“Can I fix you a drink, Mr. Troop?”

“Make it, Jarrat, please.”

With a woman’s perception, she smiled invitingly at him.

“Jade, I’d like a brandy,” he said.

“So would I,” she said, feeling more alive than she had in years. She went to the cabinet. “Sit down, Jarrat.”

Troop did so, crossing his legs, already beginning to imagine just how he would deal with the welcome task of taking Jade Roper to her bed.

She carried the drinks over and sat beside him. Her dressing gown rode high, revealing the soft inner flesh of her thigh. She made no attempt to lower the gown after she handed him his drink.

Troop knew for certain at that moment that it would take less work than even he imagined in all his cool self-confidence to bed this woman.

They raised their glasses.

“Here’s to new friends,” he growled, looking at her over the edge of his glass.

She took a deep breath. “Here’s to lovers!”