“First Pallas and now you,” the gray-haired man said, shaking his head at Nick. “It’s like I’m running a goddamn dating service around here.”

“I’d like to know more about this undercover agent who posed as my daughter’s date. The ubiquitous Tall, Dark, and Smoldering.'Nick put on his best meet-the-parent smile. 'I generally prefer to go by Nick.”

“I think the first thing we need to talk about is you not running around in tight T-shirts and yoga pants.”“Fine. I’ll stop doing that as soon as you shave.”Jack ran his hand along his jaw and grinned. “You like the scruff, huh?”Did she ever.”

“With a chuckle, Jack mumbled under his breath to Nick. 'It's like watching the preppy, well-bred versions of you and me trash-talking.”

“You know, Taylor, I told his manager that your reputation in this firm is that you can go head-to-head with any man. And win.”

“J.D. scoffed at this. “Please—as if I’m worried about anything Payton has to say. What’s she going to do, give me another one of her little pissed-off hair flips?” He flung imaginary long hair off his shoulders, exaggerating. “I’ll tell you, one of these days I’m going to grab her by that hair and . . .” He gestured as if throttling someone.Without breaking stride, he returned Tyler’s serve. The two smashed a few back and forth, concentrating on the game when—Is violence always part of your sexual fantasies?” Tyler interjected.J.D. whipped around—Sexual—?”—and got hit smack in the face with the squash ball. He toppled back and sprawled ungracefully across the court.Tyler stepped over and twirled his racquet. “This is nice. We should talk like this more often.”

“He gripped her shoulders determinedly. 'I should’ve told you this earlier, Jordan. Now that I’ve got my chance, you’re going to hear it whether you like it or not. You came into my life and messed the whole thing up and now I’m screwed. Because I’m in love with you. As in balls-out, head-over-heels, watching-Dancing-with-the-Stars-on-Monday-nights, wine-and-bubble-bath kind of love. Hell, I think I’d even wear a scarf indoors for you.”