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“Did you ever find out who leaked it?”
“We have a suspicion of who it is, but haven’t terminated employment because we were hoping to get some documentable proof for a legal case against him.”
She straightened in her chair. “Well, count me in. Jackson grew up with everything handed to him, and now he’s become very successful off the work of others while taking all the credit. After tonight, I’m happy to help nail his ass to the wall.”
Her feisty words made him smile. But as he gathered their dirty dishes and rinsed them, he couldn’t help but think about her bruise, and how Jack himself had taken things to the next level with that move.
Big mistake, buddy.
“We’re definitely on the same page,” he agreed as he set the glass and mug in the top rack of the dishwasher and closed it. “Let me think about it over the weekend and we’ll see what Mike has to say on Monday.”
She frowned as he turned back around. “That sounds like a brush-off.”
“No, not at all.”
“No?”
He moved around to stand kitty corner at the counter with her, and leaned on one elbow while looking her in the eye. “Let me ask you, in the two years you were with him, did he ever hit you or show any signs of violence?”
“No.” Her gaze held his even as she gave a vehement shake of her head. “I mean, I’ve seen him get angry, but never like tonight. That’s why I was so shocked when he…did this.” She lowered her gaze as her hand lifted to gingerly touch her face.
He believed it was the truth, even though that little pause convinced him ‘this’ wasn’t the entire truth. A controlled breath in through the nose held his fury in check, because she wasn’t the one who deserved to see it—especially right now.
“He’s escalating, and that’s why I’m hesitating,” Dean explained, drawing her gaze up once more. “He’s spooked about getting caught and backed into a corner, so before I blindly put you in a position that could get you hurt again, I need to consider all the options. The safest options.”
“Oh.”
The resentment in her eyes softened and disappeared. He was close enough to see how blue and violet melded together to give her irises that unusual, beautiful tint.
As the moment stretched, he became conscious of the seconds ticking by. For the first time since her unexpected arrival, he felt his pulse trip faster for a reason other than anger. Even with her face bruised, and one side slightly swollen, she was beautiful enough to take his breath away.
The slight dilation of her pupils told him she felt the sudden charge in the air as well. His gaze lowered to her mouth as she rose up from her chair and leaned across the counter to kiss him.
At the first brush of her lips, he closed his eyes to savor the sensation of her soft, warm mouth on his. Her hands came up to palm his face, and when her tongue sought entrance to his mouth, he eagerly shifted closer and parted his lips for her sumptuous exploration. The sugar in her tea enhanced the sweetness he remembered vividly from their previous kisses. The woman was like a drug he was fast becoming addicted to and would never get enough.
Passion surged hot and heavy in his veins, urging him to take control, drag her against him, and dive in deep. His hand rose, but before he could touch her, he curled his fingers and lowered his arm. Instinct told him that was not what this was about.
Instead, he followed her lead and enjoyed the unhurried, tender exchange of give and take until she eased back with one final sensual tug on his bottom lip. Her hands still cradled his jaw as she slowly lifted her lashes.
“What was that?” he asked softly.
Her eyes and smile conveyed her gratitude that he hadn’t tried to push things further. She lowered her arms and stood beside her chair. “A good memory for me to take to bed.”
When she turned away and glided out of the kitchen, he tracked her progress until she disappeared from sight. Hopefully it worked for her. Right about now, he didn’t think he’d manage one wink of sleep.
Not that that was her fault. No, for that, he entirely blamed Jack.
Sure, he had him to thank for Gina showing up on his doorstep, but he’d give up kissing her if it meant she wouldn’t have had to endure whatever the guy had done. He’d resented Jack Brady for the past three years. Tonight, he was pretty damn sure he hated the sonofabitch.
In his office, he glanced at the hour hand nearing eleven and called Mike anyway. He answered on the fifth ring, his voice barely audible above the loud background music. Being a Friday night, Dean wasn’t surprised. Mike worked hard, but he played even harder.
“Dean, buddy, I’d love to talk about it, but I’m about two minutes away from a sure thing.”
“Then why’d you answer?”
“Because I’m assuming you’re calling about Quinn’s email?”
“Nope. Didn’t see it yet.” But he was clicking over now. “Must be good if you’re gambling a sure thing.”
