Making Mina 2: Strings Attached Read Online Free PDF Page B

before transferring them from one room to another, forgetting that the sunlight that came through the museum’s windows was just as dangerous as the sunlight outside.
    “Do you want to put off looking at that apartment this evening?”
    Mina sighed.  That was another thing that was giving her a headache.  Ivy had made it clear that she was welcome to stay with her, but her little bungalow was overflowing with projects and research materials—there simply wasn’t room for Mina to stay long term.  She’d arranged to have her belongings removed from the condominium she’d shared with Ethan.   I should have used those movers for this job , she thought a little punchily .  I think they’d have done a better job . But she still had yet to find a place of her own. 
    “No,” she said.  “If I keep putting it off I’ll never find an apartment. “  She straightened up and forced herself to smile.  “At least with the bonus I got from this job I’ll be able to be a little choosier.  It’s nice not to be stuck looking at studios.”
    Ivy let her hair swing forward.  “I wondered about that.  Do you think Mr. Genovese realized that a bonus wasn’t typical for something like this?” Her voice was carefully neutral, but Mina knew exactly what she was getting at.
    “I’m sure he knew exactly what was typical,” she said. “It’s probably another of his attempts at being  supportive , and I’ve decided that if the Universe has decided that the way to help me get through my breakup with Ethan is by supplying help in the guise of Marco Genovese, I am not going to let my pride get in the way of getting on with my life.  Marco may not be around forever, but there’s no point in looking a gift horse in the mouth.”
    “I am very pleased to hear you say that,” a masculine voice spoke up from the door, causing both women to jump.  “Opportunity comes in many forms, and one must be ready to grab it whenever it appears.”
    Mina gasped and her eyes flew to the man in the doorway.  A week apart had softened the edges of her memory, and she was breathless in the face of just how impressive a figure Marco was.  He was wearing jeans today, something she’d never seen before, and she stared at his long denim-encased legs for a moment too long.  Ivy bumped her a little, intentionally jarring her back into the present, as she stepped forward to greet her second-hand benefactor.
    “Mr. Genovese!  How nice to see you.  Successful trip I hope?”  Ivy’s parents were disgustingly wealthy and at times like these her ability to segue into the common language of polite nothings was very handy.
    Marco gave a little bow and half smile.
    “The trip was indeed successful, Dr. Fielding.  Thank you.  I see,” he waved a hand around, “that you have made quite a bit of progress as well.”
    Ivy  nodded.  “Absolutely.  We’ve cataloged everything from your office, and from the safe in the living room.  I believe the crew is currently transporting the last items from the salon.  Oh, and I ate the last of your pesto,” she grinned and Marco laughed in surprise.
    “I’m happy to see that your sense of priorities is in order,” he said.  “Good pesto should be valued above rubies.”  He gave a conspiratorial wink. “Or at least above pottery shards.”
    Mina watched the play between them with more than a little envy.  She didn’t think she’d ever be comfortable enough with Marco to act like that.
    “I didn’t know when to expect you back,” she said.  It came out sounding petulant and she flushed in embarrassment.  Marco stepped forward and took her hand.
    “If I’d had a better timetable I would have made sure to keep you informed.  Sometimes these deals happen suddenly.  I will try to stay more connected in the future.”  He brushed a kiss across the back of her hand and Mina heard Ivy gasp.  She resisted the urge to yank her hand away.
    “It