Page 37 of Trial Run

Reggie winked and Brooke warmed to the flirting, her resolve to keep her distance melting away. Who was she kidding? She’d invited Reggie for dinner, and it wasn’t simply to thank her for serving as her private transport. She wanted to spend time with her, away from the courthouse and all the chaos of the trial. Reggie was the first person she’d been attracted to that she’d introduced to her son in years, and even if the introduction was the result of accidental circumstance, she had no regrets.

She led the way to the kitchen and pointed at the small table. “We have a rule in this house that we have to at least start our homework before dinner, so break out the books, Miss Private Eye.”

“Seems like a fair rule,” Reggie said, sliding into one of the chairs. “What about you?”

Brooke gestured to a backpack hanging over the back of one of the chairs. “Believe it or not, that’s mine. Yes, I carry a backpack. Unlike my spoiled middle-schooler, we don’t have lockers at Richards University.”

“Actually, I was referring to your title. I mean, I know you’re going to school, but what’s the end game?”

“Are you asking me what I want to be when I grow up?”

“I’m not an advocate of the growing up part, but at the risk of sounding corny, what’s your major?”

“Great question. I’m still working on that one. Right now, I’m working on getting the basics out of the way. I’m leaning toward a business degree, but I have a passion for liberal arts, and I’ve thought about teaching.” She shrugged. “Then some days I wonder why I even bother. By the time I finish whatever degree I decide on, there’ll be a bunch of other, much younger job candidates lined up to take the first spots.”

“Life experience beats youth every day of the week.”

Brooke smiled. “Remember that when I apply for the job of running your very successful PI business.”

“I will.”

Brooke stared into Reggie’s eyes, looking for something, anything, to signal this woman was too good to be true. She was beautiful and sweet and chivalrous and smart. She was great with Ben and didn’t seem to mind eating sandwiches or omelets or doing homework around a tiny kitchen table. All her observations led to one solitary thought, and she blurted it out before she could stop herself. “Why are you single?”

Reggie looked shocked at first and then she burst into laughter. “Why are you?”

“You first,” Brooke said, determined to get an answer now that she’d gone down this path.

“I don’t know. I’ve dated plenty, but I guess I haven’t found the right person.” She touched her shoulder. “After the shooting, I decided to focus on myself. I quit my job and applied for my license and then there wasn’t any extra time for meeting new people.”

“Yet here we are.”

“Yes.”

The air was heavy with the words they weren’t saying until Brooke finally felt compelled to break the silence. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

“And I’m sorry I resisted at first.” Brooke waved her arm in a circle. “This can be a lot for some folks. Built-in family and all.”

“I get it. And you probably don’t introduce your son to new people right off the bat.”

“Definitely not in hospital emergency rooms,” Brooke said with a grin. “You must be some kind of special.”

Reggie stood and walked to her side. “I don’t know about that, but I definitely think you are.”

“Add charming to the list.” Brooke’s breath quickened as Reggie drew closer and whispered in her ear.

“You think I’m charming?”

“Among other things.”

“As much as I’d love to hear more, I’d rather kiss you.” Reggie leaned back slightly and looked directly in her eyes. “If that’s okay.”

“If you don’t, I’m going to come out of my skin.”

Brooke barely got the words out before Reggie’s lips were on hers. Soft, yet firm, she kissed her slowly at first—light,tender touches, each carrying the promise of more. Brooke kissed her back and their pace quickened. She was hungry for Reggie’s touch and opened her mouth, inviting her in. Reggie’s tongue met hers and she melted against the touch.

Somewhere in the distance a buzzing sound edged into her consciousness, and she brushed at the air with her hand as if swatting away a fly, but the noise continued until she couldn’t ignore it any longer. Reluctantly, she eased out of Reggie’s embrace. “Do you hear that?”

---