Free Perfect Stranger by Sofia Grey Page B

snogging Adam at a long-ago Christmas party, when she still worked at ComCo. Isobel’s careless mention of a fling at one of the supplier conferences last year.
    “Belle, you and Adam… You’re not an item, are you?” I asked.
    Her cheeks were bright red when she looked at me. “Maybe.”
    “But what about Greg?”
    Isobel shrugged. “It’s not like we’re married or anything, and I don’t see Adam that often.” Her lips curved up with the irrepressible smile I knew so well—the angelic expression that endeared her to customers and managers alike. She nibbled her lip while twisting a lock of hair around her finger. “He’s so exciting. Adam, I mean. While Greg is… not. I need an occasional dose of Adam. He makes me feel like a desirable woman, not a piece of furniture.”
    I groped for something sensible to say. “But you know Adam isn’t exactly faithful, don’t you?”
    “He talks a lot; that’s all.”
    I thought differently, but she wouldn’t believe me. I leaned back in my seat. Was I so wrapped up in my job that I didn’t notice anything going on around me? First Tony having an affair, and now Isobel.
    “We’re keeping things quiet at the moment, Kate. It’s just a matter of timing, but I know you won’t tell anyone. Nobody else knows. Not even Jenny.”
    I wanted to ask if she was going to end things with Greg, but we’d arrived at Jen’s house, and the moment was lost.
    Jen scrambled into the cab to join us, looking flustered. She pushed a damp strand of hair from her forehead and blew out a breath. “I didn’t think I was going to be ready in time. Rob’s going to a barbecue at his boss’s house tonight and wanted me to make some food for him to take with. I made a giant batch of chocolate brownies and a trifle. Do you think that’ll be enough?”
    “Your chocolate brownies are to die for, Jen.” I gave her a quick hug. “Rob doesn’t know how lucky he is.” Her cheeks pinked, and I remembered our conversation from the other day. “Cade used to be obsessed with your baking. Is it nice working with him again?”
    Isobel’s eyes widened. “Are you talking about Cade Brisley? He’s as yummy as your baking.” She smoothed a hand over her immaculate hair. “If he didn’t have Tasha glued to his side, I’d have made a play for him a long time ago.”
    Jen smiled, but it looked brittle. “I probably won’t have much to do with him. I’ve got some gossip for you, though.” We both looked at her. “I can’t remember if I told you my boss, Marella, asked if I knew Adam?” We both shook our heads, and Jen sat forward in her seat. “I didn’t know where to look when she said they were living together. I mean, what could I say? Your boyfriend is a sleaze, with all the morals of a randy tomcat and wandering hands that would put an Italian gigolo to shame? ”
    I couldn’t help laughing, but Isobel didn’t join in. She gazed out of the window, and then clapped her hands. “We’re here. And there’s Pippa and Lucy, waiting for us.” Her voice was too bright, and I wondered again why she’d ever gotten involved with Adam.
     
    * * * *
     
    The play was hilarious, and the five of us walked to a nearby Italian restaurant afterward. Pippa was another ex-ComCo person, and Lucy was Isobel’s sister. We’d been out together many times as a group.
    Pippa was describing someone in her office. “He’s as big a lech as Adam Jones.”
    I glanced at Isobel, who selected a fresh breadstick. “Adam’s not so bad,” she said. “He’s just got a bit of a reputation.”
    Jenny was scathing. “Reputation, my arse. He’s the reason Pippa and I left ComCo.”
    “Come on, Jen, you said you wanted better prospects, the usual stuff.” Isobel’s voice was strained.
    “Only because my prospects at ComCo dwindled to absolute zero. Adam was furious when I wouldn’t sleep with him. He was waiting for the staff reviews and then he was going to transfer me. To Exeter.”
    The table