Page 34 of Before They Were Lovers

Day smiled, only because there was nothing like getting a reaction from God.

Johnson’s smoothness faltered, but not for long. “Ouch, that burned.”

“Not as bad as herpes do.”

“Hi, God, I’m on my way to the sandwich shop around the corner with the great cold cuts… Do you want anything? My treat.” Officer Vicki Seasel leaned over God from behind, her big breasts almost resting on his shoulders. “Or you can join me.”

Seasel was almost as relentless in her pursuit as Johnson. While she didn’t boldly harass God like Day was getting, her intentions were well known. If God wanted to ravage her, he’d only need to nod his head toward his truck.

“Nah, I’m good,” God grunted.

“You sure?” She turned her gaze on Day but didn’t give him the pleasure of batting her long lashes. “Anything for you, Day?”

Day glanced up at Johnson, who was still hovering like a vulture. “Nope. I’ve had my share of bologna today.”

“You can hide behind your humor and sarcasm all you want, Day, but Idon’ttake no for an answer.” Johnson stood and straightened his suit jacket. “I won’t stop until I have you laid out on my mulberry silk sheets.”

“Bound and gagged,” Day said dryly.

Seasel continued to lean over God. “You’re studying the detective’s manual, huh?”

God nodded, not taking his eyes off his papers.

“I think it’s amazing you’re making detective after three years. That’s insane.”

“Well, he’s nothing without me,” Day deadpanned. “You know what they say, behind every good man is an even better man.”

Seasel laughed, swatting her hand in his direction. “Day, you’re a trip.”

“Hethinkshe’s funny, but I see behind the act,” Johnson said.

Day slouched down in his chair. This morning was already sucking ass. All he wanted was some peace and quiet.

Seasel propped her hip on God’s desk, her sickly sweet perfume almost as annoying as Johnson’s cologne.

“Hey, God.” Seasel’s voice lowered to a soft whisper. “I was wondering if you’ve got any plans for the fourteenth.”

God cut his eyes to Day before he mumbled.

“No plans. I’m too busy.”

“All work and no play, God,” she said smoothly. “It isn’t healthy.”

He looks pretty damn healthy to me.

“Delivery for Officer Day,” one of the administrative assistants singsonged as she bounced in with her arms loaded with at least three dozen of the weirdest, prettiest flowers Day had ever seen.

He gaped at the huge bush. “What in the hell? Are you sure those are for me, Gina?”

“The delivery guy said, ‘Officer L. Day.’” She beamed, leaning in and smelling the flowers. “These are gorgeous. I’ve never seen flowers like these before.”

“Yeah, me either.” Day located the card. He read the scribbled note and glared at Johnson, who was grinning like the cat that got the canary.

“What cemetery did you rob?” Day frowned at Johnson, then at the massive vase that was taking up half of his desk.

“These are Juliet roses, very expensive.” Johnson bit his bottom lip, gazing at Day’s mouth. “And they’re just as rare as you are, handsome.”

Day’s stomach churned.

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