lives here.”
“Maybe that’s because you don’t know me very well.”
“Neither does your house.” He motioned to the wall. “You couldn’t even hang a piece of artwork that speaks to you? Something you find pretty to look at? A mirror, even?”
“I don’t spend a lot of time here,” I said. Okay, that was a bald-faced lie. I hid inside my cottage at every available opportunity. It was my sanctuary. My safe space.
And Vale was currently standing in the middle of it.
What was I thinking? Why didn’t I refuse? I was a strong, capable, powerful woman. I could’ve said no.
Why didn’t I?
Jinx reappeared in the living room, twining around my visitor’s ankles. “She’s friendly. How long have you had her?” he asked.
“She’s more of a frequent visitor who comes and goes at her leisure.”
He gave me a skeptical look. “And how frequently does she go?”
I couldn’t recall the last time Jinx had slept outside the cottage. “I don’t keep track.”
“Is there a reason you don’t want to claim ownership of this cat?”
“Because she doesn’t belong to me. Jinx is her own feline.” I scooped the cat under my arm. “Let’s go.”
“We’re bringing the cat to a social engagement?”
“It’s another cat’s birthday party. The theme is ancient Egypt, but don’t worry, you won’t get booted for not wearing a costume. Gina will be thrilled to see an unfamiliar face.” I’d been tempted to add the word “handsome,” but Vale would’ve never let me live it down.
Vale burst into laughter. “I’m beginning to understand why you tried so hard to get rid of me.”
“And you think I’m the one incapable of following orders.” I carried Jinx to the golf cart and settled into the passenger seat with the cat on my lap. “I’ll tell you where to go.”
Vale chuckled. “I bet you will.”
He drove us to the ballroom, humming merrily to himself.
“Won’t your people worry that you’ve been gone so long?” I asked, as we pulled into the parking lot.
“They know where I am.” The ends of his mouth twitched. “Well, not specifically where I am, although I fully intend to provide photographic evidence.”
“You take one picture inside this venue, and I will smash your phone with my bare hands.”
My threat only made him laugh harder. “I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun.”
