Seductive Memory

“I’m sorry, hon.” It was obvious that Bormann saw the despair shadowing Paula’s honey-toned face. She pushed to her feet. “I believe we could use that coffee now. You’re gonna have to bring more of that soon if it tastes as good as it smells!”

While Bormann returned to her kitchen, Paula’s attention remained fixed on the folder. She sat there trying to figure out which was worse—talking to Linus about their past or about this present upset? Everything in her said he’d done all completely on the up-and-up.

Almost everything in her said that. There was a time she’d have leaped to his defense at the slightest hint of someone questioning his integrity. But now...it was as she’d told him on that beach in Mexico—the girl who would’ve killed for him if he’d asked her to was gone.

“It’s got such a fabulous color and the fragrance is so rich!” Bormann called as she poured out the coffee.

Paula was searching her phone contacts. Linus wasn’t among them, but Joss Construction had been programmed in when she and Santigo Rodriguez were finalizing the many surprises he had in store for his wife during their honeymoon.

The line was answered. “Joss Construction. How may I direct your call?”

Paula debated half a second longer and then sighed. “Linus Brooks, please.”

Chapter 3 (#u853af398-eb9e-599a-af79-55bdb4a74208)

“So you’re in?” Linus faked impatience while waiting on the man seated across from him to make a final decision on what he had just proposed.

Barker Grant sat with his chair pushed back from the table while he hunched forward. Elbows resting on his knees, his manner confirmed that he was in deep debate with himself.

“How long?” he asked.

Linus grimaced, taking pleasure in the man’s torment. “Two, two and a half weeks tops.”

Barker leaned back in the chair, giving a long, low whistle that had his dark rugged features relaxing with anticipation. “I could sure use some time like that.”

“It’s the age of technology, you know?” Linus said. “We’re all taking work with us, so there’s no reason you can’t too.”

The intensity that so often held Barker’s attractive face returned. “Work’s the last thing I’d want to take along with me to The Bahamas.”

“Seriously?” Linus whistled. “Never thought I’d ever...”

There was no need to finish the statement. Barker Grant was a die-hard workaholic if there ever was one. The award-winning hard-news journalist had a face made for the cameras, but his trademark scowl threw a wrench in those plans. The scowl’s effect often ran more toward intimidation than invitation. Barker didn’t mind; he was most fulfilled when he was digging up what others would prefer remain hidden.

“I’m not getting anywhere with the story I’m trying to put together,” he said.

“Can I get a preview?” Linus asked.

Barker rolled his eyes and smiled. “Nothin’ to preview. Preview means I’d need to have copy written. And folks would have to talk to me before I can write anything.”

“Got it. So as far as the trip goes, all that’s needed now is for you to say yes.”

“So why is it a guys-only trip?” Barker seemed skeptical.

“We’re working.”

Something in Linus’s answer seemed to trigger Barker’s reporter’s instincts, for he watched his old friend at length for several seconds.

“You can go on and say it,” Linus urged in a dry manner.

“Nothin’.” Barker gave a half shrug. “I’m just surprised Eli, Tig and Rook would want to go so far without taking their girls.”

“Yeah, well.” Linus waved to the waiter, indicating refills for himself and Barker. The two had gotten together for lunch at a pub just down the street from the courthouse. “That’s the way they wanted it,” he finished.

“They wanted it that way, huh?” Amusement joined Barker’s knowing expression.

Linus didn’t bother with a response. He merely waited on his old friend to get to the point he intended to make.

“You’re no hermit, Line. I’d think you’d have more than a few lucky ladies you’d want to bring along on a trip like this.”

“A business trip?”

“A Bahamas trip.”

“There’s no one, B.”

“I get it.” Barker’s expression cleared of its suspicion as realization wedged in. “You’re not bringing anyone. My love life’s nonexistent. They’re making it a guys’ trip so we won’t feel like complete losers, huh?”

“That’s not it.” Linus swore even as he burst into laughter. “We’re welcome to bring someone. She doesn’t have to be the one.”

“So why aren’t you—” Barker clipped his question when Linus suddenly bolted to his feet as if at attention. He didn’t have long to wait to discover what had elicited such an alert response.

“Paula.” Linus’s liquid brown eyes were unwavering as DA Paula Starker approached the table.

“Hey, Linus.” Paula’s smile was there, but it was weak. Her efforts increased when she looked at who accompanied him. “Hey, Barker.”

“Well, well, well!” Barker grinned broadly.

The gesture had Paula laughing within seconds. “No comment,” she added and summoned a playfully wicked grin. It was customary for her to greet the reporter in such a manner. Customary but harmless. Paula had nothing but the highest regard for the way Barker did his job. The two of them shared a hug before she turned back to Linus.

“Sorry for interrupting you guys.”

“No problem at all, Madam DA,” Barker insisted as he reclaimed his seat. “Join us.”

“Oh no thanks, Barker. I, um, can’t stay. But please, please,” she urged when Barker changed his mind about sitting.

Barker sat, but noticed his friend still stood at attention. The move spoke volumes.

“I tried to reach you yesterday,” Paula was saying to Linus.

“Really?” Linus’s stance lost some of its rigidness. “No one told me.”

“It’s fine. I—” she gave a quick shake of her head “—I didn’t leave a message or my name when I called. They told me you were in a meeting so... We, um, I need to talk to you.”

“Right.” Linus gave a curt nod and looked to Barker. “B, I’ll catch you later—”

“No, no, it’s fine,” Paula said. “I’m here for another meeting actually. I saw you when I got here and just thought I’d ask.” She cleared her throat to quell the stab of need his fixed gaze had the power to induce.

“If you have time tomorrow—”