Could he be using this whole fake relationship thing to get close to her? The thought made her chest ache. “Fine, you want the truth? A few months back, right after the investigation on the coven, I auditioned for a slot at a local radio station but I didn’t get the job.”
“I’m sorry. Whoever it was that didn’t hire you is an idiot. I heard your podcast. It’s fresh and entertaining.” His eyes softened in the darkness. “But I’m not following. What does the radio job have to do with me?”
“Not long after the audition, I saw you at the bank talking to the mayor. His brother is the station manager.” She shifted nervously on her feet. “When you both looked my way, I sensed that you were talking about me. Don’t try and deny it, Garrett.”
“You’re right. We were talking about you, but not in the way you think.” His gaze narrowed. “Let me get this straight, you assumed I told him that you were suspected of criminal activity? You think I’d ruin your chances at a job out of spite?”
When he put it like that, it sounded horrible, but at the time, she’d been so sure. “Garrett—”
“It explains your animosity toward me, but it’s not true, never happened. For the record, I’d never do something like that to you.” His face hardened a fraction, and his eyes flared with indignation. Goddess help her, he was telling the truth.
A moment passed and then another with neither of them saying a word. She’d been carrying around this misplaced grudge all this time when she could’ve been getting to know him better. Her sense of self-righteousness deflated faster than a pin popping a helium balloon. “I’m such an idiot. I misjudged you. I was wrong.”
He ran a hand over his mouth. “Why didn’t you say something all those months ago, right after it happened?”
“What was I supposed to do, march into the police station and accuse you of something I had no actual proof of, especially when I had at least five unpaid parking tickets stuffed in my glove box?” She cracked a smile. “I don’t think it would’ve gone over very well.”
His eyes twinkled with amusement. “True. Although I think I might be able to help you out with those tickets.” He brushed a stray hair off her face, and every nerve ending in her body came to life. “The question remains, where does this leave us going forward?” His voice took on a husky tone, making it clear he wasn’t only talking about the investigation.
“I can’t think about anything until Brooke’s found, but I do want to let the past go. I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me?” she asked in a soft voice.
“Apology accepted. I’m glad we finally cleared that up. I think we just had our first fight.” He placed a hand on her hip, and goosebumps broke out along her skin. “I believe this is the part where we kiss and make up.”
His gaze turned scorching hot. He moved his other hand from the wall to the nape of her neck and leaned closer, his lips a breath away. She closed her eyes in anticipation, ready to melt on the spot, when the thunder of a loud engine that could be heard halfway around the block made her jump, breaking the spell.
Garrett took a step back and cursed under his breath. “That would be Teague. His car has a very distinctive sound. We should probably go inside.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” After their near kiss, Gillian needed a drink and a moment to compose herself before they faced their friends.
He motioned for her to walk ahead of him, and she wondered if he wanted to check out her ass. By the time they made it back to Amanda’s, a bright orange car with black stripes sat idling at the curb.
Natalya stood at the front, guarding the door. “Good evening. You two look great together,” she said with a wink. “I’ve been checking everyone’s name to make sure they’re on the guest list. Backup is meeting me here just in case.”
“We should be in good shape,” Garrett said, glancing over his shoulder before turning back around. “Lawrence would be foolish to send some of his thugs into a room full of supernaturals, but better to be prepared if he does.”
A car door slammed. Gillian turned to see Cayden Teague step out of the noisy muscle car. She wondered how he managed to fit his enormous body into the front seat. Dressed in a navy suit jacket, torn jeans, a Metallica concert t-shirt, and black Converse, he held a bottle of Moet Chandon in his hand. His taste in clothing might be eclectic, but his champagne choice was classic.
He waved, and except for the short, spikey blond hair and gray horns, he looked like Chris Hemsworth’s doppelganger. “Good night for a party, huh?” Cayden walked over and shook hands with Garrett and gave her a quick hug.
“Are you running a 340, 4-barrel under the hood?” Garrett gazed at the car in awe, a wide smile spread across his handsome face. Gillian immediately tuned out, not up on any sort of car lingo.
“I restored her a few years back,” Cayden said with a note of pride.
Natalya turned to Gillian and rolled her eyes. “I’ve always wondered if men who drive fast cars are trying to overcompensate for something.”
The two women burst into laughter.
Cayden walked over to where Natalya stood and scowled. “Funny, I’ve never had any complaints over the last few hundred years, but any time you want to find out for sure, you let me know, Detective Dubrosky.”
“You really do have the most over-inflated ego.” Natalya threw him a scornful glare.
“I think that’s our cue to join the party.” Garrett grabbed her hand and laced his fingers with hers. Gillian glanced down at their joined hands and a shiver slid through her.
“What’s the deal with those two?” Gillian whispered to Garrett once they were out of earshot.
“Long story.”
They walked through the door and right up to the bar. The restaurant gave off a classy, warm vibe. Instrumental jazz music played softly in the background. From the sounds of chatter and boisterous laughter, the party was in full swing. She wasn’t sure who’d they run into first, and astream of hot anticipation coursed through Gillian’s veins as her gaze darted around the bar. She didn’t recognize anyone, and it made her tense. Could one of these males be an attacker sent for her? She was still skittish from earlier. She reminded herself that the room was filled with cops and agents; she would be safe.
