Page 50 of Paws & Order

It's becoming harder to tell the difference.

"Listen," I say.

She looks up.

"If you want me to go back to being the guy who watches your windows, I can."

The words taste wrong the second they leave my mouth.

Because I already know I don't want that.

Her smile softens. "I'd actually like you to keep watching my windows."

Hope flares. Bright and dangerous.

"And?" I ask.

She blushes. Just a little.

"And maybe more."

The breath leaves my lungs.

"Okay." Her smile widens.

"Okay?"

"Yeah."

I hold her gaze. "Deal."

The knock at the door arrives at exactly the wrong moment.

Three quick raps. One long.

I close my eyes.

Liza groans.

"Margo."

"Yep."

"She's psychic."

"No. Worse."

I move toward the door.

Behind me, Liza bolts for the bathroom. The traitor. I open the door.

Margo takes one look at me. Then the couch. Then the blankets. Then the tulip. Then me again. The smile that spreads across her face is pure evil.

"Morning, Chief."

I immediately regret opening the door. Margo doesn't even wait to be invited inside. She sidesteps me and marches straight into the apartment.

"Good morning, Liza!" she calls.