Darkly (Follow Me 4)

“To lean against,” I say.

She rolls her eyes. “I know what it means, Braden. Jesus. We weren’t nuzzling.”

“Just read.”

She gulps. “Braden, I never said any of this.”

“I know.”

“And I have no idea who this purported source is.”

I nod.

“How can they lie like that?”

“Easy,” I say. “They found a ‘source’ who’s borderline credible and got them to say what they want. Happens to me all the time.”

“Not this time. You had no comment. It makes me look like I’m chasing you.”

I twist my lips to keep from smiling. “And you’re not?”

“Braden! I’m being serious. I’ve had one call from Susanne Cosmetics, not several calls. This isn’t right. And how do they know we’re going to the opera gala?”

I chuckle. “Do you really think I announce where I’m going and who I’m going with?”

“Someone knows. Christopher? Annika?”

“I trust my staff implicitly.”

“Then who?”

“A source, most likely.”

She looks around nervously, darting her gaze to each corner of the office.

“You’re getting carried away,” I say.

“What do you mean?”

“I know what you’re thinking. The same thing I thought the first time this happened to me. You’re wondering who’s watching you. Who’s listening to you. Who among your circle of friends could have sold you out. The answer? No one.”

“Then how—”

“I already told you. They find a source who doesn’t want to be named. Surely you’ve read tabloids before.”

“Actually, I haven’t,” she says.

“Do yourself a favor, then. Don’t ever start reading them. It will slowly invade your mind, and it’s not worth it. No one gives the Babbler any credence.”

“Then why did Claire bring it straight to you?”

“I have to keep up with what the rags are saying about me. Doesn’t mean I give it any value whatsoever.”

“Then why—”

“If anything is said that could affect business, I have to be aware and file the necessary defamation lawsuits.”

“Well, I want to know who this source is.”