Sabrina sized up the situation quickly. In order for her to get behind him to unlock the door, she’d have to let him get closer. It was risky and not only that: the thought of having him come any closer was disgusting and made her want to puke.

But it had to be done. Eying the door behind him, she forced a smile on her lips. Hopefully, she’d learned enough from Holly to know how to trick him into thinking he’d get his way with her. She saw him relax when he noticed her smile. Slowly, Hannigan made another step toward her. Now was the time to act.

6

Daniel stared out the window of the conference room at the Law Offices of Brand, Freeman & Merriweather. Behind him, the lawyers discussed the best way to handle the contingency that was holding up the deal. He’d lost interest in the discussions half an hour ago, and his mind had drifted back to Holly. Before he’d met her, he’d never had any trouble keeping his mind squarely focused on business. It was different this time.

He suddenly didn’t care much about the deal he’d worked on for over a year. The thought that he had to sit through countless other meetings like this one in the next few days made him feel exhausted and weary.

“Mr. Sinclair, how about we ask them for a one million dollar bond to be released only if the contingency is met by our extended due date?” Mr. Merriweather suggested.

Daniel turned to consider the proposition and froze. His eyes had drifted toward the reception area. Holly—his Holly!—walked through one of the office doors into the foyer and crossed it hastily. She looked different. She wore a business suit, but her hair was disheveled and the collar of her blouse was out of place. As she disappeared through another door, his gaze was suddenly drawn back to the door she’d exited from. It opened again, and a man in his forties came out. He glanced to each side as if he didn’t want to be noticed while he tucked his tie back into his suit and adjusted his jacket. His face appeared flushed.

Damn! Oh, God, no! This couldn’t be happening. Holly was here to service another client.

“Mr. Sinclair?” Merriweather reminded him that he was still waiting for an answer.

“Sure, let’s do that. Why don’t I leave you to work out the details? You know my sentiments. Gentlemen, you know what to do,” he excused himself.

Daniel hurried out of the room, eager to catch Holly. The thought that she’d been with another man was as if a wire hanger was slowly being pushed through his guts. Excruciatingly slowly. Damn, if he’d let some other man touch her!

His search for her was fruitless. The door he’d seen her leave through went straight to the stairs, and by the time he’d reached the bottom and gotten outside, she was nowhere to be seen. She obviously knew how to make a quick escape, not that she’d seen him, but she probably knew how to get away unseen in case the office staff had noticed anything going on.

His hands balled into fists as he recalled the face of the man who’d come out of the room after her. The thought of that pig’s hands on her made him want to kick somebody, preferably that pig. He had to draw on all his self control not to go back up to the office and pummel that bastard’s face with his fists until his face was bloody mush.

Daniel pulled out his cell phone and dialed.

“Good morning,” a friendly female voice chirped.

“Miss Snyder, please. Daniel Sinclair.”

He was connected instantly. “Mr. Sinclair, how may I help you?”

“I’d like to book Holly.”

“Certainly. What time slot?”

“Exclusively starting from today through the entire next week. She’s not to have any other clients,” he barked into the phone.

“Mr. Sinclair. This is highly unusual. I believe it would be better if we discussed this in my office.”

“Fine.”

“I can see you at 2 p.m. My assistant will give you instructions on how to get here.”

She transferred him back to the girl, who’d answered the phone. After she gave him the address, he cut her off.

“I know where it is.”

Daniel didn’t care that he sounded rude. He was in no mood to be polite. He knew exactly what the feeling in his gut was, but he wasn’t ready to acknowledge it. It was better not to think of it.

He headed for a dive and ordered a stiff drink at the bar. He had over two hours to kill, and while he was sure Tim would have loved to have lunch with him, he wasn’t sure he could face his all too perceptive friend right now. He’d see right through him and call him on it. And then what? He’d have to admit to himself what had happened. No, he wasn’t quite ready for that.