I almost winced. I did run out like a coward.
“I had to get home to Henry.”
Chael’s eyes narrowed, and his body went rigid.
Again, I almost slapped my forehead for how ridiculous I sounded. “I mean, I dropped by your office on a whim. I came unprepared. I should’ve made an appointment first.”
He shook his head, and it made the long, braided ponytail sway slightly.
“You don’t need an appointment.”
Of course, I did. “I’m sure you’re busy over there at LS Investigations. Savannah told me her brother-in-law’s firm is one of the best in the state.”
“That is true, I suppose.”
He must’ve been trying to be modest. I’d looked the firm up, and they had received several awards over the years.
“Nevertheless, you must be busy. I appreciate you taking the time to go out of your way to meet me.”
“This wasn’t out of my way.” He dropped one of his long arms, and his fingertips brushed against mine.
I was confident it was an accident on his part. He’d meant to place his hand on the table, but his touch caused a ripple of sensation to course through me. I pulled my fingers back.
Chael’s eyes dropped to my hand on the table, and his face tightened. The expression passed over quickly, but there was something in his eyes. He blinked, and it was gone.
“As that may be,” I cut off when the waitress brought out plates. The conversation between us paused until she left.
Chael nodded at my plate. “Eat. We’ll get to the nursing home afterward.”
My stomach growled again, reminding me that this was the first time I had a chance to eat all day. I skipped breakfast since I overslept because I couldn’t get to sleep until three that morning. I was almost late for work.
“How long have you been with LS Investigations?” I asked after my first few bites.
“Long enough.”
Was it me, or were his answers vague?
I went to ask another question about his experience, but he tossed his napkin onto his empty plate and pushed it aside. It was then that I realized that while I was barely halfway through with my meal, he had finished.
“I got proof,” I said, not wanting him to watch me eat while he waited.
He lifted an eyebrow and eyed my plate. “You’re not done eating. Eat. We’ll get to the nursing home discussion.”
I continue to eat the rest of my tacos underneath Chael’s gaze. It was odd, but he seemed as if he enjoyed watching me eat. As if being in my company was the highlight of his day.
When I pushed my plate aside, he leaned in again.
“Done?”
I nodded.
“Tell me about this evidence you gathered.”
I reached into my pocket for my phone. My heart sank at the crack that ran across my screen, and I bit my lower lip as I debated whether or not to share with Chael how this crack happened.
“I found some information and decided to take a picture of it.”
A muscle in his jaw ticced. “How did you come across this information?” There was a sharpness in his voice that wasn’t there a few seconds ago. Was he angry with me for some reason?
