Sleepless in Manhattan (From Manhattan with Love 1)

“It’s brilliant. Your wish is our command. That’s our tagline. Or our mission statement or whatever it’s called.”

“You’ll have people phoning you for sex,” Jake drawled, reaching for another beer.

The flickering candles sent a golden glow across his lean dark features. Watching him woke up parts of her she would have rather stayed asleep.

She was almost relieved that he’d returned to being annoying. “Do you have anything helpful to contribute?”

“Unless you want men phoning you with indecent requests, that observation was helpful.”

“Not everyone thinks about sex all the time. We need a company name that goes with that. Genie Incorporated? Genie Girls?” She pulled a face and shook her head. “No.”

“Clever Genie.” Frankie deadheaded a rose.

Matt stirred. “City Genie?”

“Urban Genie.” It was Jake who spoke, his voice low and sexy in the darkness. “And anytime you three want to rub my lamp, go right ahead.”

Paige turned toward him, a sharp rejection on her lips, and then she stopped.

Urban Genie.

It was perfect.

“I love it.”

“I love it, too.” Frankie nodded and so did Eva.

“Paige Walker, CEO of Urban Genie. You’re in the driving seat, heading down the freeway to fortune. I’m happy to be your passenger.” Eva raised her glass and frowned. “My glass is half-full.”

Frankie grinned. “I would have said the glass was half-empty. I guess that says a lot about the difference between us.”

“We each bring our different strengths to the business and there are no passengers.” Paige reached for the champagne bottle and topped up Eva’s glass. “You’re driving, too.”

“Hey, I can change a wheel but I’m not driving the car.” Frankie brushed soil from her sweatpants. “That’s your job.”

Their faith in her was as scary as it was heartwarming.

“Three women drivers,” Jake drawled, glancing at Matt. “Better start taking the subway.”

Paige knew he was winding her up but this time she didn’t care.

Anticipation and excitement rushed through her. She was starting her own business. Right now. And with her closest friends.

What could be better?

“Urban Genie. We’re in business.” She raised her glass. “Eva, go and rescue your lucky shirt. We’re going to need it.”

CHAPTER FOUR

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, unless your best friend is a cook.

—Frankie

“WAKE UP.” PAIGE put a cup of coffee down by Eva’s bed but her friend didn’t stir. “I’m going for a run, and when I get back you need to be awake and ready to go.”

There was a sound from under the covers. “Gowhere?”

“To work. Today is our first day as Urban Genie. We’re going to make it a good one.”