CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – A BAD DAY AT WORK

Raquel's smile faltered slightly at Scarlett's firm rejection. "Oh well," she said, her voice losing some of its previous excitement. "Maybe another time then. Henry, darling, I have a meeting with my agent in half an hour. Rain check on dinner tonight?" Henry, his gaze still lingering on Scarlett's retreating figure, finally turned to Raquel. "Of course, sweetheart. Sorry about the late notice. I'll be home early, making my famous spaghetti for you." He leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, his eyes holding a warmth that hadn't been there a moment before. Scarlett, unable to tear her gaze away, felt a flush creep up her neck. The casual intimacy between them was a sharp contrast to the professional distance she maintained with Henry. Shame and a flicker of something akin to jealousy burned in her chest. It was irrational, she knew, but seeing the way he looked at Raquel, the way he treated her, made something dark stir within her. Raquel winked at Henry with a