Page 147 of ClickBack

“It is. Anything else?”

Jarrett looks at me. I shake my head. I understand what money can conceal. Cam understands this negotiation. I am glad to be able to hear him doing his job.

When the call ends, Jarrett leaves his phone on the table and asks what I think.

“I think you sounded clearer the second time.”

“About the visit?”

“About what you need from it.”

He stays while I put the last dishes away. At the door, I remember the garage opener in the kitchen drawer and go back for it.

“Use this when you come over,” I tell him.

He turns it in his hand. “You giving me parking?”

“Your truck is recognizable. Mrs. Bell asked if you were here yesterday when you weren’t, which means she’s now making appointments for you.”

“What’d you tell her?”

“That I don’t report your whereabouts.”

“Look at you.”

“If Rae or Zion is here, knock before you come into the house.”

“I can do that.”

“And wait for the door to go all the way up.”

“Zel.”

“It needs a new motor. This is information about the garage, not an assessment of your intelligence.”

He slips the opener into his pocket, laughing, and draws me toward him by the front of my cardigan. His kiss takes its time. When he steps away, I follow far enough that he notices.

“Now you want to hold me up.”

“You have somewhere better to be?”

He takes his hand off the doorknob and gives me the kiss I’m asking for.

Chapter 27

Giselle

Jarrett rings the bell at six while I am fastening my bracelet. Through the glass, I can see Graves beside the SUV at the curb and Jarrett turning to say something to him. Whatever it is makes Graves laugh.

They both stop when I open the door.

“That sounds promising,” I say.

“Graves was leaving.”

“I’m driving,” Graves says. “There’s a difference.”

Jarrett comes up the last step in a black knit shirt, dark trousers, and a lightweight jacket. I had chosen bronze for my blouse because I liked the color against my skin. From the way he looks at me, he likes it, too.