Page 30 of Vows in Sin
“I do have some ties to the Bachmans.”
He looks surprised. “Do you?”
“Of course I do.” I don’t drop Tabitha’s name. He probably doesn’t even know her. “It’s a big organization.”
He nods. “That it is.”
“And what part do you play in this wild web?” I lean in closer, using a sexy whisper. “Are you the spider mastermind?”
“Something like that.” He actually breaks a little, the stone façade crumbling with a heavy sigh. “I do have an issue at hand. One I can’t quite put the pieces together for.”
“Try me,” I flirt. “I’m good at puzzles.”
“I don’t doubt it.” He eyes me like I may be dangerous, a siren calling him towards the rocks to destroy his ship. “Only this is like several puzzle boxes have been dumped on the table at once. We’re lucky if we can put together enough pieces to get a glimpse of the bigger picture.”
“That does sound tricky.”
He strokes his beard. “I’m starting to think I’m getting too old for this. You know that saying, you can’t teach an old dog newtricks? This bloodhound is starting to think he’s losing his sense of smell.”
“I highly doubt that. You sniffed me out pretty good.”
Closing the space between us, he lowers his voice. “You smell fucking phenomenal. Every inch of you. I can’t get the scent out of my head.”
Heatwaves. Everywhere.
“Talk in code,” I offer. “I’m guessing this issue is over some bad guys. Blink twice if I’m right.”
He does no such thing.
“Come on! Play along.” I give a slight pout. “Pretty please?”
After staring at me with a look like he wants to devour me, he sinks back in his chair with a groan. He stares up at the ceiling, debating. Finally, those gorgeous green eyes meet mine, sending a little thrill through me as they do.
He blinks twice.
I’m squirming in my seat. I never knew eye contact could be so seductive.
“Okay, so let’s call the bad guys rats. And whatever they are trying to get can be the cheese. You fill in the blanks with whatever comes to mind.”
“I’m going to need more coffee for this.” He eyes my empty cup. “Need a refill?”
“No thanks.” The brew was strong, and I’m already buzzing off the energy between us. I eye the pastry case. Do I ask for one?
That would make this a date. And I was never supposed to see him again.
I watch his rear end in his worn-out jeans, destroying all my Armani suit fantasies. He’s rocking Wranglers and work boots, and he’s wearing them well.
I’d love to do a campaign for him. Sexy silvering fox selling steel-toed boots for ass kicking. He’s polite to the gorgeous blonde at the counter as he orders, but not overly so. I see him studying the pastry case. He confers with the woman. She looks at me and smiles as she speaks.
A few moments later, he’s back with a tray. He has a steaming hot mug of cream-colored coffee for himself, a pink drink, and a big, fluffy croissant, with lines of chocolate strewn through the flaky layers.
“She said most women your age go for this.” He takes the plate off the tray, presenting the croissant to me. He sets the smoothie beside the plate. “And I threw in the smoothie for nutrients. You looked hungry.”
He goes to return the tray. Then he’s back.
“Thank you.” I take a bite of the treat as he settles into his seat, and it’s just as good as it looks. “Delicious. This was incredibly thoughtful and is seriously hitting the spot.”
“Can’t let you be a starving artist,” he quips.
