Page 36 of A Touch of Frost
“I kind of attacked you like some sex-crazed idiot.”
Jesse chuckled softly. “Did you hear me complaining?”
“I don’t…” I hung my head. “Can things between us not get weird?”
“Things are already weird.” His voice held a teasing. “Usually, I know a woman’s name and had taken her out for at least one dinner before kissing her like that. Frost can’t be your name.”
“Abigail.” I managed around a grin. “Abigail Ryder.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Abigail Ryder.”
I bowed my head to rest my forehead against his chest just under his chin.
“And no, it doesn’t have to be weird between us.” He continued. “Just know, the next time you want a kiss, I’d like to see it coming.”
I smacked his arm playfully and retreated to the bathroom, the sound of his laughter trailing me.
In the privacy of the bathroom, I pulled myself together by splashing cold water to my cheeks. After tapping them dry with a towel, I redid my ponytail, straightened my clothes then made my way back.
Jesse handed me a plate of food and I accepted. Before sitting down, I handed him the matchbook. “What’s Lover’s Folly?” He asked.
“Um…” I sat and bit into a piece of chicken. “What do you think it is?”
“A nightclub?”
“No.”
“Frost?”
For a brief moment, I held my breath. “It’s an adult entertainment store.” I shoved more food into my mouth.”
“Adult enter…” He tilted his head.
I couldn’t stop the way my cheeks flushed.
What is wrong with me?
“You mean toys and the like? Or a strip club?”
“Toys and the like.”
“Well, it doesn’t seem all that out there for a growing boy to have been to an adult store.” Jesse set the matchbook on the desk beside my laptop. “Especially if he’s single. Not all of us are lucky enough to find someone.”
“My point is, some of these places are often fronts for other things.”
“Illegal things?” Jesse asked.
I nodded.
“And you think thisLover’s Follyplace is being used as a front?”
“I don’t know.” I admitted. “It could be he went there to feed his growing boy needs. Or he has a friend who works there who can hook him up with other things. But it’s worth a look. I mean, that guy isn’t from here. He’s American. I could tell by the way he talked. Lover’s Folly isn’t requested by foreigners. It isn’t on any map or in any of the tourist books. You have to have a reason to go there and someone to take you.”
“How do you know about it?” Jesse asked
I choked on my food.
Shit. I admitted too much.
