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Ready and waiting when Beau had arrived to pick her up, she’d seen the swell of pleasure that lit his eyes. She’d also felt the warmth of his hand on her back when he’d led her to the car.
Not liking her body’s reaction, knowing she needed to hang on to her calm, she purposely revisited her desperate decision that no matter how much his sort attracted her, she couldn’t let go of her self-promise. Never again would she fall for a good-looking, sweet talker.
Once bitten, twice shy. Years ago, early in her training, she’d fallen victim to a muscular body, inviting warm stares, and lying words she thought were only meant for her. Witnessing the sneaky, smarmy bastard working his charms with another brainless female had her realizing she’d only been a number in his lineup.
“You’re very quiet tonight.” His husky, male voice cut through the dark interior.
“Not really. I did enough jabbering on the job that I have to give my voice a rest for my show later.”
“You didn’t jabber. Remember, I listened in.” When she stared his way, he corrected himself. “Well, not the whole time, but enough to figure out your logic. You want her to get used to you enough that she’ll slip and reveal her thoughts.”
“Kind of. Mostly, I want her to let me in so I can understand her weaknesses. She didn’t organize this catastrophe. We know that because Tyler confirmed he spoke with another male, one he’s absolutely convinced was around his age. Yet they have the same tattoos. Must mean something, right?”
“Right.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, Jess has a high voice, not one that could be mistaken as a male.”
“She could have faked it.”
“Not for all those months.”
“Okay, granted.” Beau added, “So what you’re saying is, there’s someone else involved.”
“Exactly. The head of the snake.”
“Interesting. I agree we’re talking about a snake-pit. It’s downright menacing.”
“Menacing? Strange word.”
“Not really. We’ve got nothing on this ghost. That makes me nervous.”
“Me too.”
“What if he tries again?”
“Oh, he will. He’s just begun.” Lori hated the need to convey what she’d known all along.
***
Why she was shocked to see Beau’s goddaughter was her young friend from the shooting, Lori wasn’t sure. But it was a nice surprise to be welcomed by the lovely girl who’d been such a help during the conflict.
“Hi, I’m Melinda Kozak. I’m really glad Uncle Beau brought you for dinner. We need to talk.”
“Hey, brat,” Beau interrupted, “let her meet your mom and dad before inundating her with your crazy theories.” Lori’s escort and the teen hugged, obviously delighted to be together.
Just then a handsome man approached and put his arm around Melinda. “Quit hogging the guests, Sugar. Go help Mom bring out the nibblies.” Once his daughter stomped off, he grinned at Lori. “Hi, I’m Mellie’s dad, Luke Kozak. Welcome to my home. Whatever you need is yours, and I mean anything. You saved my daughter and her classmates from an unconscionable ending. I can’t thank you enough.” He took her hand and held it gently, his sincerity palpable.
Lori felt the need to point out, “You are aware that Agent Walker helped stop the incident too?”
Luke teased. “Who, Beau? He only got involved because of your legs.”
Beau pretended outrage. “What? Ma-a-an! We were having a private conversation. You’re not supposed to divulge what a guy reveals to his former best friend.”
Lori watched the two men quibble about semantics, both so comfortable in their relationship that it slightly softened her approval of Beau Walker. That and seeing the obvious loving relationship between him and his goddaughter. Something she’d noticed the day of the school shooting and had forgotten because of the multitude of stresses that day had caused.
Feeling welcome, she sauntered into a living room straight out of a fancy magazine. The white couches, huge plants, and various colors showing up in pillows and throws in every corner boggled the mind. It gave one the feeling of homey comfort in today’s modern society.
“Come and relax. My wife, Rachel, will be joining us as soon as she’s finished overseeing the caterers in the kitchen.” He guided Lori to a chair and grinned when Beau suddenly realized he wouldn’t be able to sit next to her. “Beau tells me you’ve got a show tonight at the place where you work.”
