He gestured toward the bar speakers. “Can’t you hear the music?”
Donna paused. “No.”
“I can,” I said, smiling into my glass. “There’s country music playing. It’s pretty mellow, under all the chatter.”
Tessa’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked between them. “Go on, Donna. It’s just one dance.”
Donna gave her a look sharp enough to slice steel. “You dance with him, then.”
Cormac chuckled, undeterred. “Don’t worry. I’ll lead.”
“I’m fine, thank you,” Donna said firmly.
I couldn’t help it. “I kind of want to see them dance,” I murmured.
“Anna,” Donna warned without looking at me.
“Right,” I said quickly, dumping more nachos onto my plate. Fair enough. I’d hate it if they pushed me toward someone I wasn’t interested in, even if the someone was as intriguing as this guy.
Cormac turned back to us. “If you won’t dance,” he said, “perhaps you can help me with something else.”
Donna raised a brow. “Such as?”
“I’d like to hire you.” He hooked his thumbs into his jeans pockets.
Her eyes narrowed just slightly, her tone edged with polite challenge. “To do what, exactly?”
He met her gaze evenly. “I’m looking for a place. A lake cabin. Somewhere quiet to stay when I’m not working.”
“Oh, really?” Donna asked, her realtor instincts kicking in, but her smile carried a hint of amusement. “You’re planning to settle down and stop flitting with the wind?”
“I never flit.” His grin deepened, slow and wicked. This time, smiling at Donna, that single dimple appeared again. “I’d like to land maybe just long enough to enjoy the view.”
Donna smiled, professional mode fully engaged. “Then make an appointment and come by my office tomorrow. We’ll see what we can find.”
“That would be lovely.” There was laughter in his voice—low, teasing—and when he gave a small bow, it was far too charming for a simple thank-you. It was way sexier than the bow Backleboff had given to Nana earlier.
“Have a nice night, ladies.” Cormac turned, melted into the crowd, and was gone before I could track where he went.
“Did you see him come in?” I asked, still half watching the door.
“Nope,” Tessa said, munching happily on a nacho. “He just sort of appeared out of nowhere.”
Donna watched him disappear, her brow slightly furrowed.
“He’s kind of cute,” I said.
She glanced at me. “There’s something off about him.”
“Yeah, I know,” I admitted. That was what made him so interesting.
We ate the bar food, and the conversation turned to the robbery at Nana’s shop. “I just can’t figure it out.” My brain reeled with information that wasn’t helping. “This whole thing is too bizarre.”
Donna rubbed her temple. “Explain the two different cases with Nana. It’s confusing.”
“It’s pretty straightforward.” I sat back. “Gloria has sued her civilly for monetary damages, and she’s also pushing for a criminal charge from the state. So there’ll be both a criminal and a civil case against her.”
Tessa gulped, eyes widening. “That’s not good. That’ll totally wreck her state of mind. Nana can’t really go to jail, can she?”
