Page 23 of Feel Me

He’s breathing hard. I am, too. “No, it’s supposed to serve a purpose. Except there’s more to sex, than making babies, isn’t there?” I challenge in a breathy tone. “It can feel sweet, delicious, but only once that woman in need opens herself and?”

“Hey, Declan!”

“What?” he snaps, whipping in the direction of the door. He catches himself a little too late, when Stephanie gapes back at him. He clears his throat. “My apologies, Stephanie. Melissa and I were discussing an important case.”

“Oh, sorry,” she says, not bothering to glance my way.

Wow. It’ not like I’m even in the same room. Her attention is fixated on Declan. “I wanted to know if you needed anything,” she says, her smile lifting. “Before I left.”

“No, I’m good,” he says, returning his focus to me.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind staying late,” she pushes. “I do it all the time.”

I glance at the wall clock. It’s almost six. The majority of the clerical staff leaves at four thirty. As county employees, they’re paid a set salary. There’s no incentive to stay unless there’s a pressing matter and many have children to return to.

“It’s really late,” I tell Stephanie. “I’m surprised you’re still here.”

For some reason, she doesn’t like me questioning her. “I had work to do,” she says, doing little to hide the annoyance in her voice.

I lean back, frowning. While I don’t expect her to fall all over herself to please me, I’m rather baffled she’s not more polite. “Is something wrong?” I ask.

She stiffens. “No. Why?”

“Because your tone and the way you’re addressing her suggests you don’t respect her or her position here in the office,” Declan answers for me. He could have kept his tone light and easy to keep her apparent awe of him going, but he didn’t. While he wasn’t harsh, it’s clear he’s not happy.

“I didn’t mean to be disrespectful,” she responds, tohim.

I reach for my notes on the case. There’s a lot I can say to Stephanie, but I pick my battles. If I’m going to be labeled a bitch, I’d rather it be for fighting for victims’ rights, not fighting with someone who’s immature, self-serving, and oblivious.

“I suppose I should apologize,” she offers to Declan, trying to make amends with him.

So much for staying quiet. “Don’t bother,” I tell her. “Just watch what you say. We’re all working for the greater good and everyone deserves respect, regardless of their titleorphysical appearance.”

She presses her lips into a firm line, but doesn’t bother with a retort. It doesn’t matter. Her glare is telling enough.

“Have a good night,” Declan tells her, tilting his head in the direction of the door.

I focus on the list I have to discuss with Declan and don’t bother to watch her leave.

“What did you mean when you told her physical appearance shouldn’t matter?” he asks. I glance up to find him, grinning. “Are you saying she only talks to me because I’m pretty?”

I shouldn’t smile. Of course I do. “You think you’re pretty?”

“You don’t?” he challenges.

I laugh. “Fish for compliments much?”

“I don’t usually have to.” He holds out a hand. “I know that shocks you.”

“Nothing really shocks me about you, Declan, except for your ongoing love affair with yourself.” I return to my pad of paper, adding “must kick Declan’s ass” to my to-do list.

“So are you going to tell me?”

“Whether or not I think you’re pretty?” I ask, underlining the ass kicking and adding a star. “You don’t need me to, do you? I’m sure any one of your groupies would be more than happy to tell you between bows.”

I smile and keep my voice light. I’m mostly joking, ignoring the fact that my yes, Declan has legions of ladies ready to tear their panties off at his command.

“No, whether you were referring to me and what I look like when you made the comment . . . or yourself.”

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