My Sister's Shoes (Little Black Box, Book 1) by Cherrie Mack Page B

half-smile. You would, wouldn’t you? You piece of shit.
    * * * *
    Allie waited in Zach’s apartment just outside his office door. He talked on the phone while she strained her neck to hear what he was saying. Barnabus watched her, one side of his mouth curled up in a snarl. Little Hitler dog! She tucked her hair behind her ear and listened intently. “Okay, sweetheart. I’ll see what I can do. But the funds are available? Yes. That’s great. Let me check my schedule, and I’ll call you right back. Me too,” she heard him say.
    Quickly moving out of earshot, Allie pretended to be busy checking her cell phone when Zach entered the living room. “Allison, thank you for waiting. Here’s your check. I made it out to cash like you asked.”
    “Thank you.” Not looking at the amount, she pocketed the check.
    Zach sighed, “I just got a call, and I have to travel to Long Island.”
    “When?”
    “This afternoon, but I will be back by seven tonight. I don’t suppose I can convince you to stay?”
    “For what exactly?” To shake me down for my fake inheritance, perhaps?
    “Well…” He stepped close. “If you wait, I’d like to take you to dinner. Besides, I think I like having you here.” He grabbed her waist and pulled her to his chest. “I’ve wanted to kiss you all day long.” Yeah? Maybe having one hundred grand was the incentive. He dipped his head and kissed her. His tongue swept inside her mouth with purpose. Hey, the cash isn’t in the back of my throat. Allie couldn’t think straight. She was turned off. When Zach broke the kiss, she smiled and looked away, batting her eyes. “That was nice,” he said. Eww!
    “Feel free to use my master bath. The shower jets are amazing. I’ll see you tonight.”
    But I haven’t agreed to stay? Or did you think that pathetic, sloppy kiss convinced me? “Sure. But why don’t I make you dinner? I can make … uh—calamari?”
    His eyes lit up. “Yeah? I’d love it. It’s one of my favorites. I was kinda hoping to see you in a dress though.” He winked at her.
    “I have time to run home for a change of clothes. If it’s a dress you want, a dress you will get.” His expression was swoon-worthy as he looked her up and down. “I can’t wait. I’ll see you tonight.”
    “Great,” Allie sighed. Maybe those old ladies were mixed up. He looked like such a straight-up, nice guy. Either way, she owed it to herself to find out. And much to her frustration, Angelo gnawed at her subconscious. She told herself she wasn’t attracted to him, that he was simply a nuisance who piqued her curiosity. A walk on the wild side? Honestly! But the thought did make her smile.

Chapter 12
    Being left alone in Zach’s apartment gave Allie a chance to snoop. She convinced herself that if Zach was guilty of luring women with his good looks and charm just to bankroll his project, he must be stopped. An affront to women everywhere, Mr. Brady would have to be called out for his actions, and although legally he would have done nothing wrong, ethically it would make him a shit.
    Starting in his office was sensible. She sat down at his desk and searched the drawers. Coming across a file labeled “The Dignitaries,” Allie rummaged through the papers inside and found a list of investors. She rolled her eyes as she read the names. All female. Those ladies certainly know their gossip. When she came across the name Adrienne Chadwick, she smirked. Looks like Adrienne’s about to get a taste of her own medicine. But a list of female donors did not make him a scam artist.
    “I could swear I see smoke billowing out of your ears, Allie.” Angelo leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and his hair hanging loose around his shoulders. His eyes traveled to the file she was holding. He jerked his chin, “Whatcha got there?”
    Allie closed the file and threw it on top of the desk. She stood up, walked around the desk, and leaned against it. “It’s a list of the women Zach has