.

say this one time and one time only. I did not arrange to have my car break down. I did not use it as a ploy to meet Sebastian Cordell. And I am not interested in whatever the man has for sale.”

      “Then why …”

      The shrill ring of the phone sitting at the end of the counter cut him off.

      “That,” Nina announced, with fierce satisfaction, “is most likely Ramon, checking to see if he should move the car to the parking lot. I’ll tell him to call you a taxi.”

      “Not yet.”

      “Yes, yet! This conversation is over.” Glaring at him, she snatched up the receiver. “Hola.”

      The smooth, cultured voice that came through the earpiece made her swallow. Hard. With a helpless look in Blackstone’s direction, she responded to the gracious inquiry.

      “Yes, Mr. Cordell, I made it home safely.”

      Every muscle in Blackstone’s body went taut. His narrowed gaze drilled into Nina as she clutched the receiver.

      “What? Lunch tomorrow at your hacienda? I … Uh …”