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“Ummm…no. Did you say anything important?”
He rolled his eyes. Amusement touched his lips, yet his concern whipped around her, as chill as the wind, and his grip on her arm tightened a little. “Is the storm calling again?”
“Not really.” She shrugged. “I was just thinking about Wetherton and how little I actually want this assignment.”
“Then why accept it? You had the choice to refuse, you know.”
She stopped and turned to face him. “How could I not accept it? At least it got me out of the broom closet and let me do some real police work. You’re not the only one who hates being confined indoors, Assistant Director.”
He grimaced. “You know why I was doing that—”
“Yeah, because you’re an ass who would rather force an unwanted situation to go away than be up-front and talk about it. Cowardice is not a trait I expected from you, but you’ve been consistently proving me wrong for three months.”
Anger flicked through his eyes. “I had no choice in taking you on as a partner. And the only way the situation could have been altered was if you had requested a transfer.”
“So why not come out and say that straight off the bat? Between the two of us, I’m sure we could have come up with a strategy that would have changed Stephan’s mind. But no, you found it easier just to stick me down in the dungeons and ignore me.”
He thrust a hand through his wet hair. “Damn it, I was doing what I thought was right—”
“No, you were doing what was easier for you,” she corrected. “You knew it wasn’t right, or you wouldn’t have apologized for being a bastard. Or didn’t you mean your apology?”
“I did—”
“Then prove it.”
He raised his eyebrows. “How?”
“Take me out to dinner. To a nice, expensive restaurant.”
“And how, exactly, will that prove anything?”
He looked a little confused, which was good, because she had a feeling confusion was a state she’d have to keep him in if she was going to get anywhere with this seduction.
Not that she had a specific plan. Right now, she was just jumping at an opportunity that had presented itself.
“Well, in the brief time I’ve known you, you haven’t exactly been free and easy when it comes to money. And word around the office is that you’re a first-class tight-ass—”
“It is?” he asked, his surprise evident in his voice.
“Yes. So, if you go to the trouble of buying me dinner at an expensive—and I do stress the word expensive—restaurant, then you’re putting your money where your mouth is. And that, in turn, means you really are sorry.” She couldn’t help the smile playing around her lips. “In which case, your apology will be graciously accepted.”
“This sounds to me like a sneaky method of getting an expensive meal without having to pay for it.”
“Are you saying I don’t deserve it? Even after the way you treated me?”
“No, I’m just saying that this will be a one-time apology. Don’t be expecting future apologies.” He paused. “Or dates.”
“I’m not after a date, Assistant Director—not now or in the future. I don’t date men I work with.” Which was true, up to a point. She’d certainly never dated Jack, her partner in the State Police, though she had dated cops in other divisions over the years. She raised an eyebrow, silently challenging him to answer honestly. “Why would you think I’m after a date? Especially after the way you’ve treated me for the last few months?”
He didn’t take up the challenge. No surprise there. “I have no idea.” He motioned her to move on. As she did, he added, “So, dinner at an expensive restaurant. When?”
She shrugged. “I’m on the night shift now, so it’ll have to be during the day.”
He raised a cynical eyebrow. “Meaning lunch? How about tomorrow, then?”
“Get the ordeal over with as quickly as possible, huh?”
He smiled but didn’t deny it. Boy, was she ever going to have some fun attempting to shock this man’s starched sensibilities! She might end up in tears, but at least the journey would be interesting. And at least she’d see if Jessie’s assessment was correct.
