“Law enforcement,” I say immediately, shocked at the very real confession. My eyes jolt up to hers. “What about you? Dream job?”
“Travel blogger.”
Somehow, I know this is one-hundred-percent true. Whether she realizes I told her something I shouldn’t have and now she’s matching it, or she just feels comfortable with me, I’ll take it.
“What does that entail exactly?” I ask, pulling in another sip of my tea.
“Writing about places I travel to. Explore hidden gems, not the usual tourist traps.” She talks for a few minutes.
I can see the passion in her eyes. She either loved this career or did it before she fell on hard times. But I have no doubt she’s being one-hundred-percent truthful right now. That is until she changes the subject. I think she realizes just how much she revealed to me.
“How did you go from wanting to be a cop to … what you are doing now?”
“It’s kind of like getting stuck in a rut. I was in trouble, and this was the only way I saw out. Then it just becomes a daily habit. Like, you know there are other ways to get things done, but you just can’t figure out how to … disconnect.”
She nods, eyeing me with such intensity it’s almost like she can see right through me. “And you’ve never thought about using your powers for good?”
“How so?” I ask, hoping we start steering clear of my actual line of business.
“I mean, if you still have aspirations to be a cop, you do have a lot of information on a certain someone. I know there would be more to it, but just a thought.” She shrugs like she’s just suggesting something silly.
“I think I’m well and truly past that. Thanks for the optimism, though.” My voice is low, warning.
This date, or whatever we’re calling it, is quickly getting away from me. I’m usually better than this, but she seems to have me over the head with the upper hand.
Time to flip the script.
“What does Oscar have over you?”
It’s like watching a slow-motion video. First her eyes widen, then they turn devastatingly sad before they shut down completely.
“Who says he has anything over me?” she snarks.
She doesn’t want to answer the question, but I’ve given her more than I ever intended, so I’m going to push her a little bit.
“Because everyone who works at Bella’s owes him something. What is it you owe him? What is he holding over you?”
“He doesn’t have anything over me, per se.” She clears her throat again, finishing off the last of her coffee before seemingly making a decision in her head. “More like I’m trying to get … answers.”
Nova just gave too much away, and she knows it. She’s also trying to give me some sort of half-truth so I’ll believe her.
“Care to share?” I ask, knowing she won’t be saying more. We’ve both said too much.
“That’s really a Date Three type of thing.”
“So, there’ll be a Date Three?” I lean forward.
“If you play your cards right.”
“Lay it out for me. What are you looking for?” I’d rather we be on the same page from the get-go. I can’t offer a ton of honesty here, but I can with this.
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re very straightforward?” Her head tilts, but there’s a smile playing on her face.
“Most days. I don’t believe in playing games. I’d rather be upfront. I don’t presume you have a lot of time to figure out what I’m after, and I most certainly don’t.”
“So, what? You want the white-picket fence and the two-point-five kids? Is that what you’re after?”
“Right now? God no. I can’t imagine anyone wants to deal with me long term.” And that’s the damn truth. I barely have a home base at this point, and that’s not conducive to any relationship.Whatever I’m doing with Nova right now is sure to bite me in the ass, but apparently, I’m a sucker for big brown eyes and pouty lips.
