"Nothing that immediately jumps out as suspicious," I said. "It's always possible that something could come up later on."
"Fair enough," Beth said, making some notes on her laptop. "That leaves us with Penelope and Theo. Both servers with no obvious connections to each other, aside from working at the same restaurant." Beth tapped her fingers on the table. "Penelope is a witch studying to be a teacher and Theo is an engineering student. They're both pretty normal, as far as I can tell."
"Phew, I think we've covered everyone." I rubbed my tired eyes. "So, what now?"
"Tomorrow, you could check out that customer who was banned from the store," Daniel suggested, looking as drained as I was. "Then we'll meet up in the morning to compare notes."
"Agreed," Beth said, snapping her laptop shut. "We may not have found the smoking gun yet, but we're getting closer. Wewon't stop until we figure out who's behind this and make sure Deva is safe."
We gathered up the papers and finished our coffees. As Beth headed for the door, I held back the urge to ask her about Wade, but instead simply said, “make sure you rest a little.”
She smiled back at me. “You two.”
With Beth gone, the room felt suddenly empty, as if her presence had filled the space with energy, and now that she was gone, I was totally exhausted. Still, there was work to be done, both in terms of solving the mystery at hand, and in terms of navigating whatever romantic entanglements might lie ahead.
Daniel looked at me with a grin that sent goosebumps rising on my skin in the best possible way. I returned the smile with an undeniable pull toward him.
“Miss Foxx," he said in a mock-serious tone, attempting to stifle his laughter. "Now that we're alone, I believe it's time for us to engage in some extracurricular activities."
I raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress my own giggles. "Oh, really? What might those be?"
"Ah, well." He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me. The scent of his cologne, a subtle blend of cedar and spice, filled my nostrils as he held me close. "I was thinking we could start with a little game called 'truth or dare.'"
"Truth or dare?" I snorted, shaking my head at the absurdity. "What are we, teenagers?"
"Maybe," he said, his breath warm against my ear as he said conspiratorially. "Just think of the possibilities. After all, we'reboth consenting adults, and there are no parents around to scold us if things get a little interesting."
"You're on. Only if you promise not to hold anything against me later."
"Deal," he said, sealing our pact with a gentle kiss. His lips were soft and warm, and I wanted more. Before I could deepen the kiss, he pulled away, a devilish glint in his eye. "First question, truth or dare?"
"Truth," I said without hesitation, figuring it was best to ease into things.
"Hmm," Daniel said, taking a moment to consider his query. "What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"
"Seriously?" I groaned. "Fine. When I was in high school, I once tripped and fell flat on my face right in front of my crush. My skirt flew up, and everyone saw my underwear."
"Ouch." Daniel winced sympathetically. "If it's any consolation, I'm sure they were all just jealous."
"Of what, my ability to make a complete fool of myself?" I felt my cheeks heat up at the memory.
"Emma," he said earnestly, his green eyes warm and sincere. "You are the most incredible woman I know. Anyone who's ever been lucky enough to cross your path would be envious of the person you've become."
"Thanks," I said, touched by his words. "Now it's your turn, truth or dare?"
He gave me a roguish grin. "Dare."
My mind raced as I considered my options. Then it hit me, the perfect challenge for the man who had once been the captain of the high school football team. "I dare you to dance with me."
"Really?" he asked, looking equal parts amused and surprised. "I haven't danced in years."
"Then it's about time you got back out on the metaphorical dance floor," I said, dragging him over to the living room and turning on some music. As a slow, sultry tune filled the air, Daniel wrapped his arms around me, and we swayed together.
As we danced, our bodies pressed close, the world outside ceased to exist. There was only us, two people who had somehow managed to find each other in the midst of chaos and confusion, and who were now clinging to the hope that maybe, just maybe, they might be able to find happiness.
"Emma," Daniel said into my hair as we moved in time with the music. "You know I care about you, right?"
"Of course," I said, my heart swelling with affection for the man who had come to mean so much to me. "And I care about you too, Daniel. More than I ever thought possible."
