Page 96 of Girl Between
“Southern hospitality,” argued George, flashing a flirtatious grin. “At least let me walk you to the door.”
“I’ve got her,” Jake said, coming up behind Dana, hand grazing the small of her back.
“See you tomorrow, George,” Dana said.
“Tomorrow,” he agreed, unable to hide his disappointment.
“You too,” Dana called to Richter, who waved behind a cloud of cigarette smoke.
Jake nodded gruff farewells to both men and escorted Dana across the street, his warmth a constant comfort at her back.
“You’re really not going to stay for this one?” Dana asked as they waited for the elevator inside the grand hotel lobby.
“No-sack wants me back in D.C.,” Jake grumbled. “Unless you can think of some other reason I should stay?”
“It’ll be strange,” she said, ignoring the innuendo. “Working a case without you. Assuming I can get onto the task force.”
“You will.”
An ache began in her chest at his unwavering confidence in her. She looked up at him. There was nothing but sincerity in his steady gaze. The elevator doors whooshed open, and they walked inside.
Tension immediately radiated off Jake as he took his customary space in the back corner, his hands clenching into fists. When the doors slid closed Dana moved to his side, slipping her hand into his. They didn’t speak. They just rode to their floor in silence, Jake tightly gripping the fingers he’d allowed Dana to lace through his.
Mercifully, no one joined them, and they arrived at their floor quickly. Jake followed Dana down the hall to her room, stopping as she unlocked her door. “What are you doing?” she asked when he reached in front of her for the doorknob.
“Sweeping your room.”
“Jake …”
“What? You can never be too careful.”
“I don’t need you to sweep my room.”
“I need to know you’re going to stay vigilant and take care of yourself if you’re gonna be working this case alone.”
“I’ve been on my own for quite some time. I would’ve thought I’veproven I can take care of myself by now,” she snapped, nostrils flaring.
“You’re right.” He backed up, hands up. “Old habits.”
“Besides, I’m not even on the case yet.”
“You will be. No one in their right mind would let you go.”
She knew he meant more than in a professional capacity. It made her cheeks flush, and she stared at the busy hall carpet pattern to avoid seeing the longing in his stormy gaze.
“Good night,” he said, turning toward his room.
“Wait.”
Jake paused to face her.
“I never got to thank you,” Dana said.
“For what?”
“Yesterday. The cemetery… bringing me back here.”
“Don’t mention it.”
