Page 31 of Craig

"Let me look at you." Easing her back, she studied the younger woman with curious golden-brown eyes.

"A little thin. I really hate you. I have to work like a bitch to keep the weight off, and here you are looking like a freaking model."

She flashed her famous smile as the maître d' hurried over.

"Geoffry, have them bring the lobster and a bottle of wine, please. And tell Claude that he's been getting compliments on the lemon chicken."

The man beamed and bowed. "I will see he gets the message, Ms. Kelly."

"Now." Sitting gracefully and crossing her legs with silk whispering, she cocked her head to give Regina her full attention.

"Tell me."

Regina reached for her sparkling water with the wedge of lemon floating on the surface. "That's one of the things I love about you, honey, you get right to the meat of the matter."

"I'm a very busy woman." Golden-brown eyes sparkled with laughter.

"Besides, you sounded off over the phone."

"Ah, here comes our meal."

Regina sniffed the air and closed her eyes in appreciation. "It smells heavenly."

"And should taste twice as good. Thank you, Simon."

Kelly beamed at the waiter.

"Fill me in, darling."

"I'm getting married."

Kelly's fork was suspended over the plate, her expression one of shock. "Who's the lucky man?"

Regina laughed softly at her friend's dry tone. "Craig Muldoon."

Kelly's expression changed to one of delight.

"Oh, darling! I always knew there was something between the two of you. When did this happen?"

She made a grab for Regina's left hand, a frown touching her smooth brow at the lack of a ring. "So, where is it?"

"I need to explain." Pulling her hand away, Regina dug into the meal and told Kelly the full story.

"I'm depending on you to be discreet."

"Of course," she murmured absently.

"If you wanted money, you could have come to me. I'd like to believe we're friends."

"You know we are," Regina assured her quickly. "But friendship and money don't mix."

"That's ridiculous," Kelly told her sharply. "You were in need and I have the resources."

"It's cleaner this way."

"So, you prefer to enter into a fake marriage than ask a friend? Darling, what were you thinking? And how is this going to work?"

"It's a business arrangement." She busied herself with her wild asparagus, avoiding her friend's eyes.