Page 26 of The Jade Stone Sleuth

Watching Clara’s dark hair swish along her back and admiring her firm legs, he knew no one but him should be close to her.

And he didn’t even know ifheshould be close to her.

This job was a mess. He’d never had such an emotionally challenging job with the police force, and this was his first solo and real job with Aiden. Were all undercover ops in the real world like this? He doubted it. There was no woman out there like Clara, and how many times did a seemingly innocent woman get accused by her former boyfriends’ parents of killing their son?

No, this job was unique. Clara was unique and angelic. Brex had no idea how to navigate his feelings for her, and he had to figure it out quick. He didn’t want to hurt her or mess up the job.

Clara glanced over her shoulder at him and gave him a cautious smile.

His heart clutched.

He had to prove her innocent or find the real murderer.

Then maybe he could turn this fake relationship into a real one.

‘Maybe’ bothered him.

A lot.

Chapter

Nine

Clara enjoyedher and Brex’s hikes each morning, though there was an underlying tension in the air. Because they were both fighting their attraction? She was fighting it and wondering why she had to. She reminded herself he wouldn’t be in the valley long and she didn’t want him to reject her again. Yet maybe she’d take rejection for more kisses like they’d exchanged.

They were getting to know each other, growing closer, and she kept pushing away the worries about the murderer thinking she had a boyfriend again.

Brex had all but admitted he was in the valley for more than training the police, but she had no clue what he was really doing here. Was it time to tell him about her boyfriends’ deaths and her suspicions? He’d probably heard rumors from his police friends. Would Brex help her or want to stay away from her? With Aiden Porter as his boss, he could help her get to the bottom of the deaths.

The calendar turned to early May, and it was too warm, even during their early-morning hikes. In a month, she wouldleave on her first mission trip for the summer, and Brex’s three months in the valley would be up about the same time.

Clara decided to go back to the ethereal Red Mountain Falls again, keep cooler in the water, and maybe recreate the magical moments and kisses she could never push from her memory. She and Brex were friends with an undeniable pull between them. She wanted out of the friend zone, even if it wasn’t smart for Brex’s safety or her heart.

As she and Brex exited their vehicles, his gaze swept over her, fiery hot and filled with meaning. He wanted out of the friend zone too?

“Bringing me on this hike again, eh?”

“Don’t read anything into it,” she tried to tease, but her throat was thick.

“Oh, I will.” He approached her, and she let her eyes move over his well-built body. “Maybe I’ll catch you on the ladder again.”

“Maybe you’ll let me go first like a gentleman and you won’t have a chance to catch me.” Hewasa gentleman, always making sure she went first or escorting her, getting her door. It was fun to tease him about.

He stepped in closer, and his large hand cupped her waist and hip. “A gentleman would make sure his lady didn’t fall down a ladder.”

She gazed up at him, loving his brown eyes and his sculpted face. Two months ago he’d been an out of reach, polished pretty boy. Now he was her friend, but he still felt surreal and tantalizing.

“But I’m not your lady,” she managed to say.

Brex’s eyes grew warm. “Clara,” he said in a husky tone, “do you have any clue how irresistible you are?”

“No.” She managed a smile, but her legs were suddenly weak.

He blew out a long breath and then took her hand. “You are.”

Then he started walking toward the trailhead.

Clara held on to his hand and kept pace. Did this mean anything? This hand holding and telling her she was irresistible? If she was irresistible, why hadn’t he kissed her? It had to be obvious she wouldn’t turn him down.

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