“So you’re actually interested in women? It’s not just the job?”

“Women, men, anyone really. Even though this is a job, the attraction is always genuine. I choose my own clients, and I only choose clients I’m attracted to on some level.”

Yvonne studied her. “Does that include me?”

Ruby’s skin prickled, Yvonne’s voice enthralling her. “Like I said, I only choose clients I’m attracted to.”

Silence sizzled in the air between them. Yvonne’s gaze didn’t leave Ruby’s. What was going on behind those hypnotic eyes? Everything about Yvonne was impenetrable, from her expression to her words, to the way she held herself. Ruby usually found it easy to read people, but Yvonne was a complete mystery.

Ruby broke the silence. “There’s something I want to ask you.”

“Go ahead,” Yvonne said.

Ruby’s heart began to race. “Is there anything else you want from me?”

Yvonne’s lips opened ever so slightly. Their eyes still locked, Ruby caught a glimpse of something in Yvonne’s, the faintest ember of desire, just like when they’d shared that first glance in the bar in Vegas.

But it only lasted a moment.

“I’ve already told you what I want,” Yvonne said. “I want you to be my wife to the outside world.”

“Only to the outside world?” Ruby asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m only asking because most people who hire escorts are looking for something more than that.”

“I’m not interested in that kind of arrangement.”

“Right,” Ruby said. “But I’ve noticed you haven’t actually said you’re not interested in me.”

Yvonne stiffened. “That’s not relevant. This is a purely business agreement.”

Ruby held back a smile. “Right, because you don’t ‘do’ escorts? Is that because of those ‘specific tastes’ of yours? Nothing fazes me. Trust me, I’ve seen it all.”

Yvonne scoffed. “No, you haven’t.”

“Yes, I have.” Ruby rested her chin on her hands, examining Yvonne. “So what is it that you’re into? Do you have a foot fetish? Do you like to make women dress in schoolgirl outfits? Do you like to tie women up?”

Yvonne spoke in a firm voice. “It doesn’t matter what I like. I told you. I’m not interested. I don’t pay for sex. And even if I did, that’s the last thing I’d want from you!”

Ruby flinched, a stinging feeling growing in her chest. Clearly, she’d pushed Yvonne too far. “Okay. Message received.”

Yvonne let out an exasperated sigh. “Ruby-”

Ruby held up her hands. “I hear you loud and clear. Forget I said anything.”

“Ruby.”

The doorbell rang.

“That’s the takeout I ordered.” Without giving Yvonne a chance to respond, Ruby got up and left the room.

She headed to the door, a sinking feeling in her stomach. Was she actually upset that Yvonne wanted to keep things business? It wouldn’t be the first time a client had wanted an arrangement that was entirely platonic. Besides, it was a good thing. It made Ruby’s job simpler, decreasing the risk of her getting emotionally involved. So why did Yvonne’s words bother her so much?