Lead Me On

Not really crying, Chase scrambled to assure himself. Her eyes just got a little…wet. She sniffed.

“Oh, shit,” he muttered. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re right.” She sniffed again and swiped at her eyes. “I was beyond rude.”

“Okay, but I shouldn’t have said that.”

“You have every right to be mad. I was… I told myself it was okay because you were a man, but it wasn’t okay. It was unkind. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

“All right, apology accepted. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

She put her shoulders back and took a deep breath, seemingly calming herself, but a tear still escaped and slipped down her cheek before she swiped it impatiently away. “I had a tough weekend. It’s not your fault.”

“Bad birthday?”

“Oh, boy,” she said on a laugh, but the laugh turned into a little hiccup.

“Aw, Jane,” he murmured, edging around the desk to pull her into his arms. He half expected her to resist, but she stepped into him and pressed her forehead to his shoulder.

“I’m okay. Really.” She actually sounded a little better. He’d expected her to break down, but she took a few breaths and relaxed. “All right,” she whispered, but she didn’t push away.

“Tell me nothing bad happened to you.”

“No, nothing. I’m just stressed out and tired. I had trouble sleeping last night.”

Good. Now he could enjoy the chance to touch her. He recognized the scent of her shampoo already. It had been imprinted permanently on his brain on Friday night. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thank you. I’m really sorry, Chase.”

Chase was busy with thoughts of the last time he’d touched her, so it took a moment for the noise behind him to register. He was just lifting his head when Quinn walked past.

“Hey, Chase,” Quinn muttered. “Morning, Jane.”

Jane jumped back, jerking violently away before Chase could drop his arms. Inhaling sharply, she slapped a hand over her mouth as if to stifle the sound, her eyes flying to her boss’s back. But Quinn walked on, head down, totally absorbed in the papers in his hand. A few seconds later he disappeared into his office and closed the door.

“Oh, my God,” Jane whispered. “Chase, you’ve got to get out of here. Oh, God.”

“All right, all right. I’ll go.” He held up his hands to appease her, but she backed away. “But you owe me another date.”

“I certainly do not—”

Quinn’s door opened. He stuck his head out, brow furrowed with harsh suspicion when his eye fell on Chase. He glared at Chase for a moment, then his eyes slid to Jane.

“Jane? Is everything okay here?” He sent Chase another dark glance, as if she needed a hint.

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry. Everything’s fine.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, Mr. Jennings.”

Quinn took a moment to look between them again, eyes narrowed. “All right. If you’re sure you’re okay…”

As soon as his door closed again, Jane snapped, “Get out!”

“Absolutely, as long as you agree to dinner.”

“I specifically said… Okay, fine! Just go.”

“I need your number.”

Jane snatched up a Post-it note and scribbled on it before shoving it into his hands. “Out. Now.”

He smiled. “I’ll call you.”

She was growling when he left, but Chase wasn’t the least bit worried. That girl was hot. And he wanted more time with her, despite the way she’d treated him. He’d enjoyed the hell out of being used…up until the part where she’d snuck out as if he was a gigolo she didn’t want to pay.

Next time he’d tie her up before he took a shower.

Grinning in anticipation, Chase slammed his truck door and headed out to the morning’s site. If only there’d been an explosion scheduled, he would’ve been in a perfect state of bliss.

“THE POLICE ARE OBVIOUSLY trying to draw this out. They’re looking for something bigger, but your brother claims to have no idea what it could be.”

Jane nodded at the grandmotherly woman behind the desk. She didn’t look like a defense attorney, and maybe that was a good thing. She certainly seemed sharp and aggressive.

“The charges are ridiculous. Felony grand larceny will never hold up. I’ve filed for a probable causes hearing. We’ll hear soon.”

“You haven’t found out anything more about this Michelle woman?”

“No. You thought you remembered the name from the search warrant?”

“I think I remember Michelle, but not the last name, and my mom threw the warrant away so she wouldn’t have to look at it. Shouldn’t you be able to get another copy?”

“I should have it today. As to who she could be… Jessie says that one of his friends is dealing. He wouldn’t say who or what, but apparently a girl OD’d a few weeks ago. He’s worried it has something to do with that, but swears he’s never sold drugs. Maybe one of his friends is trying to pin something on him.”

Jane felt her heart speed to a panicked pace. “Oh, God.”

The attorney held up a steady hand. “That’s just Jessie’s mind turning. There’s absolutely no evidence of anything, one way or another. The cause hearing will happen soon. They’ll have to show the rest of their hand and that will work to our advantage.”

“Is there something I can do in the meantime? Anything?”

“Just be patient. And be ready for my call if you want to be at the hearing.”

Her stomach turned as she wondered who the prosecuting attorney would be. “I don’t think I can. Is it important that I be there?”

She nearly slumped with relief when the woman waved a dismissive hand and shook her head.

Jane hurried out of the attorney’s office, trying not to look guilty. Even respectable citizens had attorneys. And even excellent office managers occasionally snuck out of work at four forty-five if the office was empty.