Bait

by Kasi Blake

  Part of her wanted to jump at the chance to spend time with Nick, but she’d promised Van she’d keep it business. For some reason everyone thought it would be bad if she got close to the former rock star. Nick was obviously battling similar feelings. Verbal sparring was fun, sure, but there was more to it. If she let it get out of control, something bad was going to happen.

  “I have a date with Gavin,” she lied.

  His hardened gaze went to her neck. “Where’s your necklace?”

  Her hand flew to her throat and found it bare. She hadn’t removed the necklace last night. Maybe the chain broke and was lost in her bedding. She went to the bed and searched beneath the blanket. It wasn’t there. She prayed Keisha had it. Maybe the girl was trying to prove her skill at stealing again.

  If not, she’d lost her mother’s necklace, possibly forever.

  Nick backed out the doorway without another word. She watched him go, heart sinking. They didn’t belong together. Everyone said so including Nick. Maybe it was time for her to take a hint and leave him alone. She had other problems to deal with anyway without taking him on.