Caitlin forced a smile and turned back toward her friend. “Sorry—just an impulse.”

“I know a thing or two about impulses.” Mary’s eyes had a cloud-before-a-rainstorm look that told Caitlin her fake smile wasn’t fooling anyone. “Was the report too much?”

“Mary—”

“I want to help—”

“Tell me how you met Aaron.”

“How I what?”

Caitlin tried to control the shake in her voice. “You’ve never told me how you and Aaron met.”

Mary started to speak, but stopped, gave an understanding smile, closed the folder on her lap, and moved it to the back seat. “You want the polite version or the real deal?”

Caitlin laughed. “For God’s sake, I want the real version.”

“Start driving, and I’ll tell you the sordid tale.”

Caitlin’s foot found the pedal. “Spill it, Lubbers. Tell me how the man of your dreams swept you off your feet and out of your pants—and make it dirty.”

“First of all, it was a yellow sundress that left nothing to the imagination, and it was summertime in Indiana—the dirtiest summer of my life.”

Caitlin let Mary take her away with a carefree story of casual sex that led to deep and meaningful love. No pain, no tears, just pheromones, sex moans, and the collision of home decorating styles.

Chapter 26

CHAPTER

26

“GOOD MORNING, PAIGE. I hope you’re hungry.”

He watched her green eyes find focus. She looked down at the straps around her wrists and jerked against her restraints.

“Easy, Paige. You’re safe with me.”

She tried to talk. “Who—who are you?”

He reached across the table, touched her fingers. Even drugged, she flinched at his contact.

“Relax.” He massaged her hand. “You’re mine now.”

“ ‘Mine now’?”

“That’s right, darling. This is your room. Do you like it?”

From his experience with the gas, he guessed she had another hour before lucidity. His schedule wouldn’t permit him to be present—too much to handle in the other world. He had to play with his toy now.

“Since you’re not used to the rules here, I’m going to feed you today.” He slid a plate in front of her restrained body. “I made you an egg-white frittata. Fresh spinach, a little red pepper, local goat cheese—nothing but good stuff. I also have a green juice I pressed myself. Spinach, kale, micro greens, cucumber, paprika, and ginger. You’re going to love it. But first”—he moved around the table and stood behind her chair—“I want to show you your things.”

He grabbed a gold cardboard box with a clear plastic front and brought it close to her. “Look familiar? The 1993 Holiday Edition Barbie, mint in box.”

The red and gold bodice of Barbie’s dress ended at her waist, where flowing red material exploded across her legs, then circled up to each shoulder.