The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

Baxter stayed at the office waiting for a call from Jimmy. Between worrying about his friend and Ivy's lingering scent, his concentration was compromised. Danielle stepped into his office and sat down across from his desk. He looked up from the report he was struggling to wade through.

"Earth to Baxter."

"Did you need something?"

She chuckled. "I asked you if you need me to order some dinner."

He looked at the time, six-thirty. "Why are you still here?"

She frowned. "Waiting to see if you needed me."

"Sorry. Do you have plans?"

She shrugged. "Leftovers and watch something."

"Order dinner for two. I'm just waiting to see if Jimmy wants company."

"How was it really?"

Baxter frowned. "A nice service, but the family is struggling. Jimmy gave a moving speech."

"I can't imagine."

"I feel lucky my father recovered."

She nodded. "What do you want?"

"You pick. Surprise me."

By the time she returned, he had made it through the report. Danielle pulled lo mein noodle containers out of a brown paper bag. "Thanks. I'm hungry."

They ate in silence. Baxter kept pushing back thoughts about business. "How's Tate doing? I never see her."

"I thought you two were dating again."

Baxter laughed. "We haven't had to recently."

"She's okay. You know the jerk is married."

"Seriously? He went through with it?"

"It was a tough weekend. I hope she'll turn the corner."

He looked at his noodles. "Did her friends support her?"

Danielle's eyes bore into his head. "Do you mean Ivy?" He shrugged as she smiled. "Tate said she's too busy with Jimmy. Is she serious with him?"

Baxter trusted his friend. "No. Jimmy is being Jimmy."

"What does that mean?"

"This is confidential. Jimmy knows about Aspen and is trying to force me."

"I knew she had a crush on you over the summer."

Baxter frowned. "Did she call it a crush?"

"She tried denying she liked you."

She was still trying to deny how she felt. "But you didn't buy it?"

"No. Don't hurt her. Tate's worried about Jimmy crushing her, but I'm worried it will be you."

"My mother told her she wasn't suitable."

"Really?"

"It was a hypothetical conversation, but Amelia Kane and I don't see eye to eye on what I need."

Danielle exclaimed, "You like her!"

"I do. She agreed to a date. I want something special."

Danielle thought for a moment. "A trip to Aspen?"

"She won't go."

"I bet she's never seen a Broadway Play."

"Maybe. She has flown with Jimmy and Kasper. I would like a turn. New York could work. Jimmy would suggest Vegas."