Page 55 of Sweet Harmony

“You’ve beenbusy at work and there’s nothing to talk about. I’m datingConnor.”

“But you’re inlove with Daniel,” Gideon said.

“No, I had apointless crush on Daniel that I’m now over.”

He studied hersilently and wilted under his gaze. She hated how her brother couldalways tell when she was lying.

“I haven’t seenConnor’s car here since Saturday,” he said.

She glared athim. “Are you spying on me?”

He gave her agrin, not the least bit ashamed. “It’s not spying when I’m a cop,Kira. It’s called doing my job.”

“It’s calledspying and you need to stop. Besides,” she lied, “I’ve been at hishouse a couple of times this week.”

“Now I knowyou’re lying,” he said.

“Shut up.”

“Connor livesin an apartment, not a house,” he said.

“How do youknow that?”

“I’m thesheriff,” he said as if that answered everything.

“Well, I just,”she waved her hands around, “meant house in general.”

“Oh yeah?What’s Connor’s address?”

“I don’t knowhis exact address, Gideon.” Sweat was dripping down her back. “Hey,did you see they have steaks on sale at Safeway? I know you’ve beenitching to barbeque again.”

“Stop changingthe subject. Where does Connor live. Just give me a general area oftown.”

She stared athim before sighing. “Fine, I don’t know where he lives, allright?”

“You’ve beendating him for almost three weeks, and you don’t know where helives,” Gideon said.

“Don’t make abig deal out of it,” she said. “He usually comes here.”

“Kira, you’rehiding something from me,” Gideon said. “Why?”

“I’m not. God,Gideon, I’m not a little kid anymore. Stop treating me likeone.”

Gideon tappedhis fingers on the table and Tank sat up, making a soft ‘woof’ ashe stared toward the front door.

“I realizeyou’re not a kid, but you’re my kid sister and I’m going to worryabout you. Especially if you’re dating someone who isn’t a goodguy.”

“Connor’s agreat guy,” she said. “You hate Daniel, I would think you’d behappy that I’m dating someone else and finally over him.”

Gideon stoodand leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. “I would be if Ithought you were actually over Daniel. Come by the house tomorrownight at six for dinner. Bring your… boyfriend with you.”

“I’ll check andsee if he has plans,” Kira said.

“Love you,kid.” Gideon whistled for Tank and the big dog lumbered to his feetand followed him out of the kitchen.

“I love youtoo.” Kira waited until the door shut before grabbing her phone.She hesitated and then typed Connor a quick message. She hadn’theard a word from him since Saturday, and to be honest, she wasn’teven sure if they were still fake dating. He’d been super pissedwhen he left.

Yeah, well,that’s not your fault. He was the one who was acting all weird andshit.

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