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But, as Derek had just said, she loved a challenge Living together was going to be a biggie Itanother protective wall

He orth it They orth it

The buzzer sounded, sending the hounds into a barking frenzy

“Dinner’s early” Derek walked over, tipped up Sloane’s chin, and kissed her—not just a kiss, but one of those slow, deep kisses she felt down to her toes “Pity We could have put those ten ood use”

Her eyes were smoky “I’ll owe them to you We’ll tack them on to dessert”

“Deal” Derek yanked his T-shirt back on “I’ll get the food”

Sloane scooted over to get out of bed “I’ll set the table”

“Don’t bother We’ll eat out of the tins Fewer dishes to wash, more time to pack And whatever” With a wink, Derek went to buzz the doorman and tell him to let the delivery kid upstairs with their food

Pulling one of Derek’s oversize sweatshirts on, Sloane coth hair, and then padded into the kitchen to grab solasses of Chianti

The asn’t ht

Her cell phone rang

Pausing for a quick sip of Chianti, Sloane retraced her steps to the bedroo that couldn’t wait untilShe was used to that As an independent consultant with credentials as a forotiator, she had a client list that consisted of law enforceencies and companies that needed round-the-clock availability So, adaptability in her personal life was the naame

She wondered what tonight’s interruption would be

Scooping her phone off the nightstand, she flipped it open “Sloane Burbank”

“Sloane, it’s me”