Cat smiled as she eased the schipperke into her carrier. “A playdate with Bouncer might be fun.”
“I’m on the road for ten days,” Law reminded her. “But you can drop off Foxie anytime.”
She nodded, noncommittal. “We appreciate the invite.”
An invitation did not guarantee Cat’s appearance, whether for pet playtime or for the opening of Haunt. He debated asking her on an official date, but decided against it.
He respected Catherine and would never make her feel second-best. Only a jerk would take one woman to a club, only to spend the evening looking for another. He’d be busy trying to find Wonder Woman.
Should she show, Law planned to return her Lasso of Truth. She’d given herself over to him once. He’d go for twice.
Never in his life had he dated two women at the same time. Yet both Wonder Woman and Catherine May did it for him.
They took the elevator to the car park and climbed back in the SUV. Cat’s cell phone rang as they drove to Driscoll Financial. She answered, and Law caught one end of the conversation.
“A definite reason to celebrate, Mom,” Cat said, a smile in her voice. “Dad brought you roses? He waltzed you around the kitchen? The man hasn’t danced in years.”
A short pause, listening on Cat’s part and eavesdropping on Law’s. “I need to meet with Zen, and afterward I have a dentist appointment. I’ll be home by seven, no later than seven thirty. Fire up the barbecue. I’m in the mood for ribs. I’ll stop by the grocery and pick up sodas.” Her face softened. “Love you back, Mom.” And Cat disconnected.
“Good news, I gather?” Law hinted.
She nodded, her eyes bright, her sigh one of total relief. “My dad works hard, and construction’s been slow. He refuses money from his kids. Today the carpenter gods smiled on him. Warren-Waite contracted him to build and install all the cabinets in their latest parade of homes. That’s ten houses and a year’s worth of work. It’s party time on Larkspar Lane.”
The village would assemble and Roger May would be king. Law felt oddly hollow. He rubbed his chest, figuring he was hungry. The pup cakes and raspberry ladyfingers hadn’t stayed with him. He’d fill the emptiness with dinner at Duffy’s Diner.
He’d planned to locate Brody Jones and make sure the shortstop was packed and ready to travel tomorrow. The kid had party genes, and a good night’s sleep was preferable to a hangover. The upcoming series would be tough. The Braves and Marlins wanted to drop the Rogues in the standings.
Catherine May was amazed that James Lawless found a parking place directly in front of Driscoll Financial. It was Friday night, and people swarmed the sidewalks the way cars jammed the street. Families and couples converged on restaurants and clubs. Jacy’s Java remained open to the caffeine crowd.
Beside her, Law let the engine idle. He appeared anxious to leave. Cat quickly realized he had places to go, people to see, women to bed.
She debated inviting him to her family’s celebration, only to quickly dismiss the thought. The Mays overwhelmed outsiders, and Law was a solitary man.
She unfastened her seat belt and pushed open the door before Law could lean across and assist her. She couldn’t handle more touching.
Hefting the mesh dog carrier from the floor mat, she hooked it over her shoulder. Once on the sidewalk, she turned and said, “Congratulations. You’re three investments richer than you were this morning.”
“All thanks to you, sweetheart.” His dark gaze met hers, held, then shifted to her lips. Law was relentless. He had a way of looking at her mouth that left her feeling kissed. Cat licked her lips, expecting to taste him on her tongue.
Law’s smile hit her belly low. Her pulse jumped and her stomach fluttered. His dimples deepened when she stepped back, nearly tripping over her own feet to escape his stare. She hated the fact that her nipples puckered and heat probed between her thighs.
He was fully aware that he turned her on.
He appeared to enjoy her sexual squirm.
“’Night, Catherine.” His tone was a verbal caress.
Her knees turned to jelly. She slammed the door of the SUV so hard the entire side shook. She then escaped into the building.
Five thirty, and the firm was quiet. Only Zen remained. She knocked on his door and entered his office. He looked up from his desk and removed his wire-rim glasses. “I hear your day was successful,” he said.
She blinked. “How did you know?”
“Law texted me.”
“When?” She’d just left the man.
“A second ago.”
The man had fast fingers. “Are you headed out, or do you have a minute?” she asked her boss.
“I’m here until seven,” he returned. “Ellie’s at ballet, and after dance class, I’m taking my wife and daughter out to dinner at CJ Sam’s.”
The restaurant was kid-friendly and popular with families. Catherine had taken her nieces and nephews to lunch there several times. The atmosphere was relaxed, fun, and appealed to time-starved parents and juvenile taste buds.
Cat gently lowered Foxie’s carrier onto the floor and took a seat across from Zen. The schipperke remained surprisingly quiet. She’d had an active day.
So had Zen, judging by his desktop, still piled with files, stock reports, and three financial newspapers. The man was swamped.
“What’s on your mind, Cat?” he asked.
“Confidentiality,” she began. “Randall Burton Lawless put me on retainer this morning.”
“Impressive.” Zen didn’t appear overly surprised. “Rand asked about you last week. He’d heard you were working with his grandson—”
“And wanted to be sure I was reputable,” she finished for him.
He nodded. “That sums it up. Randall is very protective of Law.”
“Which I understand,” Cat acknowledged. “Randall’s wealth couldn’t prevent tragedy. Law lost his parents and suffered greatly at an early age.”
Zen narrowed his gaze on her. “Who told you about the accident?” he asked, as if the information was top secret.
“Law spoke about it last night.”
“He’s not one to discuss his past.”
“Clone Man turned back time.” She related the events of the previous evening.
Zen took it all in, his expression solemn. “You now know Law better than many of his teammates,” he said. “He’s one of my closest friends. He’s opened up to you. Don’t shut him down.”