Hearing that had hurt, but Sabrina had laughed it off. Told him she was on the same page. But it couldn’t have been further from the truth. She’d stupidly started falling for the smooth-talking jerk, and he didn’t like her enough to pursue anything long-term.
So, she’d bandaged her fragile heart and moved on as best as she could. But seeing Ian every day and continuing to work with him was difficult—on her heart and her psyche. It also didn’t help when he started flirting with a new recruit. It didn’t take long to see how he operated, and she began to warn any new woman who joined their team about Agent Casanova.
When he found out, he confronted her. Advised her to get over him and mind her own business. He’d been cruel and arrogant, and she’d slapped him across his narcissistic face. Reporting him to her supervisor would’ve been fruitless. There was a clear Boy’s Club. And Ian Wahl? Well, he was their favorite son. Although she’d never told her dad what happened betweenthem, he was smart enough to put two and two together. Once he caught on, he froze Ian out, and any previous friendliness he’d shown toward the man turned to cool indifference.
When the opportunity to work undercover in Montana presented itself, she’d nabbed it fast, knowing getting away from the office and Agent Asshole would be a welcome relief.
Now she needed to get close to Jayson, but the second she showed interest, he’d bolted. What the hell? Was she that undesirable? Why was it the second a woman hit forty, she became invisible to men? Practically obsolete. A spinster cat lady with a collection of crocheted animals. Yet men after forty seemed to get more ruggedly attractive. Silver foxes with high follower counts on social media and younger women eating out of their hands. It really wasn’t fair.
She let out a frustrated sound then locked all those feelings away. She had a job to do, and that didn’t include moping around and wondering why she was eternally single with zero prospects. Nope, it had everything to do with figuring out if Jayson and his friends were innocent or guilty of Donato Ferrante’s untimely and unexplained fall to his death.
A plan began to come together, and she turned on her music, walked into the kitchen and started pulling out ingredients. Because if there was one universal truth about men, the way to their heart was through their stomach. Or, in this case, she hoped the way to the truth was through Jayson’s stomach. Everybody loved her droolworthy, gooey butter cookies, and she hoped Jayson would, too.
While mixing the batter, she came up with the perfect way to get as close as possible to the man. And, if all went smoothly, he’d be inviting her to move right into his place. Tonight.
Then, let the snooping commence.
Chapter four
Dressed in a green flannel shirt and a worn pair of jeans, Jayson had just pulled on his boots and was mentally practicing his apology and dinner invite to Sabrina, when she showed up on his doorstep with a foil-covered plate.
“I come bearing cookies.” A self-deprecating smile curved her full lips. Lips he could picture in so many erotic scenarios. Gorgeous, glossy, full lips he could see wrapped around his dick, sucking him all the way to the back of her throat. “I’m sorry about the loud music.”
Her voice pulled him out of his dirty fantasy, and he gave his head a hard shake.
Was he imagining it, or did she bat her lashes at him?
Surprised, but secretly thrilled, he invited her inside. “I forgive you,” he drawled. Holy hell, was he getting his flirt on? And why the hell did it feel so amazing? He felt pretty confident he could make a date happen with his gorgeous neighbor. As long as he didn’t mess it up.
“They’re my famous butter cookies.” Her brow suddenly wrinkled as though an unanticipated and unhappy thought occurred to her. “Oh, I hope you’re not one of those health-conscious people who avoid sugar.”
“I love sweets,” he said, taking the plate. “Thank you.”
When their hands brushed, an electric charge zapped straight up his arm, and he met her pretty golden-brown eyes.
Be cool.
He rolled his shoulders back and motioned for her to follow him over to the couch.
“Have a seat.” Unable to resist, he lifted the foil, picked up a still-warm cookie and took a big bite. Swallowing down a moan, he popped the rest of it into his mouth, devouring it. “These are delicious.”
“I’m glad you think so.” She crossed her legs, watching him reach for a second cookie.
“They definitely aren’t going to last long. My buddy Corey is an excellent baker, but you might be able to give him a run for his money.”
She chuckled, then took a moment to look around. “So, you, ah, live here by yourself?”
He nodded. “I do. My daughter moved out last year, so it’s been an adjustment. But she’s engaged and living her best life. I’m happy for her.”
“That’s wonderful.” She seemed to want to ask more, but hesitated.
“Her mother and I didn’t work out,” Jayson offered. “Tara left right after Emma was born.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise. She was toxic and—”Jesus, Jay, stop talking about your ex.He cleared his throat. “Anyway, it all worked out for the best.”
Neither spoke and an awkward pause hung between them. Suddenly, he wasn’t sure what to do. Grab another cookie? Say something funny? Pray the floor would open up and swallow his dumb ass?
