She drummed her fingers on the desk, trying to think of something else she could do to find Belle’s business, but the only thing going through her mind was Kurt. He was as hardheaded as she was, so how could she convince him Austin should not be a suspect?
Casually, she glanced his way. He was still nursing his hangover headache. He held his Starbucks cup of coffee close and sipped it from time to time. She didn’t feel sorry for him one bit. Not now!
The buzz from her cell phone jerked her out of her angry thoughts and she withdrew the cell from her pocket. When she read who had just sent her a text, her heartbeat quickened with excitement.
I hope you’re having a wonderful day. I’m not, because I’m constantly thinking about you. When can I see you again? Tonight?
Perhaps she shouldn’t have given Austin her cell number, but she’d had such an incredible evening with him, and since she felt he had done nothing wrong, she went against the rules and gave him her number.
She smiled wide and texted him back.I’ve been thinking about you, too. I’m free tonight. Are you?
Within seconds, he sent back a reply.I’ll cancel all my appointments. Nothing will keep me from seeing you.
Butterflies danced inside her chest, making her feel giddy all over. She didn’t know what to say to him now, but he sent another text only moments later.
Can I come pick you up this time and make it a real date?
Her heart dropped. No. She couldn’t allow that! What if he wanted to come inside her apartment? What if he noticed some of the awards she’d received from being on the police force—or those she’d been given while attending the police academy? It wasn’t time to tell him the truth about her identity.No, not yet. I’m not ready for you to see where I live.
Brittany, I’ll need to know eventually, especially if I need to give your landlord the money to pay your rent. Besides that, I have another surprise for you.
Groaning, she slunk in her chair. The web of deceit she had begun was growing, and she wanted it to stop. Perhaps she could hide the trophies and awards, and she could also talk to her landlord and explain things about the rent.
She slowly blew out a heavy breath.Let’s meet somewhere first, and then I’ll take you back to my apartment.After she’d typed it, she gasped. What if he took it the wrong way? Hopefully, he wouldn’t think…Oh, dear. This couldn’t be good.
He texted back a smiley face.For drinks, maybe?
Her heart skipped a beat.Yes. Drinks.
What time?he texted.
Seven.
Where?
She paused in thought. They’d have to go someplace that wasn’t private, but then also, someplace where nobody would recognize her. Her mind scrambled for out of the way places.Do you know where Colman Park is?
Yes. It’s the perfect spot for romance.Lake Washington is very pretty at night.
How could she have forgotten about that? Well, it was too late to say something different. And really, they were out in the open. What would it hurt? There wasn’t much he could do—seduction wise—out in the open, anyway.
I’ll see you then. Let’s meet in front of Ellsworth Storey Cottages.
I can’t wait!
She smiled and tucked her cell back in her pocket. She couldn’t wait, either.
As she glanced around the room, she noticed Kurt again. This time, he was watching her. His expression dripped with sadness, and her gut clenched. He couldn’t possibly know who she’d been texting. And yet…if she’d been smiling wide the whole time, Kurt would know. There was no other man in her life.
Trying to ignore his heart-wrenching sad, puppy-dog eyes, she turned back to her computer tohopefullydo more searching for Belle’s Escort Service. Even if she didn’t find anything, she still would pretend to be working. Although she wanted to talk with Kurt, right now was not a good time. She didn’t want anything to ruin her happy mood.
