Page 33 of Dancing with My Elf
“Because it’s like what you just said—the killer might return.”
I turned my palm up. “If so, I’ll call for backup.”
Lucas searched around my office and back to the open door leading to the offices of others in the Network. “Why can’t you have someone with you, like Nova?”
“We can’t thin out our resources that way,” I explained. “Nova is scouting for the location of the portal, something I hope to get back to soon once we wrap up this case.”
Lucas tapped his chest. “You have me. I’m your partner for now, remember?”
I cocked my head. “Right, and you said you were working tonight.”
“So why don’t you come in the club and do your scouting there first? When I’m done, I’ll join you outside.”
I considered Lucas’s suggestion. He did have a good point. Then I remembered the frosty welcome earlier. Lucas’s boss might not want me in there. I touched my hair. “I should wear a disguise. Fortunately, I have many wigs.”
“I think your hair is beautiful,” he replied. “The red streaks remind me of fire.”
Lucas smiled in that mischievous way once more, one that sent a current of heat beneath my skin, affecting me more than I wanted to admit.
He reached across my desk and stroked a strand between his fingers. “And no red-blooded dragon can resist such a gorgeous flame.”
My pulse sped like I’d guzzled an energy drink. I searched for some response, but the words didn’t come. Instead, I glanced away, hoping that the heat didn’t show on my cheeks.
He pulled his hand back. “Sorry if that was too much.”
I cleared my throat. “It was unexpected.” I glanced at the wall clock. “What time should I come to the club tonight?”
He arched a brow. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
I rolled my shoulder. “We have some time before we meet up later. I’m sure you have things to do.”
Lucas cocked his head. “Yes, with you.” He reached across my desk and took my hand.
I stood and followed as he led me out of my office. “What are you doing?”
“Taking you to do something fun.”
“Lucas, I have work to do,” I protested but followed along.
“Tonight. You’ve been working morning through night.”
In the hallway, I stopped and planted a hand on my hip. “How would you know that?”
Pandora popped out of her office. “I told him when he came in earlier and volunteered to help. If anyone here could use a break, it’s you.”
I stared at her, surprised at what I was hearing. “We’re all working hard.”
“And if we don’t take breaks, we’ll burn out. I’ve seen it happen too much, and we’ve lost some good staff that way.” Pandora tipped her head and motioned to the exit. “I don’t want that to happen to you. Take a few hours andenjoyyourself. Trust me, if you’re refreshed, you’ll be sharper tonight.” She stepped back into the office.
That was a good point. Exhaustion could lead to missing things or mistakes. Maybe I should take a break before what might be another long night. Curiosity over what Lucas had in store rose like bubbles in champagne. “Where do you suggest we go?”
He led me to the exit. “Let’s be spontaneous.” Once we exited the building, he released my hand and asked, “What doyoulike to do for fun?”
I groaned. “We already established that I’m not the expert in that area.”
He winked and nodded. “Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.” He gestured for me to go with him. “Let’s see where the road takes us.”
Lucas
