Susan Mallery - Before We Kiss

Jo came by and took their orders. When she left, Dellina helped Bailey set the plant on a chair in the corner.

“Rakisha said her niece and grand-niece were coming to help with the business,” Dellina said as they returned to the table.

“Who?” Consuelo asked.

“The owner of Plants for the Planet,” Taryn said. “I’ve met her. She’s got to be a hundred and three.”

“Not that old, but probably into her eighties,” Dellina told them. “We were all afraid she would be selling the business.” There had been a scandal a few years back, she thought. Something about a man. But she didn’t mention that to her friends. No need to spread rumors.

“I’m glad she has family to help out,” Larissa said. “I love how the businesses are run in Fool’s Gold. I’d hate to see any of them go corporate.”

“The good of the many over the profits of the few,” Taryn murmured. “How I adore your tree-hugging nature.”

Larissa grinned. “Mock me all you want. I have a thousand causes I can talk about.”

“Yes,” Taryn said. “And all supported by Jack. The things that man does for you. It defies logic.”

Lunch passed quickly. There was plenty of conversation and laughter. Dellina walked out with Taryn, who stopped her on the sidewalk.

“The party is really moving forward?” Taryn asked. “While I like to torture Sam for sport, the truth is we all want to please our clients. So if you need anything, let me know.”

“Thanks, but it’s coming together really well. So far the only stumbling block is the evening lecture. I can’t find the right topic or person. What are both men and women interested in?”

Taryn raised her eyebrows. “Is that a real question?”

Dellina laughed. “I can’t hire someone to talk about sex.”

“I don’t see why not. You’d have everyone’s attention.” An SUV pulled up at the curb. Taryn waved at the driver. “That’s my ride.”

Because Angel had come to pick her up, Dellina thought, glancing at her friend’s five-inch heels. No way anyone could walk across town in those.

Love, she thought as she strolled toward the center of town. It did crazy things to people. She had neither a man nor five-inch heels. Not that she wanted the latter. Or had time for the former. Serious relationships weren’t on her to-do list. But a couple of nights with a certain former NFL kicker would be nice.

Dellina walked past Brew-haha. She thought briefly about popping inside and getting coffee, but then was seduced by the thought of a piece of fudge. On her way, she could check out what was new at Morgan’s Books. If she couldn’t have sex with the guy she wanted, she could buy a romance and read about someone else doing it with an equally hunky guy—however fictional he might be.

She turned left on Frank Lane. At The Christmas Attic, she paused to wave to Noelle, who was behind the counter, helping a couple of tourists. Her friend waved back. Dellina continued to Morgan’s Books, only to come to a stop in front of the display.

“It can’t be that easy,” she murmured, every fiber of her being hoping it could be just that simple.

In the front window was a display for an upcoming book signing. Lark Heuston, a New York Times bestselling author, was going to be signing at Morgan’s store the Thursday before the Score party. Which meant she would be in town. Just as exciting was the title of her new book. Using Tantric Sex to Strengthen Your Marriage. Talk about an unexpected gift. Because Taryn was right. Sex was the one thing men and women could agree upon, she thought happily.

The subject matter was appealing and informational, she thought as she headed for the door and stepped into the store. All she had to do was get the contact information from Morgan and then call Ms. Heuston to see if she would like to spend a couple of extra days in Fool’s Gold and give an easy ninety-minute lecture. Maybe they could even set up a book signing. Authors liked that sort of thing, didn’t they?

Dellina practically bounced with excitement as she hurried toward Morgan and began to explain what she needed.

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