Page 11 of Loving a Billionaire

“Thanks. Although I still expect it will be difficult to find her, I promise I’ll try really hard. I suppose I owe you one since I didn’t get you a birthday present.”

Austin chuckled. “Thanks, Ariki.”

After Austin hung up, he thought about what he’d just said. Had he really sounded like a love-struck boy just now? Of course, somehow he’d led the poor woman astray, and he wanted a second chance at passion.

Unbeknownst to him, the woman had gotten under his skin, and he actually liked the feeling. But he couldn’t get soft at this crucial point in his life. Especially not now, since he’d be signing the papers to purchase a chain of resorts across the Pacific Islands tomorrow. He needed to stay focused and strong, and then after everything was over, he could let the eagerness fill him again.

Today was already starting out good, and hopefully he’d have some better news after work.

SIX

Talia took a fortifyingbreath as she smoothed out the tiny wrinkles from the fresh black slacks and lavender blouse she’d dressed in. This time she looked presentable to go to work. Although she’d told Kurt she’d meet him back at the station in one hour last night, her headache had grown worse, and she just couldn’t attempt to talk to him – or anyone – about what had happened with Austin Reeder. The moments of pleasure she’d had with Austin were too embarrassing, and she couldn’t face anyone.

However, today was a new day. She’d try to forgive herself for lapsing momentarily into stupidity with Austin, and start over. Now as she stood at the cement stairs leading into Honolulu’s police station, she hoped her body didn’t somehow magnify her transgression from the night before. Did she still look like a woman who’d just experienced the best kiss of her life? More importantly, did she look like someone who was very much ashamed of being attracted to a murder suspect?

As she walked into the building, her co-workers looked up at her, nodded a greeting, and then returned to their work. So far, so good. Meeting Kurt this morning would be different, she was sure.

He’d been on his computer when she walked into the room. His eyes were fixed on the monitor, and he absentmindedly twirled a lock of brown hair around a finger. She’d always liked to tease him about it doing this, but today she just wasn’t in the teasing mood.

He didn’t notice her until she was almost to her desk. When his gaze met hers, he pushed away from his desk and stood. His tall frame stood over her by a good five inches.

“How are you feeling?”

She gave him a one-shoulder shrug. “Better, I think.”

“Are you ready to tell me what happened?”

She really wasn’t, but... she had to tell him at some point. “Yes.”

“Here?” He pointed to their desks. “Or somewhere in private?”

She took a quick glance around the room. There were too many people at their desks and could overhear. “Private.”

He motioned her to step ahead of him, and then they walked into the nearest empty interrogation room. As she sat, he closed the door.

“Tell me what happened. I don’t want you to leave anything out.” Kurt paced in front of her. His tone of voice was the one he used when cross-examining the perps.