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Landon Burrows.
“I…” I try again, shifting from one foot to the other, searching for the right words to say. “Um…hi.”
Great job, Skye.
His dark eyes dart to the box in my hand, then back to my face. “Is everything all right?” he asks gently, not the slightest bit annoyed.
He’s the exact opposite of Jason.
That makes me snap out of it.
I clear my throat and find my words.
“Yes,” I say clearly, swallowing my nerves down. “My best friend is missing, and I’m hoping you can help me.”
The worst he can say is no.
But please don’t say no.
His eyes narrow and his expression falls.
Oh, no.
He opens his mouth to speak, but I interrupt him.
“I know this isn’t normal, and I apologize for barging in like this,” I continue, standing up straighter. “But I’ve heard you are some of the best private detectives in the country, and I’ve done all I can with our local police.”
I swallow nervously, the action betraying my confident tone.
His scent still swirls around me, lingering in the air, and I use it to calm myself.
Even if he rejects me, I know he won’t be cruel about it.
He shakes his head slightly and frowns. A flash of pity crosses his face, and my stomach sinks. “I’m sorry, Miss…” he trails off, and I want to cry at the inevitable rejection.
“Skylar,” I say, my throat suddenly dry. “My name is Skylar Bloom.”
He gives me a sad smile. “Well, nice to meet you, Skylar. I’m Landon. I’m truly sorry about your friend, Skylar,” he says. “But our caseloads are full, and even if—”
“Please,” I say. Gathering my courage, I walk closer to his desk until I’m standing just a few feet from him. Even though he’s sitting, he’s so tall he almost reaches my standing height. “If I could just have five minutes of your time, I could make my case,” I murmur, my gaze locking onto his.
He wants to deny me. I can tell.
But he inhales deeply, and his pupils suddenly dilate.
Oh.
Does my scent affect him as much as his affects me?
He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing, and I have the sudden urge to lick it.
Focus, Skylar.
He nods. “But two minutes,” he quips. “Not five.”
My stomach flutters and I inhale sharply. Even his harsh tone is attractive.
“April Waters disappeared a few weeks ago, along with her car. And it’s not like her,” I insist. “She didn’t show up for her shift at the café we work at, and when I went to check on her, her car was gone but her purse was still inside her house. I told the police, and we’ve done searches for her, but there’s nothing. No one is taking this seriously enough for me.”
