Overcoming Fear (Growing Pains #2)(96)

“And finally, your Holy Grail. This is a true samurai sword. Never used, but hand crafted, expertly balanced, and razor sharp. It is a one of a kind.”

Krista leaned forward and stared. Unlike its cheap counterparts, this sword was visibly a work of art; the hand stitching on the handle, the leather case, the artful curve. It was magnificent.

“I want one,” she breathed.

Tory laughed. “It wasn’t easy to come by. I worked closely with a Japanese firm for some months. We did them a service. Their president was so grateful he bestowed this gift upon me. A great gift. It more than made up for the risk we took with his company—which, by the way, was a purely business risk. The Japanese, though, are as generous as they are loyal. I am still in touch with him, but I haven’t been able to match such an exquisite gift.”

“Not in your eyes, no. But in his, you probably outdid him with your retribution gift. You two are probably playing the one-upper game,” Krista said.

Tory threw his head back and laughed. “Yes, you’re exactly right. Such an insightful woman. You are exactly right. But it still stands, this is a rare treasure. Not easy to come by.”

“Lucky man,” Krista said, bumping up against Sean’s shoulder.

“Yes. Speaking of, I notice John sent a spy with you. I imagine negotiations are out of the question.”

Sean smiled, and for the first time since he entered the room, spoke. “I couldn’t possibly make it easy to steal her. You know me better than that.”

Tory laughed again, leading them out of the room. “Yes, I do. Pity. But since we are working together, there is always tomorrow. Or the next day. I am not a man to give up easily. I think you know me better than that.”

Sean smiled.

“Until next time,” Tory said by way of goodbye, leaving them at the front door. Fake Jeeves was there, holding it open.

As they exited they heard, “And Krista?”

She turned.

Tory fixed her with a level stare. “Get their offer. Don’t dally. Then call me. I’ll beat it. Oh, and Emily wanted me to remind you about her advice—whatever it was. Although, I warn you, she is liable to get you into trouble as often as she helps.” That stare turned to Sean and he winked before walking back into the great maw of his house.

“I’ve been warned,” Sean said, dropping Krista’s hand.

Her palm was cold in the absence. Her heart dropped painfully.

When they were in the car sitting on towels, Sean asked, “What advice?”

“Girl talk.”

“In other words, mind my own business?”

“Precisely.”

“Cassie says ‘hi,’ by the way.”

“What? Oh Cassie. How is she? Well, I guess it has only been a week, but did she get over her hangover?”

“She did. She is excited to come back out to live. She likes it here.”

“Good. I like it, too. I’ve never lived in Arizona, though.”

“It is great in the winter, but the summer is rough. And land locked. Without trees.”

“Doesn’t sound awesome.”

“No. Not awesome,” Sean laughed at her.

When they got to the hotel, Krista led the way to her room.

“Jeez Krissy, this is a nice hotel,” Sean said, looking around.

Krista thrilled at the new nickname. She saw his eyes linger on the bed, and then flit away. She followed his gaze, remembering his rippled muscles working over her as his weight crushed her to the mattress.

When she looked back at him, he was watching her with a covered expression.

“Busted,” she said with a shrug.

He smiled a little, his eyes stayed trained on her. They were darkened somewhat, with desire kindled and slowly burning. She felt her skin get hot as she met his gaze.

“Anywho, let’s do this before we lose the warm sun,” Krista said, tearing her eyes away from Sean’s unwavering gaze. “Stop staring. It’s creepy.”

“Busted,” Sean muttered as he looked away and followed her out of the room.

The pool was fabulous. Not as nice as Tory’s perhaps, but without all the cheerleaders and spirit squad. She said as much to Sean.

“What was with those kids?” Sean said in exasperation. “They seemed about our age, well, your age, but then they started talking and sounded twelve years old.”

“I know! Some guy only wanted to talk about video games. Really? Video games? That’s it? That’s all you do in life?”

She did a perfect flip into a dive. When she surfaced she saw Sean dive in after her.

“What’s with all the fancy dives?” he asked when he surfaced. He was about three feet from her. Planned entrance, obviously.

Briefly Krista wondered if he thought watching her squirm in sexual frustration was funny. She moved away somewhat, not giving him the pleasure.

She told him about her parents.

“That’s random,” he said, moving closer again. She moved away.

“Yeah. It was fun for a while, but c’mon, diving school? I had to give it up. Kids were making fun of me.”

“I bet they don’t now when they see you dive, though, huh?”

“No.”

“Show me.”

She smiled and got out of the pool. She liked showing off her diving ability. It was such a rare thing that it made her unique at pool parties. And more interesting. You couldn’t beat that.