“I need to leave for a few. Can you handle things here?”
“Of course.” Gunner paused. “What’s going on?”
“Internado’s putting the squeeze on me.”
“That can’t be good.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Do what you gotta do,” Gunner said.
Once in his Porsche, Maverick tapped impatiently on the steering wheel while the security gate slowly clanked and squeaked open. I have got to get a new gate.
On the way to Stone Investigations, he made a quick stop at a nearby shop. With a surprise in hand, he strode into Carly’s office.
Desiree peered up at him with the saddest eyes. “Hey.” She couldn’t even muster a smile.
“What’s wrong?”
She leaned over the reception counter. “We have to move out.”
Maverick’s mouth dropped open. “When did this happen?”
“Carly found out Saturday when she had dinner with her parents. She’s been working nonstop with a realtor.” His sister’s shoulders sagged. “Friday is my last day.”
Maverick’s brain stuttered. Why the hell didn’t Carly tell me? “How can I help?”
Desiree’s expression perked up. “You are such a sweetheart. I told Hudson I’d help him manage the restaurant. He didn’t argue because he’s struggling.”
Heat infused him and he loosened his tie. “Why am I just now hearing about all of this?”
The front door opened and Carly’s older sister bounded in like she owned the place. Maverick’s chest tightened. For as much as he adored Carly, he detested Cassie. The two sisters couldn’t be more different, both in appearance and in behavior. At five feet eight, Carly was all curves, a natural beauty, and a competitive athlete. Cassie was rail thin, her platinum blonde hair plastered in hairspray. She dressed in high-end designer suits and always wore too much makeup. Despite being just three years older than Carly, thirty-six-year-old Cassie looked like she’d had a facelift. Her skin was stretched so tightly across her cheeks and forehead it pained him to look at her.
As much as Carly was emotionally guarded, Cassie was on a never-ending romantic rollercoaster having just divorced her third husband. These two women were polar opposites in every conceivable way. But none of that would matter if Cassie weren’t such a bitch toward her sister.
Trailing after her was a slight man pecking madly on a tablet. Cassie hitched her eyebrow and shot Maverick a sly smile. “I haven’t seen you in a while, Ashton. You’re looking hot, with one ‘t’.” She sauntered close. “Still keeping up your reputation as a D.C. playboy?”
Not anymore. He doubted Cassie’s visit was a social one. “Hey, Cassie, what brings you by?”
“Business. And my name is Cassandra.” She turned to the man with her. “Let’s start in the kitchenette. It’s nasty and outdated.” She squared her shoulders before parading forward.
Maverick turned to his sister. “What was that all about?”
“It’s bad,” Desiree said, tracking Cassie as she disappeared into the break room.
The front door opened and Carly breezed inside. She’d thrown her hair into a messy updo and wore a simple brown dress with a black belt. Her beauty stole his breath and, for a split second, he forgot why he was there.
“There she is,” he said.
“Hi.” Her smile made his day. Always did.
“I need to talk—”
When Cassie flew into reception, surprise flashed in Carly’s eyes. “What are you doing here?”
Cassie raised her chin and peered down her nose at Carly. “Mom is the new landlord.”
“I know.” Carly dropped her handbag on the reception counter. “I’ve got to be out of here by the end of next week. There’s a new tenant moving in who’s paying Mom a small fortune. I can’t afford rent that steep.”