Page 48 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

“It’s not really glitchy, is it?” His low voice rumbled through her.

“No, it’s not.” She met his gaze. “What did Seth say to you?”

Mitch held her gaze, clearly sizing up the situation and deciding what to reveal. “That he’s a cop. He was particularly interested in how I knew Marnie. Had I known her from before? What was my relationship to her now?”

“I’m so sorry.”

“What for?” He nudged her with his shoulders. “I’m used to scrutiny.”

“It’s not right.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. But I’ll be honest—I don’t think it’s because I’m Black. Or at least that’s only part of the reason. His focus was on Marnie. No offense, but he didn’t even mention you.”

Confirmation that something was afoot. Seth’s relationship to Marnie always struck her as odd.

The constable was overly protective of her. The woman with no past. She’d never revealed a single detail to Loriana about her life previous to arriving in Mission City. Nothing. And she hadn’t provided a copy of her high school diploma or any references.

Loriana’d been cautious those first few days, but the twenty-year-old woman, although clearly hiding something, was of no threat to the people Loriana saw herself as responsible for.

Marnie’d never done a single thing to cause her boss a moment’s concern. She’d provided a social insurance number—so she was legally allowed to work in Canada. She’d also shown her newly minted British Columbia driver’s license as identification. Had she come from another province? Needed replacement ID? Or had she just passed her license? Curious as Loriana was, she’d never asked.

She glanced back at the two figures standing just off to the side from the front entrance. She was quite sure an earthquake could rattle the place and they wouldn’t notice. In fact, several patrons came and went, and they didn’t stir.

Carly’d arrived and had taken up her position at the circulation desk.

Five o’clock.

Loriana placed her hand on Mitch’s thigh. “I promised you dinner.”

“And we’ll get there. If everything is okay.”

At that moment, Marnie glanced their way. From the angle of the table, she wouldn’t be able to see Loriana’s hand. Marnie gave a brief nod before turning back to Seth.

He also glanced over. Although he couldn’t see either, Loriana had the distinct impression he’d intuited the location of her hand.

“I won’t ask,” Mitch whispered. “I know there’s a story, but it’s none of my business.”

“I respect that.” Loriana turned toward him. His brown eyes radiated compassion. “If I knew the story, then you’re right—it wouldn’t be mine to tell. The thing is…I don’t know the story.”

“Yet I’m sure you’ve tried to find out.”

She rolled her eyes. “See? You know me.”

“I’d like to get to know you better.” Softly spoken words for her ears only.

“I’d like that too.” She’d sworn she’d wait to see if there might be the possibility of something between Mitch and Marnie, but clearly that wasn’t happening. And although Marnie was still in a deep discussion with Seth, Loriana didn’t foresee anything romantic there either. She could still push Marnie toward Tristan, but that’d been mostly a dead-end as well, although they saw each other when Marnie patronized Starbucks.

Or you could stop meddling in your employee’s life altogether.

Sure she could. Weirdly, she honestly believed Marnie’d be happier in a relationship. Despite the fact the woman’d made it clear she was happy as she was. Jumpy, paranoid, and panicky around strangers—but content with her life. Loriana returned her attention to Mitch. “So are you up for Fifties?”

“I’m intrigued. I’ve heard it’s a diner, but not much else.”

“Well, they have the best burgers in Mission City. And milkshakes to die for.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He nodded subtly toward the other couple. “Are they coming?”

Loriana followed his gaze. “I honestly don’t know.”

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