“A suspect?” Hogan grinned.
“No,” he snapped. “That would be unethical of the detective.”
“But it would make it juicy,” Bea said. “Forbidden love and all that jazz.” She grew animated. “You’d have the stress of solving the case and the stress of people finding out about the relationship.”
He stared at her. “You sound like you read that kind of stuff.”
“Yes. I do.” She raised her chin. “That kind of stuff, as you call it, is an almost billion-dollar industry run by women, read mostly by women, so of course it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Authors I read are also lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, housewives…and I sense your disdain for some reason.” Her eyes flashed. “If you plan to write about something, don’t denigrate it. We’ll see right through your attempt to cash in. There’s nothing bad or trashy about writing love stories. Or wanting to find love.”
“Ooo…kay. Jeez.” He put up his hands. “I didn’t mean to set off a firestorm. I’m not against love. I’m just seeing how it’s all going to work out. The romance angle came to me as I was writing it, and I want to explore it.”
Hogan chuckled. “I love it when she gets passionate and professorial.”
“I just want Colson to realize it’s not a joke to write about.” She sipped her drink.
“I’m realizing it. I promise. I even have a beta reader who’s going to let me know what he thinks of the romance—someone who’s read my other books. He’ll tell me if it fits in.”
“How about letting me read it?” Bea suggested.
He wrinkled his brow. “You don’t like crime thrillers or murders.”
She patted his hand and refilled his drink. “For you, I’ll make an exception. I’ve read tons of romance. I can tell you if it works for me or not.”
“Even if it’s two men?” At her raised brows, he explained. “My detective may have a romantic interest in another man.”
“Well…I don’t see why not. Can you?”
“No. And it’s only a subplot. Right now, just thoughts and feelings.”
Hogan gazed at him thoughtfully. “What brought this on? You’ve never been interested in that kind of storyline.”
“The industry is completely different from when I last published. As Bea said, romance is huge, and I’m looking to attract new readers.”
“Send it to me tonight. I’ll let you know.” The doorbell rang. “Remember.” Bea wagged a finger at him, and he scowled.
“Yeah, yeah. Nice. I’ll be nice.”
He didn’t want nice. He wanted…Harper.
“So who’s the guy?” Hogan asked.
“Bea said—”
“Not Danny. The one who had you for dinner last night.”
Recalling the animal-like noises he made when Harper ate him out, Colson pressed his lips together. Hard.
“So it’s like that.” Hogan rose to his feet as Bea approached with his setup, and Colson followed his lead. “At least give this guy a chance.”
Bea stepped out on the deck and made the introductions. “Colson, this is Danny Forman. Danny, this is Colson Delacourt.”
“Hi, Danny. Great to meet you.”
Big, blond, and blue-eyed, Danny Forman extended a hand. “You as well. Bea, this is for you.” He presented a bottle of wine. “I remembered you like Chardonnay, and this is a great year.” He smiled at him and Hogan. “My ex was a sommelier. He taught me everything I need to know about wine.”
Colson needed another margarita. It was going to be a long afternoon.
Chapter Twelve
