Living with the Dead Read Free

attractive. Hope knew his ego was too healthy for that. What he objected to was being called anything as common as "hot."
    "Give it some thought while I grab a shower," she said. "If you want to get more scouting done instead, that's fine."
    "If you're out, I'd rather stay close. I know you wanted to spend time alone with Robyn, though..."
    "Not much use if Portia's there." Hope started unbuttoning her blouse. "In fact, it'd probably be better if you did come, keep Portia occupied, so she doesn't spend the night ordering Rob around."
    "Using me as a distraction. I should be insulted."
    "You aren't."
    "True." He reclined on the bed, arms folded behind his head as he watched her undress. "She was wearing a lovely diamond bracelet the other day. At least ten carats. Platinum setting..."
    "Don't you dare."
    "If I'm expected to spend my evening charming a silly little girl, I think I'm entitled to compensation."
    "Oh, you'll get compensation."
    He plucked the hem of her skirt as she passed to the bathroom.
    "It's a big job. I think I need an advance."
    "And I need a shower."
    "The two don't have to be mutually exclusive."
    She paused, as if thinking it over, then lunged, skirt breaking from his grasp as she sprinted for the bathroom. She got the door closed just before he thumped against it, then she quickly fastened the lock. That would slow him down... for about ten seconds.
    She smiled and tugged off her skirt.

 
----
     
    ROBYN
     
    As Robyn spotted Portia across the club, she was tempted to grab Hope and bail. Portia certainly didn't look as if she wanted company. She had the best see-and-be-seen spot in the club: a trio of sofas overlooking the dance floor. At least twenty people had squeezed onto those sofas, basking in the reflected glow of Portia's celebrity.
    But even from across the dance floor, Robyn could tell no one was speaking directly to Portia. When she saw Robyn, she leapt to her feet and frantically waved her over.
    "Oh my God. Finally! Rob, you look amazing ."
    She didn't and she knew it. She wore an unremarkable black dress and basic makeup, with her shoulder-length hair brushed straight. For Portia, that was perfect – presentable enough not to embarrass her, but in no danger of upstaging her. As Portia's gaze traveled to Hope, though, her eyes narrowed.
    Robyn had neglected to pass along the "hot but not hotter than me" message. Why bother? With perfect features and long black curls, Hope looked great without trying – which was good, because she rarely did. Tonight, though, she'd put in the extra effort, wearing a pale green sheath dress and heels, her hair swept up, tendrils dangling.
    "I love that dress!" Portia squealed, air-kissing Hope. "Where did you find it?"
    Hope glanced over her shoulder at Karl.
    "Vagabond," he said. "In Philly."
    Portia swept past Hope and embraced Karl, giving him a kiss that definitely made contact. "I am so glad you could make it." She tugged him onto the sofa, scooting over so close she was almost on his lap.
    "Robyn tells me you're in the jewelry business, which is perfect, because I have a question."
    "We'll let these two talk shop," Hope said to Robyn. "I think there's a spot over there..."
    Karl's hand shot out, grabbing the hem of her dress and yanking her down beside him. She laughed and made room for Robyn.
    Karl chatted with Portia, leaning over every now and then to whisper in Hope's ear, smiling as they shared a joke or wry observation. Just like Robyn used to do with Damon.
    She remembered how she used to want that for Hope, with her endless stream of casual boyfriends. Someone to whisper and laugh with. Someone to lift the shadows from her eyes.
    Karl wasn't what Robyn had in mind. Too smooth, too good looking, too old – almost a decade Hope's senior. She'd feared Karl was a gold digger, his eye on Hope's family money and social connections. But Karl had his own money and, she'd eventually conceded, his only interest in Hope was Hope herself.
    As Portia