While he’s in the bathroom, I freak out and try to convince myself to live in the moment. As my grandmother is fond of saying,Que sera sera.What will be, will be.
“A penny for your thoughts.” Cole slides under the covers and cups my cheek.
“I’m hungry?” I don’t mean it to be asked as a question and of course, he picks up on it.
“Liar.” He kisses the tip of my nose.
Scooting up, I nip his lip. “What areyouthinking?”
Heaving a deep sigh, he hugs me, and reaches for his phone. “Honestly? We need to get going. I figure if we leave now, we can be back by lunchtime.”
“So, how are the roads?”
“No accidents and the temperature has risen overnight. The salt trucks have had ample time to coat the Northway. We’re good to go.”
I thrust my wrist out toward him and grin. “Do you want to cuff me?”
“Maybe later.” He chuckles as he dresses and I can’t help but wonder.
“Do you suppose we could work together on Stacy’s murder?”
“Not sure. Can you follow my directions?” He glances over with brows raised.
He knows I don’t take orders well so I pretend I didn’t hear and take a shower. As I towel dry my hair, yesterday’s discussion with Alisha comes to mind.
“Do you believe Jeff killed Stacy?”
“The jury is still out. All the more reason to be careful. Don’t forget, someone tried to put you out of commission. I don’t want you getting hurt.” Cole pulls me to a full body hug and kisses me senseless.
“Maybe whoever screwed with my car had nothing to do with our investigation. Do you have any jealous girlfriends I should be aware of?” I’m kidding around but I never asked if he’s involved with anyone.
“None serious and for sure, none who’d try to kill you, at least I don’t believe so.” Sitting on the bed, he slips on his boots and shoots me a sexy smile melting my insides. I’m dying to ask the names of his former lovers but we haven’t reached that stage in our relationship.
“How about you? Any boyfriends who might want to do me in?” He pulls me on his lap and wraps his arms around me.
“Only virtual.” I laugh as his eyebrows raise.
“Huh. And how’s that working for you?”
“Not anywhere near as satisfying.” At the thought of my looming deadline, I grimace.
“What’s that look for?” Reaching forward, he tucks a lock of hair behind my ear.
Should I tell him the truth?Other than my sister’s husband, no one has ever given two shits about my career. Most think I play video games for a living.
“I have some coding I need to get done.” Standing, I slip into my wool blazer, pull knit gloves from the pocket, and wait at the door.
“Huh. When is it due?” He twists me to face him and tucks my chin to meet his gaze.
“If I don’t get my demo finished by the end of the year, I say goodbye to my career.”
He squeezes my hand. “It sounds like a lot of pressure but I’m sure you can do it.”
“Thanks.” Warmed by his support, I glance up at him as we walk to the elevator,
He presses the down button, the sliding doors open, and as we enter, Deputy Dog returns. “With so much going on, I’m surprised you dropped everything to come home. I didn’t know you and Stacy were so close.”
“We weren’t.” My hackles risen, I toss him my credit card to pay for my half and he pushes it away.
