I frown. “What about us?”
“Do we click?” His voice is softer now and his gaze very focused.
I swallow. “I think we do.”
“Okay.”
“But it’s only been one day.”
“True,” he says quietly. “We had a good first day though.”
“It went way better than I thought it would.” I hesitate. “Do… doyouthink we click?” I’m not sure what possesses me to ask him that. I suppose it’s because the conversation has a strange undercurrent. Something about the way he’s watchingme feels almost intimate. Or am I just reading into things because I’m attracted to him? Is it my imagination that his gaze keeps dropping to my mouth?
“I think we do,” he says quietly. “Feels like we’ve been partners a lot longer than one day.” A muscle works in his jaw. “In fact, when I saw you in here last night, I thought for a minute I knew you.”
At his confession, my pulse picks up. “I… I had the same feeling.”
“Did you?” He laughs gruffly. “It was weird. I’d have sworn we knew each other, but I’m positive we’ve never met, right?”
“No, we’ve never met that I’m aware of.”
He wrinkles his brow, looking muddled. “Why do you suppose we both felt that?”
“I have no idea,” I say softly, holding his gaze. “What do you think it means?”
Before he can respond, the pretty red-head from last night suddenly appears out of nowhere. She slips her arms around his neck and says, “Hey, baby, I finally made it.”
Then she proceeds to plant a big, wet kiss on his mouth.
Chapter Four
Liam
I’m so consumed by my conversation with Jude, for a split second, I have no idea who the hell is kissing me. Then I recognize Kara’s perfume and the feel of her soft mouth against mine. I feel guilty as she pulls back from the kiss, her smile warm and trusting. I’m confused about the flutter of shame that goes through me, as if she caught me cheating on her or something. That emotion makes no sense. I was just talking with Jude. I wasn’t doing anything wrong.
I become aware of Jude watching us. Something twists uncomfortably in my chest as I meet his gaze. I don’t know why kissing my girlfriend in front of my new partner feels wrong, but it does.
“So you must be the new guy,” Kara says, smiling at Jude. “I’m Kara, Liam’s girlfriend.”
Jude smiles politely. “Nice to meet you.”
“How was your first shift together?” she asks. “Anything exciting happen?”
Jude looks unsure of how to answer, so I jump in. “We arrested a bear.”
Kara laughs. “You did what?”
“There really was a call with a bear,” Jude says. “But we didn’t have to arrest it. Fish and Wildlife took care of everything.”
“That’s good. Bears can be dangerous when they’re hungry.” Kara waves Jim over. “Can I get a dirty martini with extra olives?”
“Of course, beautiful.” Jim winks and moves away to get her drink.
Kara drags a stool over and she slaps my legs. “Make room for me. Geez, you’re practically sitting in Jude’s lap, babe. Give the guy some space.”
My face warms as I look down to where my legs are touching Jude’s. “Oh, sorry.” I quickly move my legs, feeling embarrassed. I hadn’t noticed I was encroaching on his space.
Kara laughs and affectionately runs her fingers through my short hair. “Liam is very touchy feely. Don’t let it bother you, Jude. He’s like that with everyone.”
