"That's what I liked about you," Ashley explained as she slid out of her lined jacket, tossing it over the back of her chair. "Your spark. Daddy thinks I'm not always the best judge of character since I'm only twenty. But I've been watching people for years and sometimes know more about them than they know themselves." She set to work daintily popping pearl buttons through their corresponding holes in her blouse. Jack struggled to keep a poker face of disinterest.

"All right, Ms. Williams," He began, trying to keep the sarcasm at bay. "Whatever goal you were trying to accomplish has been a success. I'm sorry. Can I get...