Just thinking about her makes my heart beat fast. I feel like my feelings are at hyper speed for the short amount of time we’ve known each other but something about her drives me crazy. She’s the only good thing that’s stepped into my life in a long time and with how dark my job gets, she’s the shining star that glows in the midnight black sky. Looking down at my phone, her text bubbles up with her responding.
Celeste: Are you okay?
Me: Yeah, just a long day. We can talk tonight.
Celeste: See you at seven :)
Pocketing my phone, the director approaches us, checking to see what we found out. We briefed him with our conversation as well as our concerns with Oliver. He agrees that something’s off and now that we have our systems back up and running with a stronger fire wall, he’ll have one of the IT guys dig deeper into him.
“Beckett, before I forget, there’s a camera outside of the shop called Pink House. Can you see if we can get the footage between the hours of eleven at night and three in the morning? I’m hoping we can catch who dumped the body.” I write down the name and time down on a piece of paper and hand it over to him.
“I got you. I’ll also check on the status of the autopsy. Any plans tonight? Maybe we can all go out for a drink. After whatwas presented to us today, I think we all are owed a stiff adult beverage.” He takes the paper from me, setting it down on his desk.
He gets up from his and leans over the divider. It’s been a while since I’ve been out. He’ll be yet again met with my decline. Just like the last couple of invites. I feel bad, but this time I have plans with a green-eyed goddess.
“Rain check. I have plans tonight and I’m hoping I can stay awake.” I rub my face as the adrenaline and the Red Bull starts to wear off.
The last thing I need is to screw this one up. First, I spill coffee all over her and next, fall asleep while on our date, mid-sentence. I would take the winner spot of the worst possible date.
“Ohhhh, is it this mysterious woman you’ve been texting with heart eyes? Let me join. I want to see what has you all tied up.” He smirks, raising his eyebrows up and down.
“Negative, you’re not coming on the date with me. Her name is Celeste. Can’t have you scaring her off.” I turn away from him, logging into my computer.
“I suggest you head home before you meet her. You smell of dead bodies and dirt. I expect a full report in the morning about this mystery woman of yours,” Monroe pipes in.
Rude and demanding. There’s no way I smell like shit. I wasn’t even around the body long enough to get a stench.
“I do not smell of dead bodies.” I sniff my shirt and quickly push my shirt away. “Okay, maybe I do. Are you jealous over there, Monroe?”
“You’re full of yourself if you think I’m jealous. I’m concerned that you’re already falling for this girl you barely know and this isn’t normal for you, sir.” She gives me a stern look as if she’s my mother.
“So because I find someone whohas my attention other than work, it raises concerns? I haven’t had a partner in years due to my line of work and she doesn’t care who I am.” Now I’m annoyed, and a tad bit defensive.
Who are they to say who I can give my attention to and who I decide to date in my spare time?
“No need to get all macho man on us. It’s just out of the ordinary for you. You know nothing about her and you’re falling for her in a week span of time with a few texts and calls. But you do you, boo boo.” She throws her hands up in surrender and heads towards the break room.
I know they have concerns and I know I shouldn’t have gotten snappy with Monroe. This girl has made me feel things I haven’t felt and takes my breath away when I see her or receive pictures of her. Nothing about her raises red flags and I’m just going to go with it. If she breaks my heart, fuck, I don’t know what I’ll do but I can’t think about that now.
CHAPTER TEN
CELESTE
“What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.” - Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Although Italy was amazing, I’m glad to be home. There’s too much to get done between the club, The Hansley Corporation, and eliminating every single person who has gone against my father. I made a call to get the true autopsy report for my father. Something tells me it was staged and I won’t stop until I can prove it. He was healthy, thriving, and hadn’t been sick in years. I also heard of my stepmom snooping around the mansion. All of that is tomorrow's issue because tonight, my focus is on the hot as hell FBI agent. I've been counting down the hours to see those gorgeous icy-blue eyes.
Finishing the last of my makeup, I apply deep red lipstick, making sure it lines perfectly on my lips. Spraying on my favorite perfume, I finish up by strapping on my heels. Looking at myself in the mirror, my short blackdress stops above my knees and hugs my curves in all the right places. Shrugging on my black leather jacket, I grab my crossbody purse and head out of my room.
“Damn, cuz, who you fucking tonight?” Antonio howls as I get to the bottom of the stairs.
“Yeah, you look like you’re on a mission for some good dick. Is it Mr. Officer? Is he going to cuff you to the bed?” Larson follows with the inappropriate comments.
These two unsufferable pricks can’t help but meddle in my business. Can’t a girl look nice without the assumption of dressing up for a man? Who left these asswipes with me?
“I’m a little disturbed, and I wouldn’t be telling my cousin and someone I consider a brother who I’m fucking. That’s why I have Blakely. But if you must know, I’m meeting Alaric for a drink.” I flip them off, heading to the door.
“Speaking of Blakely, please text the bitch back so she stops blowing up my phone. She’s missing her butt buddy. Want me to drive you and stay in the shadows in case you need a getaway car?” Antonio rises from the couch to follow me.
