Page 101 of Player For Hire

I had a lot to think about. But before I did, I needed to talk to Colder. I didn’t want him to make any rash decisions.

Even if his immediate support made me love him all the more.

I rushed over to where he was talking to Cal and came in on the end of something.

“I know. I really appreciate the opportunity for Velvet Noir, but if Naomi needs to go back to Chicago, then that’s where I’m going too.”

“Are you sure, kid?”

“What’s Velvet Noir?” I blurted out from behind him.

Colder spun around, his eyes widening. “Naomi.”

I stalked closer to him and stabbed my finger into his chest. “What’s Velvet Noir?”

Suddenly, things clicked together. Monday when he was sloshy and happy. The surprise he couldn’t tell me.

Colder glanced from Callahan to me. “I can’t say.”

I spun and got into Callahan’s space. “What’s Velvet Noir?”

Cal lifted his chin and stared down at me. “I told him not to mention it. Christ on a cracker,” he muttered. “Can’t keep a secret in this damn city if my fucking life depends on it.”

Maybe my life did.

My life here in Kensington Square and with Colder.

I simply stared at him, willing him to tell me.

Cal sighed. “It’s a new speakeasy I’m opening up this summer. I asked Colder to run it for me.”

I spun again and crowded into Colder. “And you were going to give that up?”

“I love you, Naomi. Of course I would.”

My eyes filled. “No, you can’t. You can’t.”

“I would. I will.” He stroked his hand down my hair. “Where you go, I go.”

“Do I get a vote?” Duncan asked from the sidelines.

“No,” Colder and I said in unison.

“I should.” Duncan slapped his iPad closed. “I’m the best friend too. Isadora said her peace. We all freaking heard it.”

Colder glanced at Duncan then shifted back to me. “What does he mean?”

“Maybe I shouldn’t go. What if they just downsize me again in six months? And you lost this opportunity. For me?”

“Worth it.”

He did love me. More than I even imagined possible. So fast, but so completely. There was no denying it.

I went onto my toes and kissed him.

Cal groaned. “Okay, get a room.” He stalked over to the food.

Colder slipped his arm around me and kissed me back.