Page 182 of A Matter of Time

He looked directly at her, and I heard her sharp indrawn breath before she shivered. I understood. Hard to know what your reaction to Sam Kage should be. The man was menacing and alluring in equal measure. He radiated danger and plain old raw sex appeal. The combination was intoxicating.

“You’re his new partner, right?” Sam asked gruffly.

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you Jory’s partner?”

“What?”

I bumped her to break the spell.

“Oh…yes.” She recovered, offering him her hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”

He shook her hand quickly. “And you.”

“We’re on a spy mission.” She smiled impishly. “Did he tell you?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Are you here alone? Do you want to share a cab home with us?”

“No, I have friends and⁠—”

“His girl’s waiting on him,” I told Dylan. “He has to go.”

“Oh, okay,” she said, her arm tightening around my back. “Well then, we’ll see you, Detective. You have a nice night.”

He nodded.

“Could you give me a little of your weight, please,” she snapped at me gently.

“I’ll crush you.”

“I think I weigh more than you.” She sighed. “Just let me take care of you. I’m dying to mother you.”

I rolled my eyes, and we started to walk away.

“Why don’t you let me drive you both home?” Sam suggested out of the blue.

Dylan stopped, but I kept going.

She planted her feet.

I pushed her off-balance, forcing her to take a step forward.

“What are you doing?” She was confused. “Stop trying to push me.”

“Let’s just go.”

But she ignored me, turning instead back to Sam. “I thought you were out with your friends.”

“I am, but we’re about to leave anyway. It’s no trouble, and if his ankle’s bad like you said, then I would be glad to help.”

“It’s not that bad,” I grumbled quickly.

“Are you kidding?” Dylan was flabbergasted. “The limping’s getting worse, not better.”

I sighed deeply. “We can catch a cab. It’s no problem. Thanks anyway.”