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“After that kiss? You’re kidding ht with him, and you still want us to find him a wife?”

More than ever Before she becae tactical error Not just because he was a client, but because she’d promised herself she would never become besotted with a man the way her mother had Love had destroyed her mother, and if she wasn’t careful, Hope would fall into the same trap Rafe had elicited responses she hadn’t known she was capable of He’d taken her to the edge of orgasled her over the precipice Then he’d cared for her, tucked her in, taken care of her cat, seen her to work It would be too easy to fall in love with hierous

“Earth to Hope Come in please?”

She shook her head, aware that Skyler had spoken a couple of times “Sorry What?”

“I asked if you’re kiddingthat we are not able to fulfill this contract?”

“He needs a wife” To convince herself, Hope brushed her hands together to dislodge invisible cruive her some information to see if she’d like to be included on the invitation list If you’ll confirm today’s details with the International Club, we’ll be fine”

“Are you sure that you’re sure?” Concern telegraphed across Skyler’s voice “Like, extra sure, sure?”

“I’m okay” Resolved, Hope stood, then snatched up the rest of the doughnut

“Hey, boss?”

Hope paused at the entrance to her office

“You sure you’re okay? Because I wouldn’t be”