Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 727:

“Well then,” she drawled, “if that’s all you have to say.”

She found a seat near the exit and settled in. “Thanks for the assist, by the way.”

She wasn’t oblivious; she recognized his veiled support and offered a quiet word of gratitude. The bartender wheeled in a cart loaded with booze, and Gerry stepped forward to verify the number.

Dolores, ever perceptive, felt a surge of unease. The woman she instinctively disliked from the very beginning was now a confirmed threat.

Her sharp eyes caught Marlin staring intently at Norah, a look she had never seen him direct at another woman.

“Thirty-two bottles in total,” Gerry announced, setting down the cart. “Ten of them red wine.”

good,” Marlin muttered, adjusting his collar

Dolores’ birthday, everyone. Let’s have a good time. This

appreciation rippled

wave of sycophancy washing over Marlin. “Marlin, you’re too generous!” one

another chimed in, “I envy you,

she craved — the admiration, the envy. It was the sole reason she was with Marlin: a trophy to

magic

her, and no one offered her conversation. Gerry, however, took

“why not join the fun? Have

you’re close

with veiled condescension as she addressed her friend. “That bottle costs thirty thousand dollars, you know. Be careful not

widened in disbelief. “Thirty thousand? I thought it was a few thousand