He laughed softly, turned back to the stove. “Not ready yet.”
JJ exhaled heavily. “I know this girl exists, but for the life of me, I can’t find her. I’ve even got her name on the marriage license, so I know she’s real.”
Baz stirred in the teriyaki sauce with the chicken and vegetables he’d combined. “We’re not talkin’ about Ava March, are we?”
“No. Her name’s Shayla Andrews. She’s the underage girl Rivers was with back in the day.”
“Maybe she changed her name after they called off the wedding.”
“Possible,” JJ grumbled. “But you’d think I’d still find her.”
“And why are you looking?” he asked, turning off the stove and pulling the sauté pan from the hot burner. He pulled the lid off the five-minute rice JJ favored, checked to ensure it was done.
“I’d like to talk to her. Find out what happened. Thought maybe she could give me an idea of Rivers, what he’s capable of.”
That was the question they were all seeking an answer to. More specifically, Baz wondered whether or not Harrison Rivers was capable of murder. If so, there was a good chance this search for Ava March would result in a recovery, not a rescue.
After he dished the food on the plates, he motioned for JJ to join him at the dining room table. She hopped down with enthusiasm, singing his praises. Baz got the feeling JJ was happier with the fact that he cooked for her rather than what it was he made. He knew if he left it to her, she would eat packaged donuts or canned soup before making an effort on something with more nutrients.
“Take a breather,” he insisted. “Want some wine?”
“Not tonight, but thanks. I need to keep a clear head.”
“Water? Or tea?”
“Water’s fine.”
While she sat, he got two glasses, filled them with ice, added water. When he returned to the table, he found she was waiting for him. He loved that she didn’t dig in, preferring to share a meal with him.
It was the little things, he realized. And there were so many little things he’d learned about JJ over the past six months. Ever since the truth had come out about Molly and the baby not being his, things between him and JJ had progressed. So much so he was already thinking about the next steps for them. Of course, he kept those thoughts to himself because he knew better than to push her. The last time he did, back when he’d invited her to Thanksgiving dinner with his folks, he’d caused the implosion of their relationship. He wasn’t willing to risk that again.
“What’s on your mind, Detective?” she asked, her eyes dancing with amusement. “You said to take a breather.”
He liked the fact she now used the detective moniker as a nickname rather than a way for her to keep him at arm’s length.
“I am.” He picked up his fork. “Swear it.”
“Well, if you don’t have anything pressing, I might have some news,” she said smoothly.
“News?” he prompted when it was clear she wanted him to.
She nodded.
“Does this have anything to do with you and Bristol conspiring last night?”
Her grin widened. “Maybe.”
“What’re you two cookin’ up?”
JJ took a bite, chewed. “Bristol might’ve mentioned she’s gonna put her house on the market.”
Baz set down his fork, picked up his water. “And what’s that mean for you?”
Her cheeks turned a fascinating shade of rose, her smile disappearing. “I might’ve mentioned I’d be in the market for a house in the near future.”
Suddenly the few bites he’d managed sat heavily in his gut.
JJ was watching him intently. “Maybe I should amend that.” Her grin returned, slow and wicked. “I told her thatwe’dbe in the market for a house in the near future.”
