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right time. I was definitely doing you a favor. Justice doesn’t take kindly to cheating. I saved you a National Enquirer exclusive.” She smiles and shakes her head. “I imagine most guys are smart enough to run in the other direction when she comes. But you’re not most guys are you?”
    “Are you saying I’m stupid?”
    “No.” She laughs a little then clears her throat.  
    I shrug. “I don’t know who half these people are. I only came here because my friend’s leaving town soon. And I needed to get out of the house for a few.”
    “Well, it’s good to see you don’t spend all your time tied to those apron strings.”
    “What was that?”
    She presses her lips together and gives her head a quick shake. “Nothing.”
    “Are you implying I’m a mama’s boy?”
    She sighs. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. It’s just…you don’t exactly come off as…I don’t know. I think I had too much to drink and—god, that was stupid. I’m sorry I kissed you. I mean I’m not sorry I—okay, Ronnie was right. I’m definitely drunk.” She squeezes her eyes closed. “Which I probably shouldn’t have confessed to you just now. You’re just too nice for you own good Ray Carlson. You shouldn’t trust just anyone. I mean that. Especially now.”
    She turns to go, but I grab her arm. “Wait. You know my name but I don’t get to know yours?”
    She glances down at my hand and raises an eyebrow. “I don’t know whether to be impressed or offended.”
    I let go, shoving my hand in my pocket. “Sorry.”
    “You really don’t remember me?”
    I want to tell her I’d definitely remember a girl like her in a dress like that, but instead I ask, “Should I?”
    “I’m Sydney,” she says brusquely. “Bucco? We met this morning at the restaurant. I’m Reese’s assistant.” She laughs and grabs a lone flute from the tray on the table. “You know what? Never mind. I’ve screwed this up enough anyway. Might as well finish the job.” She sucks back the drink in a few seconds and waves to me over her shoulder as she walks away. “See you around, StingRay.

CHAPTER FIVE
Sydney

    I squeeze my eyes against the glaring beam of light forcing its way through the thin curtains. To be honest, ‘curtains’ is being generous. I don’t know what the hell my cousin has on her windows. It certainly doesn’t leave room for privacy or shelter from the goddamn sun. I guess that’s the benefit of living on the 38th floor—no privacy needed.
    I roll over onto my belly and bury my face in the fluffier-than-a-cloud pillow. I could stay here all day. I’d love to. I probably should, but I’ll need to show my face eventually.
    I let out a fierce yawn stretching my legs and arms in opposite directions. It isn’t until I register the aroma of dark roast coffee and cinnamon that I realize I’m not alone.  
    Shit. I pull the cover over my head. What the hell did I do?
    I hold my hand over my mouth in a vain attempt to…I don’t even know. Mask my breathing? Hide myself? Pretend I’m not here?
    Did I bring someone home last night? And not even home, but back to Reese’s? What was I thinking?
    I take a quick inventory of my state of dress, realizing I’m in nothing but my underwear.  
    Damn it, Sydney.
    Who was I even with? What did I do?  
    I was drinking. I was definitely drinking. A lot too. And it must have been the hard stuff, because I’m not a lightweight and I don’t remember a thing.  
    Wait, no. I remember…kissing. Yes, I was definitely kissing someone. It was a good kiss too. Fucking amazing if I’m being totally honest. I was really into. Like really into it. And so was he if I’m not mistaken. He kissed me like my lips had the power to reveal everything there is to know about me. It was like that kiss alone was the best thing to happen to him in years. Who the hell was the guy who mouth-fucked me and flipped something inside me that made me want to…?  
    Oh, shit. Ray.
    I shake my head, like I