Page 40 of Loving a Billionaire

Pausing, she studied his expression. Just as when she had chased after the purse-snatcher, Austin’s face was slowly losing color.

“My partner and I,” she quickly resumed, “were supposed to ask you questions in regards to the Kalama Kane case. But when my partner didn’t show up, and I heard the thumping noise in your suite, I had no other choice but to go inside to see what was happening. I announced myself, but you didn’t respond. Of course, that was when you came out of the bathroom and caught me.”

He nodded in hesitation. “Why did you lead me to think you were someone else?”

“When I first saw you, I literally lost my breath.” She chuckled lightly. “You’d startled me, but it was more than that. I’ve never seen a more handsome man in my life, and well, I was at a loss for words, as you could tell. I was extremely embarrassed because of the dress I was wearing, and I realized you wouldn’t have believed I was a police detective if I had my gun pulled on you, wearing the red dress. That’s another reason why I decided to be someone else. At the time, though, I wasn’t sure who you thought I was.”

He wore a blank expression as he shook his head. “I’m sure you were quite surprised when I said the things I had.”

“You have no idea.” She chuckled. “And when I left and met up with my partner later, he was the one who thought I should go undercover to finish collecting information from you. That’s why I came to your place yesterday.”

His jaw hardened, and the light in his green eyes disappeared. “You were wired when you were with me last night?”

“Yes, in a way. Our conversation was being recorded... well, up until we started arm wrestling. That’s when I decided to take out my earpiece.”

His gaze narrowed on her. “Why did you want to take it out?”

“Because I didn’t want Kurt in my ear any longer.”

“Who is Kurt?”

“Oh, he’s my partner. Kurt Hamill.”

Austin’s eyes widened as anger lines appeared around his mouth. She quickly continued, “Anyway, by the time I had taken my earpiece out, I’d decided you hadn’t murdered Kalama Kane.”

Austin’s eyebrows lifted. “Really? You thought that?”

“There’s no way a man with your heart and giving nature could be a killer. Besides, I was enjoying my evening with you, and I didn’t want my partner to suspect what I was feeling.”

“What were you feeling?”

She placed the badge and the Glock inside her purse and zipped it up. “I was starting to really like you.” Hesitantly, she looked up and met his wide eyes. “You probably know that it’s against the rules for detectives to go out on a date with a suspect.”

Austin’s face relaxed, and a hint of a smile touched his mouth. “But you don’t think I’m a suspect, right?”

“Not anymore.”

“Did you collect all the information you needed from me to make that decision?”

Sighing, she rested her hands on her lap. “Not, not exactly. I have one last question to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Where were you last Sunday morning between nine-thirty and ten-thirty?” She really didn’t have to ask, because she knew he was innocent. But she waited for him to answer, anyway. She wasn’t worried.

Finally, recognition shone on his face and he smiled. “I was having a brunch with some of my board members. We were at the hotel in the restaurant. I’m sure your task force will be able to get surveillance footage from the security cameras.”

She shrugged one shoulder. “I’m sure they could if they want. I don’t need it. I knew you must be preparing for the big forty-eight-hour meeting that you had which made you so exhausted.”

He nodded. “You’re right. That was it.”

So far, this conversation was going the way she’d wanted. He’d acted upset at first, and she didn’t blame him, but now he was relaxing more, which made her heart lighten. Leaning toward him, she laid her hand on his chest. “Are you upset at me? I would understand if you were. But it’s my job, and well, I’m just glad I got to know you so that I could take you off my suspects’ list.”

“I’ll admit that your confession shocked me, but I suppose if I was in your shoes, I would have done the same.” He laughed lightly. “That explains why you were able to take down the purse-snatcher so quickly.”

She flipped her hand. “All in a day’s work.”

He took hold of her hand and placed it back on his chest. “I like it better right here.”