“You don’t trust that Morosto guy?” I took a chance, though I was pretty sure I was right. I also wanted to make sure he also got the same bad vibes as I had. Especially if he had to do business with the guy.

Xavier turned back to me. Then took his sunglasses off, his blue eyes landing on me with startling intensity.

It was like suddenly being under an alien refractor beam. I didn’t know whether he was going to beam me up or fry me on the spot. Breathe, Josie.

“I didn’t know he was coming. It’s bad for my business image to be seen talking with him. He’s … he doesn’t have the best reputation. I saw you exit the building right after him, you looked disturbed,” he said in a low voice. “Did he say something to you inside?”

I hesitated, wondering whether to tell him, or if it would cause more drama. Drama he obviously wanted to avoid. Who wouldn’t? “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Xavier’s jaw tightened. “What did he say?”

“It doesn’t matter. It was stupid. I almost laughed at him.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No. I could handle it. I got the impression he wanted me to tell him things about you, yet I know nothing. But for what it’s worth I hope you don’t have to do business with him.” I lifted my chin. “In fact … please don’t.”

Xavier regarded me steadily. “I don’t intend to.”

My chest warmed. “What about your father?”

“What about him?”

“I don’t know,” I said, my answer lame because I didn’t want to verbalize my true theories.

He raised an eyebrow. “Yes, you do. You could tell when I was tense at lunch. I can tell that you have far too many opinions floating around in that head of yours.”

“Too many opinions?” I responded archly. “What? For a woman?”

He let out a short and amused growl that had the effect of flipping my stomach upside down. God, imagine that sound in a different context.

“You know what I mean,” he said.

“Fine. You want my opinion? I think the only way your father knows how to have a relationship with you, now that you are an adult, is through business. Apart from that, I don’t think you have anything in common. Maybe not even then.” I bit my teeth together hard. Shut up, Josie. “Like most parents, they can make you feel twelve years old again, no matter how much better and stronger of a person you’ve become.”

Xavier’s eyes narrowed, and he puffed a short breath of surprise through his nose. After a moment, he spoke. “All he wants is a way to make more money, no matter how unethical. He wants people to think he has my ear. Which is why he chose this very public place. He thinks I’m an easy mark.”