Page 46 of Jina

He frowned. “You make it sound like that happens on a regular occurrence.”

“Yeah, well, it has happened at least three times in recent months.”

“Really?” He eyed her warily. “Sounds like Zeke was right about you being a magnet for trouble.”

“Not just me,” she protested. “In fact, this is my first time in the spotlight.”

He wasn’t reassured by that. It seemed to him that Jina’s job was more dangerous than his ever was. And not just because Milwaukee boasted a higher crime rate than Peabody—times ten—but because of her position on the team.

And the way Jina willingly put herself in harm’s way.

Was this how Renee had felt about his job? He winced, regretting the way he’d downplayed her concerns.

He pushed the computer aside and turned to face her. “Promise me you won’t be reckless about this.”

She frowned. “I can’t think of a time I’ve been reckless.”

“Maybe not in recent months, but this guy is after you.” He reached for her hand, and to his surprise, she didn’t jerk away. “I think it’s easier to think logically and rationally when others are in danger, compared to being the one sitting in the crosshairs.”

To her credit, she didn’t brush him off. Holding his gaze, she nodded. “You’re right about that. I’ve had similar concerns back when my teammates were in danger. I don’t have a death wish, Cole. I like my job, my life.” Now her gaze slid from his, and her cheeks went pink. She tugged her hand from his, and for the first time ever, she appeared flustered. “I promise I won’t be reckless.”

“Good.” He resisted the urge to pull her into a warm embrace. As far as his cold case murder was concerned, he was less than objective when it came to Jina.

Another hug and kiss would not help.

“I, uh, need to make some calls.” She jumped to her feet, but he grabbed her hand to stop her.

“It’s barely seven thirty. Not to mention, you can’t use your phone.” He couldn’t help but smile at her frown. “How about we have breakfast first and call your teammates when we’re finished. That way we can get some decent coffee.”

“Okay.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “That means we’ll need another rideshare.”

“Maybe.” He reached for his phone. “Let’s see if there’s something within walking distance.”

She nodded and moved to the window to peer outside. “It’s overcast,” she said with a frown. “I hope it doesn’t rain on our parade.”

“I don’t think it’s supposed to rain until later tonight.” He used the map app and identified a chain breakfast restaurant a mile away. “Found one. Let’s pack our stuff and get out of here.”

Jina nodded and closed her laptop, tucking it into her overnight bag. She ducked into the bathroom to get her toiletries and stuffed them inside too. “Ready when you are.”

She might look high maintenance, but he’d never met a more practical woman. The combination shouldn’t have been attractive.

But there was no denying he liked her. Cared about her. And couldn’t help but wonder if she’d see him again once this sting operation of hers was over.

In the three years since Renee’s death, he’d never planned to become involved in another relationship. Especially not with someone as beautiful and prickly as Jina.

She wasn’t his type. And she was a suspect in his cold case. Yet both of those deterrents didn’t seem to matter.

“Cole?” She was frowning at him now. “Is something wrong?”

Yeah, I need my head examined, he thought with a sigh. But he shrugged and grabbed his bag. “Nope. I’m ready.”

The overcast sky brought a distinct fall chill to the air. He’d stashed his sport coat in his bag and would have offered it to Jina if he’d thought she’d take it.

“I love fall,” she said to his surprise. “It’s my favorite time of year.”

“What do you love the most?” He was curious to know everything about her, which should have sent more alarm bells screeching in his ear.

“The colors.” She gestured to the trees. “They’re only just starting to turn, October is better, but I like the cooler weather, the colors, and football.”

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