Page 15 of Wolf's Mark

He cocked his head, a knowing smile crossing his face. “Ah, the fairly new medical examiner.”

“You know of my reputation?”

“There’s little that goes on in Cartersville I don’t know about.”

“So, you’re a legend around here.”

There was something sultry about his laugh that drew me in.

“I’m no legend, just a businessman. Tell me about other aspects of your life other than carving up dead bodies. Now, I have a question for you. Does my confidence still turn you off?”

Actually, I thought it was pretty sexy. I wasn’t going to tell him that. “Not as much, but you do come on fast and hard. Be mindful of that next time.”

“Why, yes, ma’am.”

“Maybe I was a little harsh.”

“You were,” he said in his deep voice that was like smooth velvet, “but I can be a jerk. Perhaps we can start over.”

His statement broke the ice, allowing me to feel more comfortable around him and one drink turned into two, our conversations centered on everything from our love of music to favorite movies. There was no discussion about his business or mine, no repulsive come-on techniques. Just… conversation.

I liked him, his appeal not just about his dazzling good looks or angular face. When I noticed that over two hours had passed, he didn’t push me to stay for another round, merely paying the tab and escorting me back to his car.

I’d kept the location of where I lived from everyone except my closest friends. Few people had my new cellular number and I was cautious making new friends at all. But with him, I felt comfortable. Connected.

Electrified.

As he pulled into the driveway beside my tiny car, I was sad to see the night end. He didn’t say anything, allowing the engine to idle as I gripped my clutch purse.

Sighing, I made a decision I hoped I wouldn’t regret. “Would you like to come in for a drink?”

“Only if you have the time.”

Or the desire…

I could feel the question in the air, but he was going to allow me to address our intense feelings. My entire body was vibrating from a level of energy and longing that I’d never experienced. Maybe it was the wine followed by vodka, but in the back of my mind I knew better.

Karma had finally brought sunlight instead of wretched storms into my life. Maybe only for tonight. Maybe for longer. I wasn’t a fool to believe this would lead anywhere else. But I also wasn’t certain I cared.

“I have the time. Tomorrow is Sunday.”

Oops.

I’d lied to Mattie and my other friends.

Another bad girl moment I’d admit to later.

I opened the car door, still admiring the gorgeous sports car. I’d seen a fleet of them on commercials, but sitting in the butter-soft leather seats, inhaling the sweet scent of vanilla or something just as delicious, had reminded me of all the things I was missing out on in my life.

Maybe Mattie was right. It was time to live a little.

Or a lot.

The stars were twinkling above me, which was a good sign. Only then did I think about the two men who’d tried to assault Mattie and me. What if Jax hadn’t been there? And what the hell had he done to prevent them from attacking?

My curiosity remained as high as the edge I had about the incident.

I unlocked the front door, thanking the skies above my babe was staying elsewhere for the weekend. Mattie’s insistence. I’d need to thank her later.

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