Page 65 of Hard Pass

What’s there is unspoken. Unavoidable.

And then he steps back like he’s been burned and my pulse races in a way that has nothing to do with the case.

“Don’t make me regret this,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

“I won’t.”

I hold his gaze a second longer, no real idea what I’m searching for and, just as I’m about to turn and head into my class, I say, “Stronger.”

“Stronger?” His brows narrow.

“You said you weren’t sure if seeing a sports psychologist made you stronger or weaker.” I pause. “The answer is stronger.”

Then I head into my class without looking back. But that doesn’t mean when I push through the doors, my hand isn’t rubbing the spot on my arm where he held on.

“Um. Hello?”

I look up to see Willa waiting for me. Her hands are on her hips and her eyebrows are raised. “Oh my God,” she hisses. “Was that seriously him? The kiss to end all kisses?”

I shoot her a look. “Lower your voice.”

“Age suits him very well.” She says it like he’s fifty years old and graying when he’s twenty-four. “The man has definitely filled out in all the right ways.” She gives an appreciative hum as she looks back out the window like he’s still there. “And to think he’s your new case, and you didn’t tell me.”

I don’t even bother to apologize but the resignation in my voice must say it for me. “It’s a long story.”

“I’m sure it is.” She grins. “You’ve had your tongue down the throat of the man you’re investigating.”

“Shush.” I look around as if anyone cares what we’re talking about.

“Why?” She laughs. “I thought it was tamer than saying he had his fingers—”

I quickly put my hand over her mouth and smother the words and her laugh that follows. “Willa,” I warn. “It’s not like that.”

“From my angle, it absolutely is. I mean, there’s a reason we dubbed him the nickname ‘the kiss to end all kisses.’” Her brow arches slowly. “Conflict of interest much?”

I level her with a glare. If my easy, fun-loving friend thinks it, then Marcus most definitely would. Shit.

“That’s why you need to keep your voice down,” I say.

“Does your boss know?”

“No.”

A startled look. “Dublin Locke is breaking the rules for a man?”

“Not a man.”

She smirks. “Looked like a pretty fine man to me.”

I roll my eyes. “Stop.”

“Just saying.” She holds her hands up. “Does confirming whether the kiss still holds up count as part of the investigation?”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“Perhaps but you know you still wondered about it.”

I don’t respond because damn it, she’s not entirely wrong.