Page 105 of Hidden Ascent

“Not the shot.”

“Oh, you mean the other.”

“Yeah.”

“Because it was just a kiss. Not because you were completely consumed by it.”

“You sound awful confident in yourself.”

“I know how I felt about it, and I did just see the look on your face. I even have photographic evidence.”

“We have work to do.”

“Work that will eventually finish.”

“I don’t—we don’t have time for this. If you have the pictures, then we can move on to phase two.” She pulled the earpiece from her ear. “Thank you both. And I promise, these photos won’t get out.”

“If what you say is true about what’s happening, I think that’s the least of our worries.”

“Once you have the evidence we need to prosecute,” Whitlock said, “I’m ready to move on it.”

“Great. We’ll be in touch. Hopefully sooner rather than later.”

“And please let me know how you get on with everything else,” Susan said.

“What else? This is everything.”

“The guy. The one you were thinking of when you looked at my husband.”

“Oh. No, there’s no guy. I mean—it’s nothing. We’re nothing. There’s nothing more to that story.”

“Oh, but I thought—”

“Nope.”

“Okay, well, best of luck.”

“Thanks.”

* * *

When Isla joined Jay in the car, he turned off the camera. He’d been staring at the picture he’d taken. It was a shot he’d almost missed. When he heard Susan explaining what she wanted Isla to do, his heart had pounded as he waited to see what would happen.

Isla had pushed him away that day, but she couldn’t deny anymore that it meant as much to her as it did to him.

He smoothed the smile off his face as she settled herself in the passenger seat. She wasn’t ready. But he could be a patient man, and he wanted to make sure he treated her with the dignity she deserved. The dignity they both deserved.

The life he’d lived before wasn’t one of purity, although he had never been the type of guy to take every opportunity that presented itself. But he knew his life had to be different now. That wouldn’t be easy. It was hard to take his mind off that kiss and everything else he wanted to do with her.

He’d have to find a way to bring up the topic with Peter, as embarrassing as it might be. He couldn’t ever remember a time when he’d talked to someone about it. But he was certain that taking Isla to bed wasn’t what God wanted, no matter how much he did. The problem was making sure he stuck to his convictions. Peter must have insight into the struggle.

“So,” Isla said, looking around as though distracted by their surroundings, but Jay knew she was using it as an excuse not to look at him. “Charlotte and Maddy are in place for the next step?”

“Ready and waiting.”

“Good.” She took the camera off the dash. “Can I have a look?”

“If you want.” This should be interesting.

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