She’s said that like I’m pushing fifty—not the eight year difference. She knows I’m notoriously private. Meanwhile, she gossips more than anyone I know, only to tell her wife every detail later. Just because Kaydence sports the perfect fade haircut, spouse, and French bulldog, and has a kid with baby number two on the way, doesn’t meanIhave to follow suit. There are other options.
Cue the naked mystery woman upstairs waiting for me.
A glance at my watch tells me it’s been over twenty minutes. Too bad I spent nearly ten of them contemplating the menu. Better get going. Remembering my Bluetooth headphones in my pocket, I shove one in my right ear. I stand and grab the food, and with a latte in each hand, I pace toward the room. Since I missed my morning run, I settle on taking the four flights of stairs. “You have three minutes until I hang up this phone and return to my plans from last night.”
“Ha! I knew you charmed a woman with your tall-ass dapper self.”
“And yes, before you start lecturing me about safe sex, I got tested before and will get tested after. Discussed the matter with her too.”
“Happy to help.” Kaydence laughs. “Case details later. You know the drill.”
My brows pinch together.TheFour Ws and H. What a ridiculous pastime activity we started during our months in Germany. “Seriously? We’re still doing that dumb game?”
“Come on, it’s been eitherA Goofy MovieorThe Princess and the Frogfor three days straight.”
“My god daughter has great taste in movies. She didn’t get that from you.” I laugh.
“You’re right. That’s all Nikita there. Seriously, though. I needsomeentertainment.”
“Fair enough. You’re lucky I stepped out for food, otherwise I’d say no.” Passing the second floor landing, I add a pep to my step, jogging two stairs at a time. Thank you, long legs. Deep breath…andgo.
“Who?” Kaydence fires question one.
“Don’t know her name yet.” I peeked at her luggage tag this morning, but only caught the initials ‘B. H. J.’ She claims to not be from Seattle, but three articles of clothing and her heels were from a local boutique. Either she lied, or she at least has family from the area.
“What positions?”
“Noneof your business.” I chuckle, reaching the last flight of stairs. “In the bed…mostly.
“When?”
“Last night.
“Weapon of destruction?”
“Eyes.” I’ve never seen ocean-blue eyes like hers before.
“Wearing what?”
“Heels, skinny jeans, and a low-cut top. Above average height. Pink lipstick. White, brunette, wavy hair with auburn highlights. Dimple, right side.” One more question.
“How bad do I want to see her again?”
The image of the softness of her lips on my neck brings a smile to my face. Enough to buy her breakfast. Another thing that hasn’t happened since Grace.
“I’m not certain yet. She looks easily ten years younger, and nothing against the younger women, but different phases of life and all that. She does seem a bit uptight, like she holds a high corporate position, but in an attractive, power-lesbian way.”
“Very nice, King,” she muses with enthusiastic clapping as always. “You certainly do have a type.”
I do not. “It’s nothing serious, just a one night thing,” I emphasize, purposely leaving out the breakfast details. My brows pinch together. Maybe I should consider asking the mystery woman on a date after I learn her name. Now I’m curious about what Kaydence will say next. “Score?”
“Eh, I give it a 2 out of 10 probability she’ll be there when you get back. I think you left the room for a reason.”
My lips form a pout. Of course she would say that because of her preference for Team Elle. But what Kaydence doesn’t know is that I have coffee for two. “Bet you a beer she will be.” To prove my point, I add, “And if I said her name was Elle?”
“10 out of 10.”
I burst out laughing. “Shut up, Jennings. Oh, that French bakery, Mr. B's,has seven types of croissants,sixteentart flavors, nine different danishes, and five beignets. Ask me how I know.” I pause in the fourth-floor hallway, shake my head at the paper bag in my arms, and change the subject before she gets the chance. “Do you have case details for me? Sixty seconds.”
