Key Of Knowledge Read Free

innate talent that had made him a wildly successful novelist before he’d hit thirty.
    Once, she’d believed they would build a life side by side. But to her mind he’d chosen his fame and his fortune over her.
    And in her heart she had never forgiven him for it.
    â€œThere are two more keys,” he reminded her. “If finding them is important to you, you should be grateful for help. Whatever the source.”
    â€œI don’t need your help. So feel free to head back to New York anytime.”
    â€œI’m going to see this through. Better get used to it.”
    She snorted, then popped another canapé. “What’s in it for you?”
    â€œYou really want to know?”
    She shrugged. “I couldn’t care less. But I’d think even someone with your limited sensitivity would be aware that you bunking at Flynn’s is putting a crimp in the works for the turtledoves there.”
    Jordan followed her direction, noted Flynn sitting with Malory, and the way his friend absently played with the curling ends of her blond hair.
    â€œI know how to keep out of their way, too. She’s good for him,” Jordan added.
    Whatever else she could say about Jordan—and there was plenty—she couldn’t deny that he loved Flynn. So sheswallowed some of the bitterness, and washed the taste of it away with champagne.
    â€œYeah, she is. They’re good for each other.”
    â€œShe won’t move in with him.”
    Dana blinked. “He asked her to move in? To live with him? And she said no?”
    â€œNot exactly. But the lady has conditions.”
    â€œWhich are?”
    â€œActual furniture in the living room and he has to redo the kitchen.”
    â€œNo kidding?” The idea had Dana feeling both amused and sentimental at once. “That’s our Mal. Before Flynn knows it, he’ll be living in an real house instead of a building with doors and windows and packing boxes.”
    â€œHe bought dishes. The kind you wash, not the kind you chuck in the trash.”
    The amusement peaked, bringing shallow dimples to her cheeks. “He did not.”
    â€œAnd knives and forks that aren’t plastic.”
    â€œOh, my God, stemware could be next.”
    â€œI’m afraid so.”
    She let out a roll of laughter, toasted to her brother’s back. “Hook, line, and sinker.”
    â€œThat’s something I’ve missed,” Jordan murmured. “That’s the first time I’ve heard you laugh and mean it since I’ve been back.”
    She sobered instantly. “It didn’t have anything to do with you.”
    â€œDon’t I know it.”
    Before she could speak again, Zoe McCourt rushed into the room, steps ahead of Bradley Vane. She looked flustered, irritated, and embarrassed. Like a sexy wood sprite, Dana thought, who’d had a particularly bad day.
    â€œI’m sorry. I’m so sorry I’m late.”
    She wore a short, clingy black dress with long, snug sleeves and an abbreviated hem that showcased her slimand sinuous curves. Her hair, black and glossy, was short and straight with a long fringe of bangs accenting long-lidded amber eyes.
    Behind her, Brad looked like some golden faerie-tale prince in an Italian suit.
    Seeing them together made Dana think what a stunning couple they made—if you didn’t count the frustration emanating from Zoe, or the uncharacteristic stiffness in Brad’s stance.
    â€œDon’t be silly.” Rowena was already up and crossing to them. “You’re not at all late.”
    â€œI am. My car. I had trouble with my car. They were supposed to fix it, but . . . Well, I’m very grateful Bradley was driving by and stopped.”
    She didn’t sound grateful, Dana noted. She sounded pissed, with that hint of the West Virginia hills in her voice giving the temper a nice little edge.
    Rowena made sympathetic noises as she led Zoe to a chair,