Page 40 of Rookie Days

In retaliation, Janet turned licking a spot of tomato sauce off her finger into a demonstration.

“Okay, stop that,” Ellie muttered.

“You’re blushing.” Janet winked. “I think I win.”

She did, hands down, without even trying. Sitting here with her, Ellie could understand why so many women wanted to kiss the gorgeous Janet Fox. Rich, mysterious brown eyes, currently glinting with mischief, stared easily back at her. Ellie admired the elegant lines of her face, the two cute dimples in her cheeks, and her warm and teasing smile. Janet radiated intelligence andcharisma in equal measures. Healthy arrogance as well, and the potential to turn scandalous in the blink of an eye.Or caring and even tender,Ellie reflected, which Janet had demonstrated. It was a captivating combination of many things Ellie knew she could develop a weakness for. Even the scandalous bit. She had tried to stay away from Janet. Until tonight. Now she certainly did not regret the kiss.

“Penny for your thoughts, Detective,” Janet said softly.

“Well. It’s a bit blurry in my head, how we got to this stage, but I’m glad we did. Thank you for coming to check on me, Jan. And bringing me food.”

These gorgeous brown eyes twinkled.

“Thank you for saying that, Ellie.”

“How are you doing with everything?”

Janet clearly picked up her drift.

“It’s been rough,” she reflected. “You’re not the only one I wanted to comfort by coming to see you tonight.”

And of all the people in her world, including Quinn, Janet had come to her for this. Pleasure warred with apprehension for Ellie and a quick shiver ran down her back.

“You took the day off today?” she prompted.

“I did… How do you know?”

“I’m a detective.”

“Oh.” Janet grinned. “Of course.”

“I came by the hospital this afternoon to interview a bunch of people. You were on my list to talk to as well. How close were you with Bryn O’Connell?” As Ellie noticed her hesitation, and instant reluctance, she slid over the couch to put an arm around Janet’s shoulders. “Hey, this isn’t work or misplaced curiosity, I assure you. You just said it’s been rough, so…”

“Thanks.” Janet squeezed her leg, flashed a gentle smile. “I do hope you’ll be a little curious.”

“Yes… But there’s no rush.”

“Okay.” Janet took a deep breath that she released as a sigh. “Yes, I was close to Bryn. She was a good friend. And… We did have some fun.”

“Right.”

“I saw her at work on the day she… The day it happened. She wanted to play but I told her I wasn’t in the mood. We had a chat. She was nice, Bryn. Friendly, warm. Uncomplicated. And very good at her job. A lovely human being.”

“That’s what I’ve been hearing from everyone.”

“Yes.” Janet nodded as grief flickered across her eyes. “I can tell you, it’s all true. Probably doesn’t help you much with your investigation, but…”

Ellie waved that away.

“Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure.” Janet smiled a little stronger.

“How come you were not in the mood?”

“Oh… Bryn asked me the same question.” Janet seemed to consider, watching her, then she carried on. “I think I hinted at it the other day. Playing has lost its appeal for me in recent times. I haven’t told many people this, but when I look at Quinn and Lia, and witness the way they are with each other…”

“Yes?” Ellie encouraged when she paused.

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