Page 99 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“Then I hope you know how to use them.” He chuckled.

“I do. But I haven’t been here long. A few hours. I’m meeting those knuckleheads for dinner. Before I leave, I’ll be over.”

“Alright, just making sure you haven’t forgotten about me.”

“Impossible.”

“Well, I’ll see you, then.”

“See ya.”

I ended the call, ready to continue the conversation. Eden wasn’t interested. She hiked the music playing on the radio station, caring nothing about the genre or tune. To my dismay, it was some bullshit. Thankfully, we weren’t very far from Saint, the restaurant of choice.

TEN

Dark faces surrounded me, all standing as I took my seat along with a woman who was in possession of the type of soft skin other women dreamed of. I didn’t have to touch it. The texture was visible from every side of the table.

Anna. Chemistry had introduced us seconds prior. She was as gorgeous as her name and just as elegant. The strappy top she wore with a skirt to match was the perfect combination. It said a hell of a lot without saying very much. Her slim frame seemed glued to her husband’s hip. Their happiness was apparent.

From the tip of her head to the soles of her feet, she loved him deeply and that was quite obvious. The adoration was on full display. Longing stares, touches, and words. She clung to everything he said though it wasn’t much. Milo and Makai, they’d said more than Chemistry and Malachi combined.

They’ll never hear it from me, I promised myself while settling in my chair and watching the men around me do the same.

Though every bit of information was crucial to the investigation I was part of, this was a piece they’d never have. I’d meant every word I said to Chem. To the best of my ability, I’d protect what he loved.

I waited for the waitress to appear and collect our orders, thirsty for something with a slight kick to get me over the hump I was struggling with. Beautiful black men, all resembling the one I was growing closer to each day, had all lost the most important person in their worlds at a point in time.

To see them well and thriving was a blessing in itself. Yet, my heart still broke for them. My father passed away years ago, while I was a fully grown woman, yet his death knocked the life out of me. For an entire year and a half, I struggled to get off the couch and rejoin life. Aside from work, I was failing at everything else in my life when he left us.

Since Chemistry entered my world, I felt like something within me had been restored. To discover he was the man behind the case who would make or break my career as an agent was like thorns to the heart. Of course, I wanted to advance in my career, but I was beginning to believe I wanted what he was offering me even more.

Don’t think like that. I tried, but it was useless.

“So, Eden, correct?” Anna began as drinks approached us before being set on the table.

We hadn’t ordered anything. I hadn’t, at least.

“Thank you.” Baffled, I smiled at the loving staff.

My eyes wandered, but didn’t have far to travel before they landed on their mark.

“Everything was prearranged,” Chem explained.

With a nod, I turned and faced Anna. “Yes. Eden.”

“Such a beautiful name. Are you enjoying Berkeley so far?” She sipped from her glass with the sugared rim. I did the same, loving the silkiness of her voice. I wanted her to continue.

“It’s only been a few hours, but yes. So far so good. Any time I get to relax in a city other than my own, I’m all for it. That’s also when the exhaustion shows its true colors.”

“That’s true. What is it you do?”

I hesitated, unable to share my true occupation. I had to settle for something less satisfying, less truthful. But, just as the words formed, Chem cleared his throat.

“Nothing.”

Anna’s chin tipped toward him. Her brows pulled inward and her mouth slacked as she waited for him to explain. “Nothing?”

“Or whatever she wants. She’s still undecided but if it’s left up to me, nothing.”

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