“Mikhail, it’s Sydney.”

He grinned and grabbed the jug of ice water out of the refrigerator. “Hello, anyway.”

“I just saw the news. I suppose you knew.”

“Caught it on my lunch break. So?”

“You asked her to do it?”

“No, I didn’t.” He paused long enough to gulp down about a pint of water. “I told her how things were, and she came up with the idea herself. It was a good one.”

“Yes, it was a good one. And I owe you.”

“Yeah?” He thought about it. “Okay. Pay up.”

Why she’d expected him to politely refuse to take credit was beyond her. “Excuse me?”

“Pay up, Hayward. You can have dinner with me on Sunday.”

“Really, I don’t see how one has to do with the other.”

“You owe me,” he reminded her, “and that’s what I want. Nothing fancy, okay? I’ll pick you up around four.”

“Four? Four in the afternoon for dinner?”

“Right.” He pulled a carpenter’s pencil out of his pocket. “What’s your address?”

He let out a low whistle as she reluctantly rattled it off. “Nice.” He finished writing it on the wall. “Got a phone number? In case something comes up.”

She was scowling, but she gave it to him. “I want to make it clear that—”

“Make it clear when I pick you up. I’m on the clock, and you’re paying.” On impulse he outlined her address and phone number with a heart. “See you Sunday. Boss.”

CHAPTER SIX

Sydney studied her reflection in the cheval glass critically and cautiously. It wasn’t as if it were a date. She’d reminded herself of that several hundred times over the weekend. It was more of a payment, and no matter how she felt about Mikhail, she owed him. Haywards paid their debts.

Nothing formal. She’d taken him at his word there. The little dress was simple, its scooped neck and thin straps a concession to the heat. The nipped in waist was flattering, the flared skirt comfortable. The thin, nearly weightless material was teal blue. Not that she’d paid any attention to his suggestion she wear brighter colors.

Maybe the dress was new, purchased after a frantic two hours of searching—but that was only because she’d wanted something new.

The short gold chain with its tiny links and the hoops at her ears were plain but elegant. She’d spent longer than usual on her makeup, but that was only because she’d been experimenting with some new shades of eyeshadow.

After much debate, she’d opted to leave her hair down. Then, of course, she’d had to fool with it until the style suited her. Fluffed out, skimming just above her shoulders seemed casual enough to her. And sexy. Not that she cared about being sexy tonight, but a woman was entitled to a certain amount of vanity.