Page 14 of Barbed Wire and Burglary
“Will do.” A.J. disconnected the line and carefully schooled his features before facing Aurora. As usual, he was socked straight in the heart by her Rapunzel hair and wide, fathomless eyes that always seemed to be drinking in the world around her. She was so beautiful.
“You’re leaving.” It wasn’t a question. She glided his way, not looking as disappointed about the news as he’d anticipated. On the contrary, her greenish-hazel eyes were snapping with curiosity.
“Yeah, about that…” It was time to inform her about his new position at Lonestar Security. “I almost told you this earlier, but I didn’t want to steal your thunder,” he gestured vaguely, “while we were celebrating the Modello’s contract.”
She cocked her head expectantly. “Tell me what?”
Knowing what he was about to confide in her made their relationship feel all the more serious. “You know how I always seem to get pulled into investigative work?”
She nodded excitedly. “First in Phoenix, then in Pinetop.”
“And now in Heart Lake,” he finished for her.
“Oh, wow!” She clapped her hands like he’d just been awarded a medal. “It’s going to take some getting used to, but it appears my boyfriend is a hot commodity within the law enforcement community.”
He felt his face redden. “Very funny.”
She moved to his side to wrap her hands around his arm. “Where to, Private Investigator Pike?”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “You want to come withme?” She wouldn’t be allowed to enter the crime scene. However, it was a small town where news traveled fast. Undoubtedly, a crowd of spectators was already gathering. For this reason alone, he didn’t see a problem in bringing her along.
She blinked at him. “Surely, you weren’t planning on leaving me behind?”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “Actually, I was.”
“And make me miss all the excitement? Oh, come on,” she pleaded. “This is probably the most action this snoozy little town has ever seen!”
From what he knew about Heart Lake, that wasn’t true at all. They’d had more than their share of criminals passing through, stirring up havoc. He doubted that was what Aurora had meant, though. She simply wasn’t any more ready to part with him than he was to part with her, and he was completely cool with that.
He grinned down at her. “I wouldn’t dream of curtailing your fun, Rapunzel. Let’s go!”
Not missing a beat, she shot back, “I’m ready when you’re ready, Prince Charming.” Their exchange was a reference to the first time they’d met.
He would never forget glancing across the dance floor at the holiday costume party in Pinetop, Arizona. She’d been dressed as Rapunzel without the wig. The moment their gazes had met would forever be etched on his soul.
They retrieved their coats from the sofa on the way to the door, pausing there to shrug them on before stepping outside into the cold. Aurora was shivering by the time they reached his truck.
He turned the heater on as soon as he started the engine, knowing it would take a minute or two to warm up. As he drove, he shared what he could about what was goingon. “I’ve been asked to play backup to a new deputy in town.” Due to the rules involving ongoing investigations, he wasn’t allowed to state her brother’s name. “He’s answering a 9-1-1 call.”
“Oh, no,” she breathed. He could feel her anxious gaze on his features. “Is it serious? Was anyone injured?”
“I’m about to find out.” He liked the fact that her first concern was for the individuals who might be involved. Her compassion was touching. “The crime scene will be taped off,” he continued cautiously.
“I know, I know.” She rolled her eyes at him. “And it’ll be off limits to me.”
Bingo.It sounded like her brother had already explained those kinds of protocols to her. Either that, or she’d watched enough crime shows on TV to know how it worked. “I don’t think this will take long, since the deputy is already on the scene.” He watched her from the corner of his eye, not wanting to miss the moment she caught on to whom he was referring.
“This new deputy you keep mentioning,” she repeated a tad suspiciously. “Is it someone I know?”
“I can neither confirm nor deny what you’re asking, ma’am.” He held back a chuckle.
“This is rich,” she chortled. “Pure gold, actually. I wish I could sell tickets to the showdown. Hope you’re wearing your scorch-proof boxers.”
Yep, she knew. He gave her an amused sideways glance. “Why’s that?”
“Oh, please!” Making a humming sound in the back of her throat, she settled back in her seat. “My brother hasn’t exactly been subtle with his objections about our relationship.”
“No kidding? I hadn’t noticed.” A.J. had mostdefinitely noticed, but he was more interested in hearing her take on the matter. “Was it something I said?” he teased.
