Page 41 of D for Dead

‘His kid had an epileptic episode earlier and he’s at the hospital. You were supposed to get Special Agent Rivers as a replacement. I took the shift instead.’

His lips curved slightly, but his eyes remained unreadable. Amy swallowed heavily, her kitchen feeling far too warm. She was pleased it wasn’t Rivers. She didn’t like him or want him back in her apartment. So instead she got Sullivan, the detective she was attracted to. And who was looking at her now, suggesting the feeling was mutual.

He’s here professionally. Stop being an idiot. Nothing is going to happen.

He was going to be in her apartment all night.

Why does that make you feel nervous? You’ve spent time alone with him before.

Because something had shifted. Amy wasn’t sure what exactly. There was a tension between them that hadn’t been there before.

I need a drink.

Pulling open the refrigerator door she reached for a beer. ‘Want one?’ she offered.

He hesitated for a brief moment. ‘Sure.’

She took out a second, popped the tabs and handed him one.

His hand brushed hers briefly and, feeling the charge, she pulled away, taking a long drag.

Christ, Amy.

There had been no man in her life since David. He had been enough of a head fuck to make her want to take a break. Since him she had poured herself into her writing. Why was she now feeling this way?

You don’t know if there’s a wife at home.

No ring, she remembered.

That didn’t mean anything. He could be married and not wearing a ring, and if no wife, there could be a girlfriend.

‘Well, I hope I haven’t messed up any plans you might have had. I wouldn’t want to upset your wife… girlfriend?’

‘You haven’t. I’m not married.’

He gave her a measured look, and she suspected he knew exactly what was on her mind.

Her cheeks heated.

Subtle, Amy. Real subtle.

Feeling uncomfortably warm and needing breathing space, she excused herself to take a shower.

Bedroom door closed, she perched on the edge of the mattress and rubbed her hands over her face.

What the hell was going on?

The most turbulent thing in her life at the moment should have been the release of her new book. Instead she found herself centre stage in a murder investigation and attracted to the detective leading it.

Her thoughts remained on Sullivan as she soaped herself in the shower, the warm spray soothing and de-stressing her frazzled mind.

He was here to keep her safe, not get in her pants. She would get dressed, go back into the living room and nothing was going to happen.

But you want it to.

Ignoring the irritating voice in her head she took time drying her hair, tying it back into a low knot, moisturising and dressing, annoyed with herself for briefly questioning her outfit choice of sweats and a T-shirt.

He was on the couch working on his laptop when she emerged from the bedroom, beer bottle hooked in one hand while he used the other to type.