Romance: Catching Helena Handbasket by Lily Flowers Read Free Book Online

other females and a particularly feminine pet poodle.  Major bonus!  Although, judging from the acrid scents emanating from the apartment next door, I’d guess my new neighbor is either a serial killer or they enjoy preparing a particular exotic breed of fish every single night for dinner.”
         Trey guffawed outright.
         “Well that’s the breaks I guess,” he allowed, pinning her with a sympathetic gaze.  “I’ve never been a big fan of overly close neighbors—that’s why I love my penthouse.  It’s very quiet and private and offers a great view of the city.  Perhaps I could give you a private tour sometime.”  He said these last words on a smooth purr that sent chills down Helena’s spine.
         “I’d like that,” she managed on a yelp, adding quickly as she cleared her throat, “I have to say I actually enjoyed a couple of the short story submissions I edited today—the writing styles were strong, and you got the idea that the heroines of the pieces actually might say boo to a goose and have an IQ that exceeds their bra size—and that their heroes might even be down for the concepts of equal work for equal pay and consensual sex.”
         Trey smiled.
         “I thought you’d like them,” he affirmed with a nod, adding in a thoughtful tone, “I must admit, Helena, that since you’ve arrived here I’ve been approaching our submissions pile with a more thoughtful, more critical eye.  I’ve taken into serious consideration some of the things that you’ve said; as a matter of fact, I sometimes hear your voice in my head as I consider new books—and if I happen to spot any amount of sexist or offensive content, I can hear very clearly your—um—critical comments.”  He paused here, adding with a cringe, “Your inner voice can get pretty loud, Helena—not to mention quite colorful in your descriptive words.”
         Letting loose with a mock gasp, Helena grasped Trey’s muscled arm as her eyes flew wide.
         “Oh no,” her voice barely above a whisper.  “You’ve been possessed by the spirit of Helena—or as I like to call her, the demonic and all powerful spirit known as Helena Handbasket.”
         Trey guffawed outright.
         “Indeed I have, and so has my business,” he told her, adding with a saucy wink, “I also have to admit it Helena—I quite like the idea of your having a wild and wicked side.  I hope to be able to make the acquaintance of Helena Handbasket sometime.  Perhaps I could even say or do something to help bring her out of you.”
         These words echoed in Helena’s mind—and, she couldn’t help but notice, several other primary body parts—moments later, when Trey pulled into a circular parking lot that fronted a domed marble walled dance palace called The Last Tango.
         “And if I try the tango—or any other dance, for that matter—it would indeed be the last tango ever performed,” she told Trey, adding with a cringe, “After seeing my sure to be pathetic and downright bizarre rendition of the tango, those that perfect the art form would probably just end the tango tradition right then and there, on the grounds that the dance has been ruined and defiled her beyond the point of redemption.”
         Pulling his car around to the front of the club, Trey put the vehicle in park; all the while pinning his date with an empathetic look.
         “Don’t worry about it, babe,” he reassured her with a smile.  “I just want you to relax and have fun with me tonight.  And that, my dear, is an executive order coming straight from the boss.”
         Helena opened her mouth to respond—only to let loose with a high pitched yelp moments later, as she saw a tall, grey haired man in a dark suit lean forward to lay a firm hand on the driver’s side window.
         “Trey!” she raised her hand to her mouth.  “I think we’re being carjacked—let me find my cell phone, I’ll dial