“I looked at Jonah. “I’m still learning who you are. And you’re my partner, so I appreciate that you’re willing to take a punch for me.” I walked to Ethan and glared up at him. “But you know better than this, Ethan Sullivan.”

“Please stop calling me that. You’re still officially the Master.”“Oh, I know,” Malik said. “But much like Merit, I find it amusing to irritate you.”As Malik walked down the hallway and around the corner, Ethan turned his pointed gaze on me.I shrugged innocently. “I can’t help it if I’m a trendsetter.”

“Ethan chuckled. “And are you aware you keep looking over here like you’re nervous I’m going to disappear?”“It’s because you’re devastatingly handsome.”He grinned slyly. “I wasn’t questioning your good taste.”

“This Sir Alisdair fellow.” Her cheeks blushed crimson. “I’m just saying, he’s likely older than Francine. And less attractive.” “I don’t care! I don’t care if he’s ancient and warty and leprous and hunchbacked. He would still be learned, intelligent. Respected and respectful. He would still be a better man than you. You know it, and you’re envious. You’re being cruel to me to soothe your pride.” She looked him up and down with a contemptuous glare. “And you’re going to catch flies in your mouth, if you don’t shut it.” For once, Colin found himself without words. The best he could do was take her advice and hoist his dropped jaw.”

“I walked Sam up to his door and gave him a huge hug. He looked me over in the porch light and leaned over—just a little. He whispered, “You know, I’m glad you wore this costume tonight. Now I know, when you’re fifty three, you’re still gonna be lookin’ good.” So I hit him. Which really wasn’t what I was wanting to do.”

“I want you to know that I’m serious. You’re not a hook up. You’re not a friend with benefits. You’re more than that to me.”