Page 68 of Evidence of Deceit

“Yeah.” Hank struggled to get the right words. “I think I’m going to step back from that relationship, though.”

Joe’s brows shot up. “Oh.”

“Hillary’s intense, and she’s not in it for the long term. I know I’ve said I like one-nighters, but I’m getting tired of them and would like someone to have a relationship with.” He shook his head. “She’s not it. Plus, she has an unhealthy obsession with Claire that makes me uncomfortable.”

“Oh?” Joe narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.

“Don’t get your panties in a wad. It’s just little things. Some women are catty like that, but I don’t need or want drama in my life.”

“Whatever, man. I hear you.” Joe shrugged. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

Hank slapped Joe on the back. “Hey, everyone isn’t as lucky as you are. Claire is one special woman.”

“Are you trying to hit on my woman?” Joe growled.

“As if.” Hank laughed. “I value my life.”

“Damn straight.”

“Let’s go, boys.” Sam’s voice called out to them. “I swear you’re worse than gossiping old women.”

Hank followed Joe into the staff meeting room. Tonight, he would talk with Hillary. Perhaps meet her somewhere neutral. Talking to her at her apartment would only end with them having sex. That wouldn’t be bad, but he’d never get to break it off. A drink somewhere was a safe bet. Then he could get on with his life. He only hoped she would take it well.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Claire looked around her bedroom one more time. She had packed a small overnight case. She and Joe were going to spend the weekend at a fishing camp owned by Joe’s friend Seth Bowman. Everything was going well in their relationship, but they had never been away as a couple. The camp was only two hours away but far enough from work to feel like they were on vacation. She had packed the essentials: shorts, top, a see-through nightie, and a set of red underwear designed to drive Joe crazy.

The doorbell rang. She looked out, saw Joe, picked up her overnight and then walked out into a very pleasant day.

“Hi.” Joe stepped in, kissed her on the cheek and took her overnight. He pressed his hand to her back and opened the truck door, put the case in the back and helped her up.

“Seat belt.”

Yes. The seat belt. She’d been staring at his mouth, a very sexy mouth that she wanted to kiss, and she forgot to belt up.

Joe smirked. “Hold that thought.”

I will. And what a way to go.Claire smiled.She had big plans for him tonight and hoped he was up for it. Going to the fishing camp seemed so out of place for Joe. She didn’t realize he fished. But then again, there was a lot she didn’t know about Joe. She understood from Marlee that the camp was both rustic and charming. Although Marlee’s memories of a killer chasing her at the camp made her shiver.

Seth had told Joe the camp was quiet this time of year and they would probably have it to themselves. She was looking forward to being alone with Joe.

They talked a little as they headed for the camp, catching up on what they’d been doing. He held her hand and rubbed her knuckles as they were driving. She blew him kisses occasionally. He would moan. Then she licked her lips if he looked at her. Claire could tell he was getting excited and frustrated, judging from the bulge in his jeans. Just the way she wanted him. It had to be a little uncomfortable, but Joe wasn’t complaining.

He stopped once at a small grocery store to pick up a few things, and they arrived at the camp a half hour later.

“Oh my, this is just like I imagined it,” Claire exclaimed. She took in the small but rustic cabins, all with front porches, and a peaceful lake in the distance with small boats bobbing up and down.

“Which cabin are we staying in?”

“Seth gave us one back from the road. It’s private, so even if someone else comes, we won’t be disturbed,” said Joe.

“Perfect.”

Joe drove down the dirt road looking for the driveway to the cabin.

“Here it is.” He pulled off the road and parked the truck. They gathered the food and overnight cases and walked up to the front porch.

“Oh, this is so private.” She turned and pointed. “Oh look, Joe, the lake is perfect.”

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