"We need to talk to Olivia," Barrett said, cutting into his steak."We need to hear her perspective on your aunt's final months."
"I can't help but be worried."
Barrett's expression remained calm."We don't know anything yet.Let's gather facts first before we jump to conclusions.We need more information, so we can understand."
"You're right, of course."Cadie watched Barrett as he ate, noting the way his hands moved and admiring the strong line of his jaw.He looked up and caught her staring.Her eyes met his for a moment too long.She looked away, taking a sip of wine to cover her reaction.
She tried to ignore how Barrett's shirt fit across his shoulders or the way his voice dropped when he spoke to her—but she couldn't.Each moment reminded her of what they'd had so long ago, made her wonder what could have been.
Barrett's voice pulled her from her thoughts."Are you okay?"
"I'm fine…just thinking about tomorrow."
"We'll go together," he said."I'll contact Olivia tonight and arrange a meeting.You can ask about your aunt's final months, and I'll observe."
"What are you looking for?"
"Inconsistencies, body language, the way she responds to questions."He took another sip."People tell you things even when they're trying to hide them.You just have to know how to listen."
Cadie believed him.His SEAL training and years as an investigator had taught him to read people.She felt safer knowing he would be with her when she met Olivia.
Dinner ended and Barrett paid the bill despite Cadie's half-hearted protest.Then they were standing with the journal back in Cadie's book bag and the evening was over.
Barrett escorted her through the lobby and into the elevator.The hotel was quiet, as likely most guests were either out for the evening or settled in their rooms.At the top of the stairs, Cadie turned down the hallway.Her room was first.She stopped at her door and turned to face Barrett.
He stood close, not crowding her but near enough that she could feel warmth radiating from him.His dark eyes had an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
"Get some rest," he said in a soft voice.
"Thank you for being here, for helping with all of this."She gestured vaguely, encompassing the investigation, the journal, everything.
"I'm not going anywhere, Cadie."
The promise in his words went beyond the investigation.She heard it in his tone, saw it in his eyes.Maybe he meant he wasn't leaving her this time.
The moment stretched between them.He was close enough to kiss.All she had to do was lean forward, close the distance, and see if his lips felt like she remembered.
But she couldn't—not now.
She stepped back, breaking the spell."Good night, Barrett."
She imagined that she saw disappointment in his expression.Then she unlocked her door and slipped inside, closing it behind her before she could change her mind.She leaned against the door and closed her eyes, her heart pounding.
Cadie had come to Charleston to settle her aunt's estate and understand what happened.She hadn't come looking for romance, but her life rarely went according to plan.
Chapter 6
Barrett woke early and stared at the ceiling.His mind went to dinner with Cadie the night before.
He envisioned her in the blue dress under the soft lighting.He'd felt the attraction outside her door and wanted to kiss her.He'd come dangerously close to pressing his lips to hers.He hadn't, but wasn't sure how long he could resist.
Barrett's job was to investigate Celia Ann Stratton's death.Getting involved with Cadie while investigating was unprofessional at best, dangerous at worst.He needed to maintain objectivity and stay focused on the facts.
There was one problem.Every time he looked at Cadie, objectivity became harder to maintain.
He pushed the thought aside and got out of bed.A long run would help clear his head and give him space.He could think about meeting Olivia Stewart, the woman who had cared for Celia Ann in her final years.He needed to be sharp, observant, ready to notice details that others might miss.
Barrett changed into his jogging clothes and headed out into the cool morning.He set a steady pace through the historic district, along the old sidewalks.The city was just waking up, with shop owners unlocking doors and early risers walking dogs.
