The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

21 - Sinclair

Ivy rarely received phone calls at work. She didn't even have a phone in her closet. When Eleanor appeared to say she had a call, she assumed it was Dani. "I can walk upstairs instead of tying up your line."

"It's not Danielle."

She looked at the phone like it was a bomb. Gingerly she held the receiver to her ear. The older female voice on the line spoke efficiently. "Mr. Sinclair would like to set up a meeting to discuss a mutual friend."

"A what?"

"A meeting. If agreeable, a car will arrive for you in front of the Kane building at five-thirty."

"Today?"

"If you're amenable."

"I, um, I. Okay."

"Perfect. Five-thirty. You will be delivered home safely."

"I'm not a package." The line was already dead.

She looked up at Eleanor. The older woman raised her brows. "What was that about?"

"I don't know exactly, but can you drive my car home?"

She nodded. "I'm going to miss your parking pass."

"Only my pass?" Ivy teased.

She nodded. "Since I'll see you at home."

"Ask Mr. Kane for one. Tell him it isn't fair an intern has one and you've been a trusted employee for how many years?"

"Too many."

"Exactly. I bet if he knows you protect the Kane family, he'll take care of you."

"Do I?"

"You do Tate."

She smiled. "Next time I bump into him, I'll ask."

Baxter would do anything to protect their secret from leaking. Was he behind her cryptic phone call? Had he told his friend?

Ivy apprehensively slipped through the door held open by a chauffeur. She stopped short when she saw James Sinclair watching her. "Oh."

He smiled. "Ms. I'm sorry I don't know your last name."

"Krasinski, but Ivy is fine, Mr. Sinclair."

He smiled a smile that had probably won a world's record for panty dampening, but it wasn't working on her. "Jimmy, please. Don't be uncomfortable. I'm here as a friend."

"But I don't know you."

He shook his head. "We have a mutual friend."

She bit her lip. "Tate?"

"No, not Tate." He sounded stern like Baxter.

She felt dread bubble in her belly and settle into her chest. "What did he say?"

"Nothing. He didn't have to. I know his tells."

She looked at the handsome man with a notorious reputation. "What do you want with me?"

He smiled. "It depends on what you want. I propose we try making someone jealous."

"What? Why?"

"Because he's my best friend. I also need to protect my reputation."

"Yours?"

"If I'm rumored to be fighting with a playboy over a woman, I expect to win."

"No one would expect a mailman's daughter with you."

He chuckled. "I believe the correct term is letter carrier and not expecting is what makes it so much fun."

She smiled despite not wanting to. "You are nothing like I imagined."