Free Pieces of Lies by Angela Richardson Page B

joining us Miss Ross? I think you would make a marvelous addition.”
    I laughed at his humor. “My, you are funny, but I think you have plenty of talent among your group already.”
    Arthur nodded slightly. “Ah yes, Mr. Hollows. He was quite the find. His IQ is extraordinary and his test scores are some of the best we have ever seen. He doesn’t do anything without thinking it through first.”
    I smiled, thinking about Josh’s aspirations in business. “Yes, he certainly will do great things.” 
    Arthur spun me around, “Oh I’m sure of that.”
    As we swayed, an interesting question popped into my mind, “Why do you recruit so close to graduation? I mean, wouldn’t it make sense to recruit when they are freshmen?”
    Arthur smiled a little, “The Lappell likes to ensure certain things about its members before we recruit, so we usually cannot determine a member’s potential until closer to graduation, although there are always exceptions.” 
    The music slowed to an end and I released Arthur’s hands. “Thank you Arthur, but I think I need another drink.”
    As we walked back to get a glass of wine, we were met at the bar by Clint who was leaning over the counter top, drinking his champagne. “Ah, Miss Ross, have you met one of our group leaders, Clint Weston?”, and he motioned for Clint to shake my hand.
    I lifted my palm and backed away. “Oh we met at his last party, right Clint. What kind of party was that exactly?”
    Clint looked me up and down and ignored my question, knowing I was trying to bait him, “You look really beautiful Norah.” My body shivered with his compliment; he looked at me so sweetly.
    “That’s great that you two have met. You should give her a tour Clint. Have you seen some of the artwork here Miss Ross? It’s quite the collection,” and Arthur walked off to another older member of the Lappell who was waving at him from across the room.
    “You have no fear about what you say, I find that remarkable.” Clint passed me a glass of champagne and I took a sip.
    “I don’t think being polite for polite’s sake makes you a better person. I try to be as genuine as I can afford.”
    He leaned in, “It’s interesting that you say that. Are you implying you have secrets Miss Ross?” He was flirting with his eyes.
    “No more than the Lappell,” and I started to walk off in the other direction. To my surprise, Clint followed until he was walking beside me.
    “I was impressed with how quickly you put those words together Norah.”
    I looked at Clint, not convinced. “Somehow I think you knew I would catch on, like you wanted me to be involved, especially since your recruits seem to be nothing more than business and law majors.”
    Clint only smiled in agreement. “Then I guess it was a good thing you were here.”
    “Hmmm… perhaps.”
    Clint continued to walk beside me, not leaving the conversation alone like I thought he would. “Would you like to see the gardens? They are lit up in the evenings and most people find them quite lovely.”
    I knew I was just asking for more mixed signals which would only confuse me further, but I couldn’t resist his invitation. My body was twitching to be close to him again, and it really did sound nice. “Yes alright, lead the way.”
    I took Clint’s arm. He flinched when I touched him. I could sense our physical attraction growing instantly just from my grip on him. The pull of our bodies made me want to be even closer to him and I naturally gravitated inwards towards his arms until his hand moved and sat around my waist. He was very quiet as we walked along the corridor and to an entryway that lead outside. I felt his fingers gently caressing my hip in small sensual movements. It felt very intimate as we strolled quietly to the outside stairs with only the closeness of our bodies speaking for us. I should have been angrier about how things were left from our date, but suddenly I didn’t feel angry at all, only relieved that he