Not too easily and not too fast—there’s no need to rush when it’s for keeps. For now, I’m still bunking at Donna’s house, but with Dougie spending more time there I’ve begun to feel extraneous. I can only imagine how her dolls feel. My bathrobe now occupies a hook in Jack’s townhouse, but I haven’t yet claimed any drawer space. A part of me would feel more comfortable in an interim place I can call my own. At least now I’m earning enough to afford it. If I’m being overly cautious, it’s not because I’m in doubt about Jack. I’m still in recovery mode, finding my way back to self-sufficiency.
I cock my top hat over my eye and take two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter before sauntering over. I look into Jack’s warm brown eyes, lit with specks of amber, feeling the full flush of pheromones doing their job. I hand him a glass of champagne.
“Hey, mister, you look like a guy who could use some company.”
“That, and a whole lot more.” He taps his glass to mine. “You look pretty good up there, baby. Even better up close.”
“All in a day’s work.” I raise my glass. “To Jinx.”
“To Jinx, and may she keep you out of trouble.”
“You think so?” I sip champagne and regard Jack, whose expression has turned entirely too serious. “I thought it was the Jinx thing that generally leads me astray,” I tease.
“With any luck, she’ll keep you too busy for extracurricular sleuthing while I’m away.”
It’s my turn to look dismayed. “What? Where? You’re not going for long, I hope.”
“A while, at least, but I can’t turn the case down. I’ve been assigned as the FBI liaison on an international matter. I leave for Paris on Friday.”
“Paris? I don’t believe it!” I laugh. “Ed Ackerman just asked me to make sure my passport’s in order. We’re supposed to film a two-part episode in London next month. Looks like it’s either croissants or High Tea for us.” I lean in and give Jack a kiss. “Take your pick, sweetheart.”
“Both!” He puts an arm around me. “It’s great news, and a relief.”
“I know, especially since I’ve got an old friend in London who’s in a terrible jam and needs me to help her out.”
“What? You’re serious?”
“Could be.” I grin. “You never know.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” He wraps both arms around me, pulling me close for a long, lingering kiss that could go on forever.
THE END
In the following pages, you’ll find a reading group guide. To invite Kathryn to speak with your book club via Skype, e-mail [email protected].
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Acknowledgments
Deepest appreciation to Cynthia Manson for her wisdom and unflagging support, and to Caitlin Alexander for her encouragement and masterful editorial guidance. These two remarkable women made this book happen—thank you, my friends!
Many thanks to friends and colleagues who offered encouragement with “first reads” and assisted with their professional expertise: Tim Anderson, Cheryl Carrington, Darlene Chan, David Chaparro, Suzanne Childs, Jo-an Jenkins Evans, Nicholas Evans, Bridget Hedison, Harry Hennig, JD Horn, Sunnie Choi Hui, Michelle Kletti, Ben Martin, Robert Masello, Leesa Mayer, Patrick McCray, Laurin Sydney, Heide Wilsher Wickes, Linda Yellin and darling Ansel Faraj, who exposed me to new technology in filmmaking. Mitch, thank you so very much for showing me around Jean Harlow’s “white house.”
About the Author
Author/actress Kathryn Leigh Scott grew up in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, and now lives in Beverly Hills and New York City. She continues to work as an actress and is writing her next Jinx Fogarty mystery after Down and Out in Beverly Heels and Jinxed.
Please visit her website at www.kathrynleighscott.com.
Ms. Scott is available for book club chats on Skype. Email: [email protected].
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