Flirting with Fire

“How close?”

Ignoring Anderson’s question, Gia laid her hand on Nathan’s knee and leaned toward him, whispering, “Sorry. I didn’t mean…”

Her touch was akin to downing several tumblers of whiskey in a single gulp, and her closeness allowed him to indulge in the captivating, subtle scent that clung to her skin. “It’s okay. I’m glad to be a friend.”

“You always seem to be around when something crazy happens.”

“Like two weeks ago when Franco came down with the stomach flu and I learned how to be a maître d’ in ten minutes?”

Her grin blossomed full-out, the one that inevitably sent his fantasies spinning out of control. “Exactly like that.”

“You’ve been there for me, too, though. Remember all those confessions of my romantic woes?”

He’d only known Gia a few weeks when he’d told her about his girlfriend, the one he’d followed to New York only to have her run off with a hot-shot navy pilot on leave two weeks later. They were now happily tucked away in Southern California. In turn, Nathan was left lusting after a stunning Italian restaurant owner he had as much chance with as he had of landing a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier.

“I remember,” she said, “but your crappy past doesn’t remotely compare to mine. At least you had one great relationship.”

“One I couldn’t hold on to.”

“Yeah, well, I’m zero for twenty—and that only covers my dates during the past year.”

“They were all idiots.”

“So was she.”

Warmth infused him, both at her words and the understanding in her eyes. Moments like these gave him hope…though the timing couldn’t be worse.

Gia squeezed his hand. “Thanks for sticking.”

“Franco and the rest of the guys wanted to stay, too. I convinced them I’d take care of you.”

“And why would you volunteer for that? I don’t expect you to save me all the time, you know.”

“But I like to.”

Meeting his gaze, her eyes focused with determination. “Why?”

He scrambled for the right answer. If their relationship—such as it was—could be plotted with angles and measurements, he’d be on much firmer ground. Her importance in his life had grown exponentially with every word of welcome, smile and conversation. The shared confessions were absolute proof his feelings were much more than a crush and they weren’t going away. Maybe if he drew a diagram of—

“Yo!” The detective slammed his hand onto the desk. “Could you wind up your personal drama so I can get on with my investigation?”

“Sorry,” Nathan said, dragging his attention from Gia.

“Yeah, yeah, got the hots for each other.” Anderson waved his hand. “Doesn’t take a detective to figure that out. But back to the dead guy…”

Gia scowled—whether at the memory of a deceased customer or the idea of them having the hots for each other, Nathan wasn’t sure. “I don’t know what else I can tell you. Elliot started to eat his dinner, he gasped then collapsed. He probably had a heart attack. I’m sorry he died, but I don’t see how we can do anything about it now.” Rising, Gia faced the detective. “Have you eaten? I’m sure we have plenty of leftovers in the kitchen. I’d be glad to throw something together for you.”