Page 18 of Tessa's Trust

Instead, I leaned against the counter and tried to sip the overly strong coffee. By the pleasure wandering across Jolene’s face, she actually did like the sludge.

She took another deep drink and then smiled at Nick. “Was that call about your trial tomorrow?”

“You know the rules.” He reached for his mug and drank the contents in two gulps.

Nope. I didn’t like that they had rules. Not at all. “Rules?” I asked, trying to avoid taking another drink, even though the cup was warm in my hand.

Jolene rolled her eyes. “Yes. Since we live in the same complex, we have an agreement that there’s no business on the premises; otherwise, Nick won’t even talk to me.”

“Smart guy,” I murmured, unable to keep myself from taking another sip. The thick liquid meandered down my throat to smash into my stomach. Ugh.

She smiled widely. “So, this is sweet.” She looked back and forth between us, her gaze even more calculating. “Didn’t he arrest you last month for murder?”

Jolene knew very well that Nick had arrested me on suspicion of murder. “I believe that’s business and against the…ah…rules,” I said evenly. Then, because I could sometimes be a brat, I smiled even wider. “You know, Jolene, I really liked that article you did on the dog pound last week regarding some of their funds going missing after the fundraiser.”

Her head jerked enough to show surprise. “You did?”

“Yeah. I thought it was well-written.” Truth be told, I had liked it. It was well-written, and maybe a compliment or two would throw her off her game. I enjoyed the thought, especially since she probably believed I wanted to deck her for messing with my sister. Which I did.

“I was proud of that piece.” She lowered her chin, holding her mug against her lips as if in thought.

I smiled. “I also liked the article you wrote about the new veteran’s hospital opening in Timber City. I thought your turn of phrase was very clever, and you did a good job of bringing out the humanity of the organizers.”

She blinked as if not quite sure how to respond. Considering she’d been coming after my family for the last several months, I didn’t blame her. However, the articles really were good, so why not say so? Maybe she’d spend more of her time writing such things instead of harassing my sister.

“That’s nice of you to say,” she said grudgingly.

“Oh, I’m a peach,” I agreed.

Nick turned to pour himself more coffee, but not before I caught a hint of a smile on his full lips.

Should I like the fact that I amused him? Probably not, but I did.

“All right.” Jolene moved with her extra-large cup toward the door. “Nick, I’ll be at your office later today.”

“I’ll take that as a warning,” he said mildly.

She laughed, and the sound was musical. “You can take it any way you like, but I want to know more about the trial tomorrow.” Reaching the door, she paused. “I’m looking forward to tonight. Pick me up at seven.”

“I’ll be there,” he said.

I didn’t care. Nope. Not at all.

She opened the door, and frigid air wafted in. “Sure you don’t want to talk about the trial? I heard you lost a witness.”

“No comment, and if you ask again, no more coffee for you.” He reached for a full plate of food.

“That’s all right. I’ll get my information elsewhere.” She turned and winked at me. “I can’t wait to see how you factor in—you Albertinis always make good copy.”

With that last parting shot, she exited the condo and shut the door quietly. “I hope I don’t factor in,” I murmured.

“Amen to that.” Nick glanced at the food. “For now, let’s eat.”

We sat. “Did you neglect to invite Jolene to breakfast because I’m here?” There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Nick’s manners were as good as his Italian grams wanted.

“She doesn’t eat before noon,” Nick said around a mouthful of casserole. “Some type of intermittent fasting.”

Nope. I didn’t care that he knew that much about her, and as I looked at my overflowing plate, I didn’t have even one insecure thought about my thighs. Not a one. “You have a date with her tonight?” I was just curious…and concerned for his sanity.

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