Kindling Flames: Flying Sparks (The Ancient Fire Series Book 2) by Julie Wetzel Page B

“Yes,” she finally answered.
    “Then consider it a business expense.” He smiled. “You deserve a nice bonus for everything you’ve been through this last week.”
    Vicky stared at him in disbelief as he reached around the side of the door and pushed the button for the lobby. She was still recovering when the door slid shut and took her away.
    Smiling at the closed door, Darien went back to looking for that picture.
    ***
    Vicky stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby of the Touraine. She was still shocked at Darien’s suggestion. There was no way she was going to use his money to buy her clothing. Looking down at the black bag with its new leather strap, she groaned. She hadn’t intended to pick it up on her way out. Carrying it around had been the best way to make sure she had it if Darien needed it, but now that she was staying with him, it made more sense to leave it in the penthouse. Vicky was just about to turn around and take it back upstairs when she heard her name.
    “Vicky!” Vanessa called from where she had been talking with Ethan.
    Vicky shook her head. Vanessa never failed to flirt with any halfway-decent-looking guy nearby.
    “Good afternoon, Miss Westernly.” The concierge nodded.
    “Hello.” She waved at the man. “Come on, Vanessa. Let’s get going.”
    Vanessa winked at Ethan as they left.
    Vicky stood under the awning outside the building and looked out into the rain. It wasn’t the nicest day to go shopping, but she definitely needed something to wear to work tomorrow. She felt fine, and her burns were mostly healed, so she didn’t see any reason to stay home.
    “I didn’t know you liked retro stuff.” Vanessa looked over the outfit Vicky was dressed in. “It looks very…”
    “Authentic?” Vicky supplied with a smile.
    Vanessa giggled at her. “Yes. Where did you get it?”
    “Mr. Ritter had a box of stuff stashed in the back of his closet.” Vicky shrugged.
    “Must have been from an ex-girlfriend,” Vanessa giggled again. “So, he likes the hippy type. Tall, dark, handsome, rich, and peace loving. What more could you want?”
    Vicky shook her head at her best friend. Answering “human” would lead to questions she didn’t want to answer. “So, where are Beth and Maggie?” She changed the subject.
    Vanessa shrugged. “They’ll meet us at the mall. Maggie couldn’t get out right away.”
    Vicky nodded; that was about par for the course. Adjusting the top of her shirt, she said, “I know where we need to make our first stop.”
    Vanessa grinned at her friend’s lack of proper undergarments as they ran out into the rain.
    ***
    The clerk waited patiently as Vicky dug around in the messenger bag for her wallet. It had to be in there. She had seen it when she pulled the phone out to call Vanessa.
    “I can’t find my wallet,” Vicky complained and started pulling stuff out and setting it on the countertop.
    Vanessa looked on in concern.
    Vicky pulled out the last item, turned the bag upside down, and shook it, but her wallet wasn’t there. “Well, crap.” She huffed before picking up the books and slipping them back into the bag.
    Vanessa reached for her purse. “I can spot you.”
    “It’s okay,” Vicky answered and waved the offer away. “Mr. Ritter said I could use the petty cash to get some new clothing for work. I’ll just pay him back when I find my wallet.” She pulled open one of the billfolds and paid the clerk in cash.
    Vanessa gaped at the stack of bills in Vicky’s care.
    Vicky slipped the receipt into the back of the wallet before putting it back in the satchel. She picked up the pink-striped bag and headed out of the shop with her new underwear.
    “How much money did he give you?” Vanessa asked.
    “I haven’t counted it recently.” Vicky shrugged. “But he usually keeps around three to five thousand in there.”
    Vanessa gawked at her. “And you leave that thing sitting around at the bar?” she asked, dumbfounded.
    “I can’t