And losing Harper wasn’t a risk Colson was willing to take.
Ned steepled his fingers in front of his face, and Colson waited. He’d always appreciated Ned’s insights. He’d been the first to suggest—gently—that no, his books weren’t a fluke because he was stuck on a blank page. The success he’d had was so unexpected, and the resulting pressure to perform played tricks with his head. Ned had told him to take as much time as he needed to figure out how to breathe again.
“I think…you like this man. More than like. You’re interested in him. You’re not one to have sex so easily, so the fact that you’re willing to accept his terms means you see something worthwhile in him and possibly something growing between you.” He paused. “Aside from what has to be great sex—because let’s face it, that’s what you’renottelling me but has to be true, otherwise you’d tell him to take a hike.” He grinned, and Colson fervently wished the floor would open up and swallow him. “But all kidding aside, you must feel like there’s potential for something more permanent with him. Am I right?”
“I don’t know. It’s funny. We started off on the wrong foot, and yet for some reason, we keep returning to each other. When he leaves, I say to myself, ‘Next time I’m going to say no.’” He sighed, frustrated at being so weak. “But somehow no becomes yes.”
Ned’s eyes were shrewd. “You know, there are tropes in romance for a reason. People laugh, but it’s true. And two of the favorites are enemies to lovers and lust to love. Think about it.”
He was about to ask Ned what the hell he was talking about, but they were interrupted by a call. Ned made a face. “It’s the president of the agency. I have to take this. I’ll call you after I’ve read the manuscript a second time, with a more criticaleye. The first time is to see if it hooks me. Enjoy yourself with the detective, and don’t get too caught up in the hows and whys. Eventually it will either run its course, or you’ll find out the reason behind his secrecy. In the meantime, have fun. You deserve it.” He winked, and Colson left with a lot to think about.
During the car ride home, he sent Harper a text.
Dinner tomorrow night?
He didn’t receive an answer until he was home.
My tour ends at eight. Is that okay?
Colson sighed. Harper couldn’t be with someone else yet come to him directly from work.
Yeah. How about Italian?
He named a restaurant in Dumbo with a view of the river.
Sounds good. Meet u there about 8:30.
OK
Dinner in public was safe. No getting naked within five minutes of seeing each other.
***
“This is nice.” Harper glanced around the restaurant. They’d gotten a prime seat by the window, where they could watch the twinkling lights on the bridge and appreciate the Manhattan skyline. “I don’t usually get out for dinner.”
Colson sipped his wine. “No? You eat at home every night? You must be a good cook.”
Harper finished chewing a piece of bread. “I’m usually too tired.”
Their server appeared, and he ordered the eggplant parmigiana while Harper ordered the rigatoni Bolognese, and they split an appetizer of fried zucchini.
“I hadn’t noticed.” Colson grinned. “You seem to have plenty of stamina when you come by.”
Harper’s eyes gleamed in the flickering candlelight. “I guess the thought of you naked gives me superpowers.”
Colson choked on the wine. “Jesus,” he muttered, but he couldn’t deny the thrill that shot through him at Harper’s wolfish grin.
“I will admit that as hot as you are without clothes on, you’re looking pretty damn fine tonight.” Harper’s gaze devoured him, and Colson shivered but held strong.
“You don’t look half bad yourself, considering you’ve been chasing bad guys all day.” Colson figured turnabout was fair play, and he ran an appreciative eye over Harper. He wore a well-fitted charcoal suit with a blue-and-white checked shirt and a bright-blue silk tie that brought out the icy blue in his glittering gaze.
“Do you like being a detective better than a beat cop?” he asked.
“A uni? Yeah. I wouldn’t want to be out on the street these days. I’m glad I’m not in Homicide, though.”
“Are you in a special division? I’ve worked with some detectives in Major Case and Homicide when I was researching for my books.”
Their appetizer came, and more wine was poured. Harper crunched on a piece of zucchini. “I’m in Central Robbery, which handles a wide variety of cases, and I was lucky to be able to get assigned to a precinct near my home. Once I gain more experience, I can move if I want, but right now I’m fine where Iam.” He stared out the window. “I’ve seen enough death in my life.”
