“I would have invited you to my home, but I’m in the middle of moving and the place is such a mess.” Stephanie Richmond threw him a laugh meant to entice and intrigue and finished with, “Besides, housekeeping has never been one of my specialties.” Pause, another glance filled with heat. “But no man’s ever complained.”

Yeah, he bet not. That last sentence implied she had other “specialties” and they had to do with flesh and more flesh. Harry leaned back against the padded cushion of the booth, smiled. She could play all the games she wanted because he was the master, and there wasn’t a line or a look he hadn’t heard or seen. “No problem.” He lifted his glass and saluted her, thankful the tiny Italian restaurant served a decent scotch. He could tell her to cut the BS, that he knew she lived in a low-rent apartment and was ten days late on last month’s rent. And he could spit out a hunk of what Pop Benito had shared with him from the investigator’s report, but that would show his hand and Harry was a poker player from way back. He liked to sit and wait while the opponent bluffed his way to what he thought was a win. That’s when Harry struck. Worked every single time, in cards and in life.

She ran a finger along the rim of her glass, once, twice, three times. “What did Cash tell you about me?” Those dark eyes met his, sparked with emotion. “I doubt it was flattering.”

“Why do you say that? Because you were willing to lie to protect your kid and your future? I don’t judge you for it.” He smiled, lowered his voice. “I call that friggin’ genius.” She liked that. Yup, the slow smile said she sure did.

“I only did what I had to do to protect my son.” She sighed, lifted a shoulder. “And I did it for Cash, but he didn’t see it that way.” Another sigh. “I guess he really does love his wife.”

Yeah, imagine that? Harry sipped his scotch, considered his next move. “I can vouch for the man. He loves her. So, where does that leave you?”

She ignored his question. “You said you wanted to meet with me because you had a proposition.” Her gaze slipped to his mouth, settled on his hands. “You said you’d make it worth my while.” A slow smile and a throaty, “Somehow I doubt women turn down what you’re offering.”

If Greta were here right now, she’d have something to say about the woman’s comments and he bet she’d throw in a cuss word or two. Stephanie Richmond was a firecracker, no doubt about it. “I did say that and I intend to make you an offer that’s better than anything you’ve got now or could have in the future.”

“Oooh.” She planted her elbows on the table, slid her tongue along her bottom lip. “Do tell.”

“Hey, I’m married, so enough of that.”