In Deep Shitake (A Humorous Romantic Suspense) by Patricia Mason Page B

“I’ll go answer the door. They can come back some other time.”
    Mrs. Nelson nodded before her head dropped down, resting her forehead on the table.
    The crying sound faded as Mo walked from the kitchen, down the hall and to the door. The tormenting bell song continued as if someone was leaning on the button. What kind of cheese head kept ringing like that? She grasped the handle to draw the door open and found her answer on the other side. Ross Grant stood on the threshold.
    After a momentary visceral reaction to his gorgeousness, Mo remembered he'd tried to ruin her life and anger made her cheeks hot.
    “You!” Mo demanded. “What are you doing here?”
    “I’m happy to see you too.” He pushed past her and then strode down the hall. “I’m sorry about your position by the way,” he called over his shoulder.
    “My what?”
    “Your job.”
    “Oh, that’s okay,” she drawled. “I wasn’t really fired.”
    “I know. That’s why I’m sorry."
    “Listen, you can’t just barge in here like this.” When he walked three quarters of the way down the hall, Mo grabbed his arm to pull him to a stop.
    He faced her. “I’m already in and I’m not leaving until I talk to the client who hired you to break into my car.”
    “I’m here meeting with another client," Mo said, standing with hands on hips. "I don’t know why the agency’s receptionist assigned me to break into your car. I already told you that. This client has nothing to do with your car.”
    “Of course. I’ll just go, right?” His tone oozed sarcasm. Ross drew away from her and then continued down the hall. When he reached the kitchen, he halted in front of the table to stare at the weeping Jessica Nelson. “Bugger. You were telling the truth."
    “No shitake, Sherlock. Brilliant deduction. No wonder you’re a super spy.”
    Mrs. Nelson’s head snapped up. She straightened, her eyes wide. “You’re Stephen Dagger.” She swiped at the tears on her cheeks.
    “Um.” Ross cast a pleading look toward Mo.
    “Stephen Dagger, aka Ross Grant, this is Jessica Nelson. Mrs. Nelson owns the house you just invaded,” Mo said.
    Mrs. Nelson jumped out of the chair before coming around the table. She grasped Ross’s hand in hers and gave it a vigorous shake.
    “It’s wonderful to meet you. SpyMatrix was my favorite movie of all time. Could I have a kiss?” Without waiting for his reply, Mrs. Nelson rose on tiptoe to plant a smooch directly on his lips. She pulled back, giggling. “Oh my, I can’t believe you’re here. Wait until I tell my husband.” More giggles erupted from her.
    Mo couldn’t believe it either. Incredibly, the excitement of a celebrity appearance had canceled out the trauma of her husband’s cross-dressing. Unnoticed by Mrs. Nelson and Ross, Mo turned off the computer and replaced it in its carrier.
    “You were so sexy. Macho and strong, but vulnerable and emotional too." Mrs. Nelson still held Ross by the hand and arm as she babbled. "And when you said to Francesca, ‘ You ’re my air. I can’t breathe without you,’ I cried.”
    “Yeah, right,” Mo muttered. “No man in the real world would say something like that unless he was trying to get some nookie .” Mo's comment earned a glare from Ross.
    “Stephen Dagger would. He was a gentleman,” Mrs. Nelson said.
    “You’re sweet, but I—” Ross tried to draw away and Mrs. Nelson pulled him back.
    “I named my daughter after you.”
    “You named your daughter Ross?” The actor seemed as perplexed as Mo.
    “Ross? Why would it be Ross?” Mrs. Nelson’s brow furrowed with confusion. “I wouldn’t name my daughter Ross.”
    “Oh, I see. Your daughter’s name is Stephen,” Ross said.
    Mrs. Nelson giggled. “No silly . Stephanie.”
    “I’ve got to be going.” Mo could stand no more.
    “Yeah, you run along now.” Mrs. Nelson’s eyes never wavered from Ross.
    “I’m coming—” the actor began with desperation.
    “It would be wonderful if you