Page 115 of Dead Pretty

And that is the last thing I want.

My cell vibrates in my hand, startling me.

A look at the screen tells me it’s Cole. It’s not unusual for him to call me late. He’s a night owl.

It’s been a little over a week since I last spoke to him now that I think about it.

He’s not going to be happy with me. I’m supposed to call once a week.

It’s just that I have been distracted by the man currently sleeping in my bed.

Not that I’ll be sharing that nugget of information with Cole.

He won’t be keen on me dating someone that he hasn’t had the opportunity to meet and vet.

Having an overprotective brother can be a pain at times. But I understand why he is the way he is.

Smiling, I apprehensively answer the call, putting the phone to my ear.

“Hey,” I say softly.

“So, you are alive then?” He sounds like he’s teasing, but he knows better than to say things like that to me, meaning he’s pissed but disguising it.

“I’m sorry. I should have called.”

“Yes, you should have. What’s been keeping you so busy?”

I can’t tell him that one of my coworkers was murdered alongside his girlfriend. Cole would lose his mind and order me home straightaway.

Not that I would go.

I can’t leave Jack.

I know that deep inside my heart. The heart that Jack has reawakened within me.

But I also don’t want to upset my brother. So, the best thing to do is to tell him nothing.

“Work. One of the guys who worked there … he quit. So, we’re down an employee. And my boss has been out sick for a few days as well, so I’ve been running the place in her absence. Early mornings, late evenings.”

“You shouldn’t let them overwork you, Audrey.”

“I’m not. I’m just helping out. My boss is a nice lady. She would never take advantage.”

The line goes silent. I hate when Cole goes quiet on me.

“I made a new friend,” I tell him.

“Oh?” I can hear the interest in his voice. “And what is this new friend called?”

“Gary.”

Another pause. I’m fighting a smile. Not that he can see it right now.

But somehow, my brother has the ability to see and know most things about me.

“A man?”

“Uh-huh.” I can no longer fight the grin, and it spreads over my whole face.