“You’re a very beautiful woman.”
“Thank you.”
You’re not so bad yourself.
Janie’s lips parted to utter the complimentary words when she heard?—
“But you’re also my client.”
Client. Right. Why was that such a hard thing to remember when he was around?
“We need to keep things professional.” She felt a sudden need to say it first.
Emmett was attracted to her. He’d made that much clear, at least. But he was also letting her know that’s as far things between them could ever go.
At least while she was an Echo Team client.
In another life, maybe things could have been different. One where Amy was still alive and no one wanted Janie dead. But they only got one ride around the crazy train called life, and she needed to focus on finding those responsible for Amy’s untimely demise.
“It’s okay, Emmett.” Janie forced a smile andlowered herself into one of the chairs facing his desk, crossing one leg over the other. “I get it, and you’re right. We need to keep our heads in the game so we can hopefully identify the person who murdered Amy.”
“We find them, we find the person after you.” He sat down in his high-back chair. “Two birds?—”
“One stone.” Her smile became a little less fake.
So there it was. The matter had officially been settled, and their priorities were exactly where it needed to be. Maybe after the dust was settled, the two of them could go out for dinner or drinks.
As long as I’m still breathing when that day comes.
CHAPTER TEN
Later that night…
Emmett kept a hand resting low against Janie’s back and his head on a constant swivel. The hand thing was automatic. His way of keeping her close for the woman’s own safety.
Is that it, or are you using this as an excuse to touch her?
He dropped that hand as soon as the soles of their shoes touched the sidewalk’s rounded curb.
“Okay, even you have to admit coming here late at night is pretty dang creepy.”
His lips twitched as they continued straight, rather than taking the front door. The place was closed for the day and would be locked up tight. Which meant they’d have to get inside through different means.
“I just hope Talia’s friend is already here.”
“Dr. O’Neill?” Janie glanced over at him. “Didn’t shesay she was only a few minutes away when she texted you?”
“She did, but that was twenty minutes ago.”A lot can happen in that time.“But you’re right about the other.”
They continued down the dimly lit sidewalk.
“The other?”
Emmett spared a quick glance Janie’s way. “The thought of going into a place like this after darkiscreepy. And we haven’t even gotten inside.” He gave her a wink.
Janie’s soft chuckle cut through the cool evening air. “Guess it’s a good thing I have you to protect me,” she teased with a friendly nudge.
His smile grew a fraction, but he didn’t chuckle or laugh because keeping this woman safewashis number one priority.
