Page 58 of Deadly Forever

Seventeen

“Didyou call the sheriff’s department?”

Mandy, her bare legs on display in her cutoff shorts, found James in the kitchen rubbing a marinade mix on the steaks shortly before everyone was supposed to arrive for the barbecue.

“I did,” James said, leaning his head down and waiting patiently. “They said they’re sending someone over to Kaspar’s house to question him immediately.”

“What are you doing?” Mandy was confused.

“Waiting for my kiss.”

“Oh.” Mandy grinned as she pressed her lips to his cheek. “Better?”

“It will be better when we’re alone tonight,” James replied. “You were fairly well behaved at Kaspar’s house, though, so I think I owe you a few special kisses, too.”

“You don’t owe me anything. I’m just happy you allowed me to go with you. It’s fun being part of the team.”

James stilled as he regarded her. “You know you’re the most important member of my team, right?”

Mandy avoided eye contact and shrugged. “I know you needed my help occasionally when I was at the courthouse because I had access to certain files, but I’m not really part of the team now that I have nothing to offer.”

James tamped down his anger as he tapped his foot on the floor to get her attention. “Look at me.”

“I’m sorry I said it,” Mandy said hurriedly. “That was stupid. Don’t worry about it. I didn’t mean it.”

“Look at me, Mandy,” James repeated. His hands were covered with a special meat rub, but that wouldn’t stop him from grabbing her shoulders should she try to leave.

“What?” Mandy asked, petulant as she locked gazes with him. “I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“You meant it,” James said. “That makes me realize I might’ve overlooked something big, and I’m sorry for that. You are the most important member of my team … always. I didn’t talk to you about my cases because you had access to files. I talked to you because you’re the smartest person I know. There’s a reason why I call you my little genius.”

Mandy licked her lips as she regarded him. “But you don’t need me.”

“I always need you,” James said. “I can’t function without you. I think we proved that when Clint took you and I ceased being able to think on my own and Grady had to drug me and treat me as if I was a small child in timeout.”

Mandy pursed her lips and widened her eyes, her eyebrows flying up her forehead.

“That’s my favorite expression in the world,” James enthused, reaching for her.

Mandy smoothly avoided his hands and shook her head. “You need to rub the meat … er, that came out dirtier than I intended.”

“I want to rub you,” James said. “Stand right there.”

“You’re kind of bossy,” Mandy lamented as she watched him wash and dry his hands before closing the distance between them.

“I am bossy,” James agreed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m the boss … and I’m looking for another employee if you want a job.”

Mandy jolted at the offer. “I … what do you mean?”

“Are you bored?” James asked, legitimately curious. “Is that why you wanted to come today? You’ve been excited to work with me all week. If you want something to do … .”

“I’m not sure our marriage could survive us working together.”

“Our marriage can survive anything,” James countered. “Tell me what you want. I will make it happen.”

“I don’t know what I want,” Mandy admitted, tilting her head to the side. “I was happy to leave the courthouse because it was time – and I like painting, don’t get me wrong – but it doesn’t feel as if I’m accomplishing anything.”

James hooked his thumbs through his belt loops and leaned back on his heels as he studied her. “Why do you have to accomplish something?”