Rico inhaled, then blew out a harsh breath. “You wanna tell me what for?”
“I can’t discuss it over the phone.”
“That’s cool, man. I trust you. I’m closed tomorrow and Christmas day. When you thinkin’ of comin’?”
“Not those days.”
Rico chuckled. “Ask for me when you get here. Oh, dude, one more thing. Everyone here wears a mask, you know, for privacy.”
“Got it.”
“Hey, man, Merry Chr—”
Sin hung up as Erica returned with a pitcher of water and two crystal goblets. After filling the glasses, she closed the door behind her.
“What’s your schedule like after Christmas?” he asked.
“Wide open.”
“Good. We’ll head to Florida right after the holiday.”
Evangeline’s phone rang. “It’s my sister. I’ve gotta take this.” She answered. “Hey, Hannah.” She sauntered to the window and Sin forced himself not to admire her backside. “Are you back from the doctor? How’s the baby? That’s great, honey. I’m in a meeting. I’ll stop by later.” She hung up.
“Don’t discuss this with anyone.” Sin slid a steak tip into his mouth and chewed.
“I’ve gotta tell my sister that’s not me in the video.”
“I know you two are close, but we have to keep a tight lid on this.”
“How did you know we’re close?” she asked, then returned to sit beside him.
Sin forked potatoes, then lifted his gaze to hers. “I make it my business to know everything that goes on in this town.” He tossed a nod toward her uneaten food. “No good?”
“It’s fine. My stomach’s in knots.”
Sin put down his fork and wrapped his fingers around her shoulder. “I’ve got this. No worries. You trusted me once. Can you do it again?”
To his surprise, a light pinkish hue covered her cheeks. The rosy color reminded him of how her skin would flush with color after sex. He wanted to run his fingers down her soft skin, but he squeezed her shoulder and removed his hand instead.
“That was personal,” she said. “This is professional.”
“Equal halves of the same whole.” He waited for her to speak. This wasn’t going to work unless she trusted him to do his job, no matter where it took them.
After a pregnant pause, she murmured, “I trust you.” Though her voice was quiet, intensity shone from her eyes. The magnetic pull felt impossible to resist. But, that wasnotwhat this was about. So, he pushed out of his chair and stood behind his desk. Had to put some distance between them. “I’m including three members of my team on your case. Ready to get started?”
She offered a tight nod. Sin buzzed someone, then eased back down at the head of the conference table. When a familiar-looking man from the stakeout walked into the room, Evangeline rose.
“Jacoby Jones.” He shook her hand before sitting across the table from her.
Two women entered, one of them Erica Doyle. The second was also from the stakeout.
“Maria Sanchez. I go by Sanchez, but answer to either name.” Instead of a handshake, she offered a warm smile as she rolled out the chair beside Jacoby.
Erica gestured for Evangeline to sit before easing down beside her.
Sin led a discussion that lasted into the early afternoon. The team discussed next steps and possible roadblocks. “My goal with this case is simple,” Sin said. “Find the woman in the video so we can clear Evangeline’s name and she can return to work.”
But he always kept histrueagenda close to his chest. He wanted to get to know Evangeline in all the ways that mattered. He’d let her slip away once before. Now that he could help her, he’d do it for her sake…and for his own.
