Locked In Temptation

“Okay.”

Moments later she watched him dig in, take his first mouthful, close his eyes and moan. “These are great-tasting pancakes, Joy.”

“Thanks. While in high school I worked at a café where I learned how to flip eggs and make all kinds of breakfast meals. Pancakes were my specialty. I seldom prepare a meal like this for myself—usually I operate on doughnuts and coffee.”

“What do you eat for lunch?” he asked her.

“I rarely eat lunch. Most days I work through it.”

“What about dinner?”

She took a sip of her coffee and then answered. “Usually I grab a salad from someplace on the way home, but that could be anytime of night. I have no set time to leave work.” No need telling him that she’d pulled an all-nighter more than a few times.

He nodded. “How are things going for you at work?” Stonewall asked while spooning more eggs onto his plate. She was glad he seemed to enjoy the breakfast she’d prepared.

“Hectic as usual. Got at least fifteen homicides I’m working.”

“That’s a lot.”

“Tell me about it. Most of them didn’t get the attention they deserved when everyone was focused on the Erickson case. One in particular involves a woman who froze to death one night under suspicious circumstances. I guess you can say Murphy Erickson messed things up in Charlottesville in more ways than one.”

Murphy Erickson was infamous. The mobster had promised to kill everyone who’d been in the courtroom the day his sentence had been read, including Margo. Ten people had been killed before the assassin Murphy had hired was taken down by Striker while on the job, protecting her.

“Still no new leads on that? The authorities still don’t know who killed Erickson?”

“Not that I heard. It’s a federal investigation now and the Feds aren’t telling us anything.”

Her eyes lingered on him. He was finishing off the last of his pancakes. He’d eaten every single one. Knowing it was rude to stare, she picked up her cup and took a sip of her coffee, diverting her attention to the mountains that could be seen over the rooftops of the homes behind hers. On some days she wished she could see more of them but was grateful for the view she had.

“Breakfast was delicious, Joy,” Stonewall said, reclaiming her attention.

“Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it,” she said, standing to start clearing the table. No need telling him that she’d enjoyed preparing it for him, as well.

“So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?” he asked, standing to help her.

“I don’t have any. It will be one of those rare do-nothing days for me. What time will you be leaving town today?”

“Around five. I’ll check on Granny Kay and Mellie before taking off.”

“You don’t have to help me with the dishes if you’re pushed for time.”

“Who said I’m pushed for time? Besides, it’s the least I can do after you cooked such a delicious breakfast. Next time, I’ll fix breakfast.”

He’d said it like he was certain there would be a next time. That assumption from any other man would have bothered her, but from Stonewall it had the opposite effect. Made her feel good and gave her something to definitely look forward to.

When they reached the kitchen, she told him her dishwasher was broken and gave him the choice to wash or dry. He wanted to wash the dishes and tossed her the towel. “Don’t freak out at all the bubbles,” he said, squirting more dish detergent than she thought was needed into the sink. “I like bubbles.”

She rolled her eyes. “I like bubbles, too, but in my bathwater, Stonewall. Go easy on that stuff.”

He chuckled as he began washing the dishes. She watched, fascinated by the strategy he used in separating everything into stacks. He smiled over at her when he saw how she was watching him. “Anything wrong?”

“Why not just throw them all in together?”

“Not on my watch. My plates will never share the same water with my cups or eating utensils.”

She rolled her eyes. “First of all, those aren’t your plates, and I don’t care who shares water with who as long as they’re all clean in the end.”

“Chill. I got this. Let me do this my way. You like keeping your television on 24/7 and I like separating things when I wash dishes.”

“Just trying to help you save time,” she said, handing him the stack of plates. “You’re the one leaving town today.”

“And like I said earlier, I’m not pushed for time. Besides, there’s a reason I want to hang around a little longer.”

She glanced up at him. “Is there?”

“I get to spend more time with you.”

A part of her wished he didn’t stay stuff like that. Yesterday he’d told her he thought she was special, and now he’d let her know he wanted to spend more time with her.

“You just got quiet on me,” he said, handing her a washed plate that she thought he took longer than usual to rinse. Probably because it had been covered with suds.

“I hadn’t expected all this for a first date.”

“What’s all this?”

“You know. Flying to dinner in another state. A special dessert made just for me. A night of great sex. Having breakfast together. Sharing kitchen duties. All of that.”

“Umm, is something wrong with all of that?”

Why did he have to ask in such a deep, husky, turn-you-on voice? “No, there’s nothing wrong with it. I just wasn’t expecting it. Makes me wonder...”

“About what?”

“About what you expect,” she said, handing him the frying pan.

He didn’t say anything for minute as he handed her another plate. “What makes you think I have any expectations?”

“You’re a man.”

A smile touched his lips. “Yes, and you’re a woman. A woman I happen to like.”

“That’s a start.”

“Yes, I think so, Joy. All relationships have to begin somewhere.”

He’d just said the one word she detested. Relationship. Mainly because she’d been there. Done that. Refused to go that way again.

“You’re frowning. Did I say something wrong?”