Free Kristi Gold - Hotel Marchand 04 by Damage Control Page B

Why?”
    “I need to make sure the car’s available to pick them up.”
    “I’m sure they’ll call you when they need to be picked up.” Pete wasn’t exactly buying his story. Luc Carter seemed just a little too concerned, maybe even a little too slick.
    Once in the limo, Pete took the seat across from Renee, opting to give her some space for the time being. She hadn’t worn anything that remotely resembled the dress he’d reminded her of that afternoon. In fact, her outfit would be considered conservative—a green, long-sleeved tailored suit that came below her knees and practically buttoned up to the neck. Not that her modest attire discouraged his libido, even if that had been her plan.
    After fifteen minutes of silence, Pete’s tolerance began to wane, so he moved beside her and pushed the button that raised the partition separating the driver from the passengers.
    Renee sent him a sidelong glance. “What are you up to?”
    He knew exactly what she was thinking—that he wanted to put a few moves on her. That wasn’t exactly his plan, although the thought had crossed his mind. “I wanted to have a private conversation with you about your concierge.”
    “What about him?”
    Pete pulled off his tie, stuffed it in the inside jacket pocket and released the top button on the nooselike collar. “I could be wrong, but my instincts tell me you should keep a close eye on him.”
    Renee leaned her head back and sighed. “You’re imagining things.”
    “Maybe so.” But he honestly didn’t think so. Something wasn’t quite right about the guy.
    For the sake of keeping the mood light, and keeping her in his company for a few more hours, Pete decided to change the subject. “I still can’t believe Evan actually went through with it. For years he’s been committed to bachelorhood.” Something Evan had once had in common with Pete.
    “That’s what love does to people.” She lifted her head and smiled. “It was a beautiful wedding. I’m honored to have been a part of it.”
    “Now let’s just hope it lasts.”
    “Any reason to believe it won’t?”
    “You and I both know what it’s like in the business. Crazy hours, moving from town to town. Too many temptations.”
    “Is that what happened with your marriage?”
    Pete was amazed that she’d mentioned his marriage after she’d been so determined to avoid the topic before. “I guess you could say that. Cara did a movie in Malaysia and fell for some guy who was an extra. I told her she should have at least gone after the leading man.”
    “You don’t sound that upset over it.”
    That’s because he hadn’t been, then or now. “Cara and I had a fast courtship, and not a hell of a lot in common aside from the industry. We weren’t together more than a few weeks in the two years we were married.”
    “Well, if you don’t get married, then you don’t have to worry about getting divorced.”
    “Now who’s being cynical?”
    She shrugged. “I only know that my parents had a solid marriage, and I haven’t seen that kind of relationship too often in my experience.”
    “You sound like you’ve given up.”
    “Let’s just say that at my age, most men are looking for younger women. And it’s hard to find someone you can trust.”
    That trust thing was no doubt directed at him. “Not all men are looking for a younger woman.”
    She tipped her head back again and focused on the line of muted blue lights overhead. “Come on, Pete. You’ve been known to date your share of starlets.”
    He couldn’t deny that, although he wished he could. “Most of the women I work with happen to be younger, and yeah, I’ve been involved with a few. But they eventually move on, and that’s okay.”
    She shot him a look that was less than friendly. “Then you’re saying they’re nothing more than a diversion?”
    Damn. If he kept digging himself a deeper hole, he’d never be able to climb out. “I’m saying I get lonely, Renee. Everyone does now and