Substitute Seduction (Sweet Tea And Scandal 2)

Everly wanted to shake the other woman. “Do you think you’re the only one who’s taking chances here?”

“I don’t know.” London’s gaze hardened. “And isn’t that the whole point? That we cut off all contact? With each of us handling the other’s problems, no one was supposed to be able to trace anything back to us. A onetime meeting at a random event between strangers. Wasn’t that the plan? Yet here you are following me from my company. Giving me some sort of technology that I’m supposed to use. What if I get caught and it gets traced back to you?”

“Don’t get caught.”

London made a disgusted noise. “Can this be traced back to you?”

“No. The person I got it from is very careful.”

“Couldn’t that person get into Tristan’s files? Isn’t that what they do?”

“If I wanted to hire the hacker, you’d be unnecessary. And it would be pointless for me to ruin Linc’s life on your behalf.” Everly neglected to mention the hacker had already tried and failed to access Tristan’s laptop remotely as she shoved the USB drive at London. “Just do your part and it will all work out.”

Before London could reply, Everly turned on her heel and walked away.

Leave it to a spoiled princess like London McCaffrey to ruin everything. Of course, she wasn’t the only problem. Zoe’s progress in taking down Ryan Dailey had stalled, as well. At least Tristan’s ex-wife wasn’t likely to fall for her target. Crosby had done a number on Zoe during their marriage and subsequent divorce. Chances were Zoe would never trust any man ever again. That worked for Everly. These three men were the worst of the worst and each one of them deserved every terrible thing that would happen to them.

Eight

London spent the days leading up to her dinner with Harrison pondering how she wanted the evening to go. She’d already decided to sleep with him and had prepared her bedroom with freshly washed sheets, flowers and candles for ambience. He probably wouldn’t notice any of those touches, but she was an event planner. Arranging the environment to enrich the experience was second nature.

Plus, she didn’t want him to catch her off guard a second time. What had happened between them at Upstairs had been amazing, but a little more spontaneous than she was used to. Tonight would be different. She knew what to expect. Could Harrison say the same? Would he realize that she was ready to take things to the next level? After getting her off in a public space, shouldn’t he?

By the time he showed up at her door, a bottle of white wine in his hands, she looked poised and pulled together without any sign that she’d spent the weekend cleaning and the last two hours exfoliating head to toe, changing clothes a dozen times, reapplying her makeup twice and generally behaving in a frantic fashion.

“Wow,” Harrison said, his sea-glass eyes taking in her appearance.

London had chosen a silky wrap dress in blush pink that flattered her curves and made her feel both sexy and comfortable at the same time. She’d painted her toenails a matching pink and left her shoes in her closet, showing the different side of her personality that came out in her own space.

“Thanks,” she murmured. “Come on in.”

“Did you know that we’re neighbors?” he asked, sliding his arm around her waist and bringing her body up against his. “I live in the building next door.” He bumped his nose against her neck right below her ear and breathed deeply. “Damn, you smell good.”

“Really?” Her toes curled as she draped her arm over his shoulder and tipped her head to give him more access. “I mean about you living next door.”

“Crazy, right?” With a sigh, he set her free and brought up the bottle between them. “You said we were having seafood.”

“Scallops with risotto.”

“Sounds delicious.” He accompanied her to the kitchen, glancing around him as he went. “This is nice. How long have you lived here?”

Her unit faced east, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the Cooper River. She’d fallen in love with the condo’s hardwood floors and small but high-end kitchen with its white cabinets and marble countertops.

“Three years.” She wondered if he’d think the space too neutral. She’d painted the walls a crisp white and paired it with a pale gray sectional, accessorizing with crystal and silver. “How long have you owned your place?”

“Almost five years.”

“I’m a little surprised you have a place downtown. You strike me as someone who would prefer a big garage and a lot of outdoor space.”

“I’ve thought about selling, but with my schedule it’s easier to live somewhere that I don’t have to take care of anything.” He was standing at the sliding glass door, looking past her wide terrace and the dark river to the brightly lit Ravenel Bridge. Now he swung around and stepped up to the broad kitchen island. “Need any help?”

She pushed the wine and a corkscrew in his direction. He filled two glasses and brought her one by the stove.

“You cook, too,” he said, sounding pleased. “You’re a woman of endless talents.”

“I like trying out new recipes. I used to entertain a lot, but it’s been a while since...” She stopped abruptly, remembering all the dinner parties she and Linc had hosted here.

“You had anyone to cook for?”