And here we go again.

Kelly resisted the urge to groan. How the hell Paula managed to add a cutting comment to any compliment was beyond her. Just because Kelly was only twenty-five didn’t mean she swore like a trooper. Even though right then she felt like letting loose with a few choice words.

Kelly drew a cross over her heart. “I promise to be on my best behaviour…in front of your friends.” Knowing exactly how to soften Paula up, she ran her hand under Paula’s knee length skirt. “But, all bets are off behind closed doors.”

Goose bumps broke out on Paula’s skin. Kelly revelled in her reaction.

“A lady on the streets, a tiger between the sheets.” Paula winked as she pulled up the driveway and parked in the garage adjoining her expansive three-bedroom house.

Her boarder, Grace, who was making her name as a sought-after photographer, would probably be out shooting a wedding. With any luck, Paula’s other boarder, Lucy, would be home. She was one of those people others tended to gravitate toward, and Kelly was no exception.

Not for the first time, Kelly wondered if Paula couldn’t afford to pay the mortgage on her income alone. Something Kelly doubted considering Paula was the CEO of a large retail chain. Perhaps she didn’t like her own company, which seemed more likely considering it wasn’t often Kelly got to spend time alone with Paula.

Either way, Kelly wasn’t rude enough to ask. If her parents had taught her one thing, inquiring about someone’s income was the epitome of bad manners.

“Come on, you can help me finish getting the finger food ready before the guests arrive.”

Kelly suppressed a groan. As much as she loved working in a busy café, the thought of spending her night off doing more of the same wasn’t what she’d anticipated.

Injecting some enthusiasm into her voice, Kelly smiled sweetly. “Sure. What can I do to help?”

*

Later that night, Kelly stood in the kitchen chatting to Lucy, watching Paula drag her friend from one person to another.

Lucy nudged Kelly’s shoulder, nodding in Paula’s direction. “You been ditched?”

Kelly pegged Lucy to be in her late twenties. She was a stunning woman; dark complexion, jet black hair, and piercing green eyes.

“Nah, not ditched, just shelved for a while. I don’t mind, her friend seems nice.”

At least from what Kelly could gather from their interaction before Paula whisked her away.

After taking a swig of her beer, Kelly bumped shoulders with Lucy, returning a not so subtle nudge.

“What about you? Why haven’t you been swept off your feet?”

Looking totally relaxed, and not at all offended by the question, Lucy crossed her ankles and leaned against the fridge. “I haven’t met the right guy or…”

Without thought, Kelly blurted out, “Or girl?”

Lucy waggled her eyebrows. “Are you coming onto me?”