Free This Tangled Thing Called Love: A Contemporary Romance Novel by Marie Astor Page A

frequently in the society section of the New York Times . Things seemed to be getting on swell between Matthew and Lindsay, and just as she was beginning to think that he might be the “one,” Mathew broke it off, claiming that his work demanded his full attention. A few months later, he got engaged to a daughter of a prominent politician. The news made it to the society pages of all the major newspapers. After that, Lindsay swore never to date a blueblood again, but she still remembered the protocols of dating one.
    “Don’t sweat it. The weekend will be over before you know it. By the way, did David like your gift?”
    “I’m going to bring it over to his place tonight.”
    “Let me know what he thinks. Do you know what’s he getting you?”
    “No idea.”
    “I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”
    If there was a hint in Lindsay’s voice, Claire chose to ignore it.
    “Have you seen that hot neighbor of yours?”
    “No, why do you ask?” Claire hoped that her voice was level. The smallest change in cadence would send Lindsay on a hunting mission. Claire had not seen Alec since the evening when she looked into his window to find him embracing a female silhouette. Out of sight, out of mind.
    “No reason, just curious. He is kind of cute, and since I’m single, he just might be a possibility.”
    “Alec is not single.”
    “Oh? So you did see him again.”
    Realizing that she had just fallen into one of Lindsay’s traps, Claire had no choice but to recount the embarrassing incident of staring into Alec’s window.
    “And I thought you said you weren’t interested in him.”
    “And I thought you had sworn off men,” Claire countered.
    “I have, but a girl always has the prerogative to change her mind.”
    “I don’t think that dating Alec would be a good idea.” The words escaped Claire’s lips before she could think.
    “Oh, I don’t want to date him. It would be an exercise in futility after seeing the way he was drooling over you the other day. I just want you to keep your options open, that’s all.”
    “Sure, thanks for the advice. I’ve got to get back to work now.”
    With a sigh, Claire hung up. Sure, she could understand Lindsay’s distrust of David, but David Lawson was not anything like Matthew Prince, III.
    At five o’clock Claire grabbed her purse. This was going to be a busy evening. She had to run back to her apartment, pick up David’s gift, and then drop it off by his place. After that, she still had to pack for the weekend.
    “Have a great weekend.” Jake winked at her. “I want details on Monday.”
    An hour later, Claire was inside a cab on her way to Battery Park City. Cradled next to her lay David’s anniversary gift. Claire fidgeted with the bow she had tied to the wrapping. She hoped that David liked the lithograph, but then who would not like Joan Miro ? The vibrant colors, the freeform shapes - David was bound to love it. She was sure of it.
    When she arrived at David’s condo, Claire nodded at the doorman and made her way to the elevator. David’s apartment was on the top floor, and she propped the wrapped lithograph against the railing as she waited for the elevator ride to end. Finally, the doors opened, and she turned the corner of the long hallway toward David’s front door.
    She rang the bell and waited. Moments later there was still no answer, so she rang again, only to be greeted by silence once more.
    Baffled, Claire groped for her cell phone, thinking that maybe David was in the shower or something. They had agreed for her come over earlier in the day, and she had not thought it necessary to confirm. If David had a change of plans, he would have called her. Just then, she noticed a new text message on her cell phone screen. It was from David.
    Sorry, babe. Last minute rush at the office. Will be working late tonight, but I promise to make it up to you tomorrow. Will pick you up at 10 a.m. sharp. Love, David.
    With a sigh, Claire lowered the hefty