“Really?” One brow rose. “Tall, dark, and handsome, or scary, overbearing, and fashion-impaired?”
“Hmm.” Morgan’s lips twitched. “Tough choice. How about tall, dark, and dynamic?”
“Safe. Where do the other adjectives factor in?”
Her gaze skimmed over him, taking in his dark blue sweater and khaki slacks. “Scary—no. Overbearing—possibly. Handsome—in the eyes of the beholder. Fashion-impaired? Definitely not.” She raised her chin, met his gaze. “How was that?”
“Honest. Straightforward but tactful.” He glanced from her to Jill and back. “Two beautiful, intelligent women—one, charming and intuitive, the other vivacious and enthusiastic. It’s a pretty unbeatable combination. I can see why clients flock to your agency.”
“Maybe you should be one of them,” Jill suggested. “You’re single. Unless you already have a significant other, why don’t you make an appointment and find out just how good Winshore is?”
Morgan bit back her laughter at the reaction Lane didn’t have time to disguise. “Now that’s an expression I’ve seen a dozen times before. And it’s been wrong every single time.”
“What expression?”
“The one that says, ‘Who me? Superstud? I don’t need a social agency. I’m doing just fine on my own.’”
“Well, now that you mention it…”
“Now that I mention it, you have no lack of success with women and no self-esteem problems?” Morgan’s lips curved. “That’s obvious. And, for what it’s worth, I agree with you. For the kind of relationships you have in mind, you’re better off on your own. Someday, when you’re looking for a meaningful relationship, one that requires a true partner, give us a call.”
Lane felt like he’d been issued two challenges in the past five minutes. One from Congressman Shore, and the other from Morgan Winter. He wasn’t sure which was more of an adrenaline rush.
This evening was turning out to be a lot more stimulating than he’d expected.
“Fair enough.” He tipped his glass of vegetable juice to Morgan and to Jill. “I’ll keep that offer in mind. Be sure to give me a business card before I leave.”
“I’ll do that.” Morgan’s gaze shifted to Elyse, who’d filled a plate with fruit and cheese and was handing it to her. “Thank you.” She looked like she wanted to refuse the snack, but saw how anxious Elyse was, and took it. “This looks great.”
“It should,” Arthur commented drily. “It’s probably the first thing you’ve put in your mouth since that muffin you ate at noon.”
Morgan gave a guilty shrug. “It’s been one of those days. Crazy busy.”
“Then you shouldn’t have stopped to run an errand on the way here,” Elyse scolded. “You’re exhausted. It could have waited.”
“No, actually it couldn’t have.” Morgan sank down onto the sofa and nibbled at a slice of pineapple. “I stopped by the Manhattan D.A.’s office. I wanted them to have copies of those newspaper clippings. I gave the originals to Detective Montgomery.” She sent a curious glance in Lane’s direction. “Did Arthur tell you I hired your father?”
Lane could feel the congressman’s probing stare, a reminder not to get into anything too heavy.
“He mentioned it, yes.” Lane kept his answer short and sweet. “Although I’m sorry it’s necessary.” He resettled himself on the sofa, accepting the plate of fruit Elyse offered him with a murmur of thanks. “In any case, let me assure you, you’re in very capable hands. Nothing gets by Monty. Believe me, I know from personal experience. I didn’t get away with squat, not as a kid or as a teenager. He was always one step ahead of me.”
“Something tells me you’ve made up for that since then,” Morgan commented wryly.
“Maybe. But we still do our share of butting heads.”
“He’s your father,” Jill summed up. “That comes with the territory.”
“Especially when the two of you are a lot alike.” Morgan studied Lane thoughtfully. “Which I get the feeling is the case with you and Detective Montgomery.”
“You’re right. It is.” Lane arched a teasing, quizzical brow at Morgan. “Did I just help or hurt my image?”
Morgan didn’t respond with lighthearted banter. She didn’t even smile. Instead, she stared down at her plate, a strained expression tightening her features. “I can’t say enough about your father. Once upon a time he was a lifeline for me. I’m praying he will be again.”
Lane wanted to kick himself for triggering her reaction. “He will be,” he stated flatly. “Monty won’t walk away until he’s restored your peace of mind. Count on it.”
“I am.” Morgan’s chin came up, and the strained look receded—with an effort. “You have no idea how much.”
“I have an idea,” Elyse cut in. “Jill, Morgan, and I have a few final details to go over for Winshore’s holiday party. Why don’t we go into the den and do that while you gentlemen go over whatever reckless adventures you’re planning for next week.” She shuddered. “Just listening to the itinerary makes my insides twist. I’m better off making myself scarce.”