Page 65 of Tessa's Trust

I blushed. At this point, my cheeks might as well just stay bright red. “Well, yeah, considering she makes out a pretty good case, and I’m a murder suspect.”

Nick shook his head. “No, it’s fine. She comes across as rather vindictive, if you ask me.”

Well, since he was talking freely, I continued. “Why were you at dinner with her last night anyway?” It was a fair question to ask, considering the mess we were now in.

He sighed. “She asked me to grab a quick meal to talk about a different case, and since she was being so understanding in following the rules at the condo, I figured…why not? I was hungry and thought she might have valuable information.”

“What case?” I asked.

“It’s a burglary ring going on near 10th Street,” he said. “She has some decent sources. I have one guy in custody, but I want the ringleader. It was a business dinner, Tessa.”

He didn’t have to explain it to me, but I appreciated that he did. “Oh, okay.” I looked around. “I just wanted to make sure I didn’t hurt your career too badly.”

“You didn’t,” he said. “You couldn’t.”

Well, I probably could, and I definitely didn’t want to. “All right, so you have a good night.” I turned to leave.

“Oh, no.” He instantly grabbed my shoulder. “We’re not done talking.”

Chapter 24

I was saved from having to answer because Nick’s phone buzzed. He pulled it from his back pocket to read the screen. “Oh, I have to go,” he said, his eyebrows rising.

“Is everything okay?” I couldn’t help but ask.

He nodded. “Yeah. There’s been another burglary out near 11th Street, and I want to view the scene. It helps to actually see the scene when going to trial.” He looked around. “Where’s Bud?”

“He had to go, but I’m fine, Nick. Ozzie Morrison is in jail, and whoever hired him only wanted to frighten me. I just wish I could figure out who that was. Unless they’re messing with you because people think we’re dating.”

“If so, they succeeded. I’m pissed anybody put you in danger.” Nick opened the door.

Snow and wind instantly blew inside, and I lowered my chin to fight the chill as I walked outside. It was only December, and memories of sunshine and the lake were far away. I loved winter and enjoyed having a snowy Christmas, but I could sure use some beach time right now.

Nick brushed snow off my forehead. “How about I drop you off at Donna’s on my way to the scene?”

“Actually, my car’s here,” I said. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.”

He cleared his throat. “Everyone thinks we’re dating.”

“I’m aware,” I said drily. “I saw the newspaper article, remember?”

He blanched. “I’m sorry about that. I didn’t think Jolene would stoop to that level.”

“Then you’re a moron,” I said honestly. “She’s been stooping to that level since she started working for the Timber City Gazette.”

He didn’t answer, probably because there wasn’t one. “I don’t have any real high-profile cases right now,” he murmured, “but be careful anyway. You’ve been tied to me, and you have enough going on.”

Parts of me warmed inappropriately. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve got this.”

I turned to walk away. He grasped my arm and drew me around, and before I could blink, he planted a hard kiss on my lips. “We’re not done with this, Albertini.”

Desire flashed through me faster than any oncoming wind. Then he took my hand and walked me right up to my Rogue. My hand felt small and warmly protected in his, and I so didn’t need those feelings. He opened my door, and I hopped inside, still not finding any words.

“I mean it. Watch your back,” he said, and shut the door.

Almost in a daze, I fastened my seat belt and then locked the doors. Of course, I’d be careful.

But he was the one going to some burglary scene in an effort to take down a whole ring of criminals. He should be cautious. Unfortunately, he was already in his truck and driving away before I thought to say anything.

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