Page 12 of Protect My Heart

Liz took a seat in one of the three chairs in the waiting area. A tapping sound filled the room. She looked around before she realized it was her. Slamming a hand down on her knee, she halted the bouncing. Why was she nervous? All she needed to do was admit she acted like an emotional child. She’d apologize to Jim for her unprofessional conduct. If she could do it without puking on his shoes it would be a bonus. Three years as a psychologist, she knew losing her cool was not the way to resolve a difference of opinion. Even if the pig-headed, testosterone-filled cop was one hundred percent wrong, and she was right.

Breathe. The last thing she needed was to get all worked up and lash out at the partner. She could use an ally. For some reason, Detective Jim Swenson rattled her usually calm demeanor. She suspected it had to do with the soulful brown eyes and the strong, sexy way he carried himself. His cute butt and broad shoulders didn’t hurt either.

“Lizzy?”

The familiar nickname pulled her from her musings. She looked up to find not only an ally but also one of her favorite people. “Carlton?”

“No one calls me that at work, it’s CJ here.” He gave her a hug and with his arm around her shoulder, led her back to his desk. “I didn’t expect to see you until dinner tonight. Come on back. RaeAnne said you were here to see Jim.”

“I didn’t realize he was your partner. I’m Luis Lopez’s child advocate.” She took a seat in the chair as he rounded the desk to sit.

“You’re working while you’re here?” CJ stopped and turned. His face light with delight. “Are you home to stay?”

The rock in her stomach rolled over. Was she staying? Her heart beckoned, Say yes. She shut it down. Loving her family didn’t make living with them any easier.

“I have a job offer in Virginia.” She didn’t disclose the fact she still hadn’t accepted the offer. “I’m doing a favor for Ana Lopez. Remember her?”

“Oh yeah, always gave Callie lollipops when she worked at the house.” CJ referred to his daughter. “How is your mom’s best employee?”

“She’d be better if her grandson hadn’t witnessed a murder.”

He gestured to a chair then took the one behind the desk. “I was just about to get up to speed with the file. Colin had a rough night and was in the ER.”

“Oh no, is he alright?”

“He’ll be fine, but Jim stepped up to handle the case so far on his own. What can I do for you?” He moved the open file on his desk and leaned forward, giving her his full attention. She always loved that about her cousin Carlton.

“I really need to speak with Detective Swenson.”

CJ scrutinized her with a quiet intense gaze.

She fought the urge to squirm. Heat flooded her face, making her want to fan herself but she remained still. He was the master at intimidation and always had been. If Liz hadn’t known he was a softy with a heart of a philanthropist, she would have pissed her pants by now.

She needed to breathe. With the stealth of a ninja, she inhaled as much air as possible without tipping her hand to the fact she was nervous. She didn’t want to admit her childish act to anyone, not even her favorite cousin.

She was strong. Granite, unbreaking.

“Lizzy.”

Damn it. All CJ had to do was softly speak her name and she caved.

“I blew up at Jim, and I’m here to apologize. I want to come to a calm, mutually positive solution to the problem.”

“I’m glad to hear you came to apologize to me.” The gravelly voice, low and sexy brushed over the back of her neck.

She squeezed her eyes closed. Heat warmed her core. Liz wanted to blame it on anxiety, but her mouth watered at the sound of his deep timbre. Damn if it didn’t prove Pavlov’s theory on conditioning. She only needed to hear Jim’s voice and her body readied for him. Leaning in, she whispered to CJ, “Why didn’t you tell me he was behind me?”

Before CJ could answer, Jim did. “Because we’re partners, we cover each other’s backs.”

“You just lost your favorite cousin status,” Liz hissed. The venom in her voice only made CJ laugh.

“Now, Lizzy, you know I’ll still be your favorite. I mean really, between me and Harrison. I’m a slam dunk.”

Damn, she hated when he was right. She loved his brother, Harrison, but it was no contest. “Fine, but I’m still pissed at you.”

“Cousin? You two are cousins.” Relief washed over Jim. He’d walking in and found Doc smiling at CJ, and the prick was leaning close and smiling back. Something like slimy worms slithered in his stomach. His vision narrowed. CJ already had a woman. That must be why he was relieved. Not that he was jealous. Yes, Doc had the body of a pinup model of his dreams, but she was off limits.

“Lizzy here is my baby cousin.” CJ rounded the desk and put a hand on her shoulder.