Love Script Read Free Page B

within ten feet of you guys.” He laughed off an unusual shiver of nervousness. “I wouldn’t want her to realize how good I made out in the deal. It’l give her a reason to leave me.” He winked at Zelman, unsure if that answer was even believable.
    Wil iam Zelman eyed him suspiciously for a torturous minute before joining him in his jest. “Good for you, Sinclair. I thought I was the only one. I hate going to these industry parties, but I’d hate it even more if Vivian were with me. I may be old, but I’m just as possessive today as I was the day I first met her.” Nick released a sigh of relief. With any luck, he could maneuver his way into Zelman’s good graces and land his account. Screw Cooper. He was going to ride this for al it was worth.
    As if reading his mind, Cooper Wright did not wish to be forgotten. “Perhaps our wives could get together sometime, Sinclair.” His eyes threw a daring message at Nick. “You know, like a homemade dinner at my place. Perhaps you would like to join us, Mr. Zelman.”
    Nick knew damn wel Cooper wasn’t married. He was moving in on his territory by trying to destroy his edge. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, Coop.”
    “Why not? We would love to have you over.” Cooper winked at Nick. “Both of you.” Nick flashed him a strained grin, his mind viciously working to come up with a reason why he couldn’t bring his imaginary wife to dinner. “We have plans…” he said slowly, “…that wil make us quite unavailable for the next few weeks.”
    “Is that so?” Cooper’s eyes sparkled.
    Nick would have dropped the conversation with that response, but Cooper and Zelman were staring at him expectantly, waiting for an explanation. Shit.
    What could possibly be so important that he’d have to postpone a simple dinner date? He was just about to panic when a bulb of bril iance lit above his head.
    Nick relaxed. “Our anniversary is coming up.” Cooper laughed, unamused.
    “Is that right?” Zelman gave what could vaguely be cal ed a smile. “So is mine. This month?”
    “Uh…” Nick was speechless.

    Zelman didn’t wait for an answer. “Vivian and I are celebrating our thirteenth anniversary this month.”
    “So—so are we. I mean our anniversary is this month as wel .” Nick was struggling to keep up with the turn of events.
    “Congratulations
    to
    you
    both,”
    Cooper
    acknowledged. “Mine is this summer,” he lied.
    Zelman nodded. “Any special plans, Wright?” Nick smiled. It was nice to see Cooper pale a little under Zelman’s piercing gaze.
    “Wel . . .I hadn’t real y decided on anything in particular.” Cooper blushed a deep red. “I let the little lady plan things like that.”
    “Oh.” Zelman nodded, unimpressed. “And what about you, Sinclair?”
    Nick searched his mind frantical y. Suddenly, this morning’s conversation with Mary-Knight popped into his head. I have the reports ready, but I’m waiting for my assistant, Laney, to type them up.
    She’s going on a cruise to the Caribbean with her boyfriend. I’ll make sure she handles this as soon as she returns. A wave of confidence settled over Nick. Final y, he had control over this absurd conversation. He now knew how to gain Zelman’s respect and shut Cooper up.
    “A Caribbean cruise.” He smiled. “My wife and I are going to relax and fal in love al over again.” Cooper’s mouth dropped.
    “I’ve been thinking about this for months,” Nick boldly fabricated. “I wanted to do something extra special for my girl and I think this wil work.” Zelman patted him on the back. “Great minds must think alike. I’m taking my wife on a cruise to the Caribbean for our anniversary, too. Out of Florida?” Nick nodded, not trusting himself to speak any longer.
    Zelman laughed. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re booked for the same vessel.”

    ❧ ❧ ❧

    Nick sat in his car thunderstruck. His conversation with Zelman and Cooper had real y veered into left field.