Chapter 34
Standing behind Bianca was Vince Hammond, the sports agent who'd confronted Jake at the museum. Talk about double the fun – someone who hated me and someone who hated Jake. What could possibly go wrong here?
I gave Bianca an annoyed look. "What are you doing here?" I asked.
She strode through the front door like she owned the place. "I came to get my things."
I turned to Vince. "And what about you?" I asked.
He flicked his head toward Bianca. "I'm her ride."
"He's more than my ride," Bianca said. "He's my newest client."
From the look in her eye, he'd probably be more than a client before the night was through. I could see the appeal. The guy was rich, successful, and if I were being honest, good-looking in that classic sort of way.
Without another word, Bianca started heading toward the back hallway. I strode forward to block her path.
"Jake's not here," I said, "so you'll have to come back later."
She gave her key card a little wave. "In case you haven't noticed, I have a key. That means I don't need your permission."
"But you still need Jake's," I said. "And as I already mentioned, he's not here."
"Ooooh what happened?" she said in a voice of mock concern. "Did he dump you? So soon? Poor baby."
"It's not like that," I said.
"Sure it isn't." She glanced down at my torso. "And I'll be needing my dress back now."
I did my best Bianca impression. "Oooooh, are you sure?" I made a show of fanning myself. "Because I've been sweating buckets in this thing."
"Oh grow up," she said. "I'm not planning to actuallywearit. I just don't wantyouto have it."
"Gee, who was being childish now?" Still, two could play at this game. "In that case," I said, "I'll be needingmydress back too."
She pursed her lips. "Why?"
Actually, I didn't have a clue why. The dress was butt-ugly and had Bianca cooties all over it. Still, I heard myself blurt out, "Jake thinks it's sexy."
"Don't be ridiculous," she said. "He does not."
"Well, maybe not onyou," I said. "I mean, you're not exactly the 'willowy' type, are you?"
"Hey! I'm more willowy than you are."
"If you say so…"
Her gaze narrowed. "Are you returning my dress or not?"
Before giving the dress to anyone, I'd need to change out of it. And there was no way I'd be leaving Bianca unattended, especially with Vince in tow. It was no secret the guy wanted to do Jake harm. I'd be a fool to turn my back on him for even a minute.
"If you want the dress," I told Bianca, "you'll have to come back tomorrow."
She made a sound of annoyance. "Why tomorrow?"
I smiled. "Because I'm not done sweating in it yet."
Bianca whirled toward Vince. "You see what I've been putting up with?"