Without You

His tanned skin flushed. “Yes.”

“No, but I’m not ruling them out.”

“Dammit, Maria, you’d better go talk to Father Sanchez.”

“You go talk to him.”

There was a heavy silence, then Gomez said, “Look, I’m sorry I got you upset. I didn’t mean to. I actually wanted to tell you about the case I’m working on.”

“Really?” Maria said, surprise in her voice as she sat back down. “That’s a first.”

“I’ve been assigned to investigate the murder of the woman found strangled in that hotel.”

“A feather in your cap, huh?”

“You bet. The primary suspect is a rich swinger named Jackson Cole.”

“The name doesn’t mean anything to me.”

“Cole owns one of those swanky clubs over on Beale Street. And because of who he is, the case is probably going to be high profile. In fact, it already is.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, if I crack it and prove this guy did it, then I’ll win favor in the chief’s eyes.”

“Which might translate into a promotion?” Maria’s voice was hopeful.

“It could, though that’s not a given. Still, it would certainly boost my standing in the department.”

“I know that’s important to you, but it’s more money we need—which is exactly why I can’t quit my job.”

Gomez got up and shifted his holster farther back on his belt, his features grim. “If I do solve this case, I’m going to ask for a raise.”

Maria crossed the room and pecked him on the cheek. “You go for it.”

After she left the dining room, Gomez released a deep sigh, hating how he felt like a failure. Of the wives of his Latino buddies, his was the only one who worked. But he’d married a more independent woman than his friends had. While he’d known that, he’d thought he could change her. Seven years of marriage and three kids later, he hadn’t made much progress. He hadn’t been home enough to accomplish that goal.

As a kid, he couldn’t get enough of playing cops and robbers with his friends. The game had turned into his dream. When that dream had come true, he’d worked like a dog to be the best officer he could, which meant taking any and all assignments.

Now, he had an opportunity to prove his worth, to show his superiors just how good he was. Like he’d told Maria, this big case was his chance to shine, and shine he would. He peered at the dishes on the table and for a moment thought about surprising Maria and cleaning up.

But the notion passed. Woman’s work. He had more important things to do. Slapping on his hat, he made his way to the door.

“You’d better look out, Jackson Cole,” he muttered. “I’m about to become your worst nightmare.”

The morning was gorgeous but rather chilly. Hallie had wanted to have coffee on her patio, but the brisk wind had sent her scurrying back inside.

With that in mind, she’d dressed accordingly, while still conscious of what the day would bring. In the end, she had probably gone a bit overboard in dressing as the true professional. However, her dark-green designer suit did nothing to subdue her thin, shapely figure, or diminish her creamy skin and the punky hairstyle that often aroused obvious disfavor with the judges. But she didn’t care. She wasn’t good at being anything or anyone other than herself.

Hallie stared at the mirror for the umpteenth time, deciding she looked as good as she was ever going to. She was about to turn away, only to pull up short. When was the last time she’d given herself such a going-over before leaving for the office? She answered her own question: a long time ago.

So what was different about today? A sigh parted her lips when that answer also came to mind. She was seeing Jackson. For a moment the old weakness invaded her body again, and she was powerless to move. Then she gave herself a savage shake.

Jackson was just another client. It was imperative she keep that in the forefront of her mind. But if she couldn’t handle the chemistry between them, if it really became a problem, then she would have no choice but to turn Jackson over to Nathan.

Thirty minutes later, she pulled into the parking garage at the firm and made her way up the elevator and into her office. Pearl wasn’t behind her desk, though she noticed a cup of coffee by her assistant’s phone. Most likely she was in the ladies’ room.

Hallie had intended for Pearl to get Nathan on the line, but since Pearl wasn’t nearby, she decided to make the call herself. She wanted to speak with him before Jackson made his appearance.

Preoccupied with thoughts of Jackson’s case, she hadn’t realized she wasn’t alone. Her first clue was the subtle smell of cologne. She froze mid-stride as her gaze swept the room. Like it had yesterday, her stomach dropped to her toes.

Jackson was standing in almost the same spot by the window. He turned and their eyes met and held. The exchange was smoldering. Another repeat of yesterday. Squaring her shoulders, Hallie moved forward, keeping her shock and dismay under wraps.

“This is getting to be a habit,” she said, dropping her purse and briefcase. “A bad one.”

“Sorry,” he said.

Hallie knew better. He wasn’t sorry in the least. Her anger flared, but she kept her feelings hidden. A better time for teaching Jackson his place would present itself. Until then, she’d maintain her professional cool. To let him know he’d disconcerted her wouldn’t be wise.

However, she couldn’t help but notice that his handsome features appeared more strained than ever. Even his eyes were bloodshot, from too much booze or too little sleep. She couldn’t say, nor did she care.

“You’re looking exceptionally good this morning,” he said in that husky tone that never failed to send her pulse rate skyrocketing.

“Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about you,” she responded with intended bluntness, hoping to diffuse the sexual tension that had notched the temperature up several degrees.

He smiled. “I didn’t sleep last night.”

“Not by choice, I assume,” she said, moving farther into the room.

“Nope. Too much on my mind.”

A silence fell between them while they simply stared at each other.

Jackson’s eye’s darkened. “I really had no intention of crashing in on you again.”

“Then, why did you?”

“I wanted to try and talk you out of meeting with the other attorney.”

“That other attorney’s name happens to be Nathan James, which I’m sure you’re aware of.” She folded her arms cross her chest. When she felt the rapid rate of her heart, she dropped her arms. “And not talking to him isn’t an option.”

Jackson shrugged as his blue eyes bore back into hers. She turned away. “At least I get an A for effort.”

Her gaze whipped back to him. “If you’re trying to be funny, you’re wasting your time. I’m not in the mood.”

For a moment his eyes seemed to linger on her chest. She turned her entire body away from him this time, fearing he might see her distended nipples.

“Hallie?”