The lilting voice nagged at me, the recognition instantaneous as was my arousal. Jesus Christ, my reaction to her was always the same.
And always taboo.
“Ms. Sciascia. Is something wrong?”
Her laugh was something I’d heard once and the sound had stuck with me. Even now, my balls tightened. “I think you’ve earned the right to call me Valentina. I’m fine. I just…”
I moved to the window, fisting my hand around my phone. “What? You can talk to me. You know that.”
“Yes, I know. You were so kind to me. I wanted to say thank you.”
“There’s no need for thanks. What you did was courageous.”
“I simply did what anyone else in my position would do.”
She had no idea how wrong she was. After what she’d witnessed and learning his identity, most witnesses would have refused to talk. Not this woman, this beautiful and sensual woman who…
Hell, I had to stop thinking that way. Nothing could happen between us.
“Thank you for saying that. I’m just happy I could help.”
An awkward silence settled between us. “Is there something you need?”
“I need to stop stalling. I wanted to thank you by seeing if you’d like to have a cup of coffee or maybe a drink with me. I’ll understand if you don’t. I realize the invitation is a bit unorthodox, but I couldn’t have gone through with testifying if it hadn’t been for your encouragement.”
Was this stunning girl asking me out on a date? Shit. Now I was overthinking things. She was being kind, something I wasn’t used to these days. My conscience immediately kicked in. Granted, having a drink with her technically wasn’t an issue or inappropriate. However, it was one of the morality issues I’d told myself was necessary the moment I’d taken an oath to uphold the law.
Then why was I considering breaking my own personal promise for this woman?
The answer was easy. Because I’d felt something electrifying.
There were several reasons why I would likely question my actions later. Right now, I just didn’t care.
“I’d love to.”
Twenty-four hours had passed since Valentina’s invitation. I’d upped the game, suggesting dinner, even selecting the restaurant. It was a favorite of mine located in South Beach. Across the street from the beach, the location was vibrant with South Florida’s culture and energy, neon lights and music heard on street corners capturing the spectacular environment for miles.
In my younger days, I’d frequented the area at least once a week. Now I couldn’t remember the last time I’d bothered to step foot inside the quaint Latino restaurant.
It looked the same as I remembered and the owner greeted me as he had since soon after I’d started frequenting the establishment.
“So good to see you, Judge Armstrong.” Marco clapped both his hands around mine. “I have the perfect table for you tonight. I understand you have a young woman joining you.”
“What gets by you, Marco?”
He laughed as he guided me through the restaurant toward the stairs leading to the deck, a perfect location to enjoy such a beautiful, warm night.
And the company of a gorgeous woman.
“It has been a long time since you had dinner with a companion, my friend. It’s about time.”
“Now you’re playing matchmaker? She’s just a friend.”
He winked and motioned to the bottle of wine already waiting at the table. “So you say. How will I recognize her?”
Because she lights up any room she enters. Because she’s innocence personified in a voluptuous body built for sin.
“Ms. Sciascia has long curly dark hair and the most hypnotic blue eyes you’ve ever seen. She’ll also be wearing red.” My choice. Just like the restaurant.
