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She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice that her phone was buzzing until Bryson nudged her. “That’s you.”
Throwing a look around the shop for the exit, she said, “I’ll just take this outside.”
He nodded and continued to browse some artisan leather goods for sale while she popped out to the parking lot.
“Eric,” she greeted.
“What’s going on? The cop said you left the station, and then an email with a massive file attachment showed up in my inbox.”
Oh. She’d forgotten to check in with her boss about what happened back there.
The chilly wind blew her hair into her face. She directed the lock behind her ear and pivoted to look at the storefront. Bryson was standing in the doorway, watching her.
Or watching out for her.
Her stomach dipped and her heart pulsed faster.
And that look on his face…
She turned her attention to her boss. “Look, the reason this case is so screwed up is because those cops messed up big-time. And they’ve been withholding information, which you just received in that file. I haven’t gotten a chance to review it all yet, but”—she threw another look at Bryson—“I’m staying in town for a while to do that. In case I need to question anybody locally,” she hastened to add. Not because the hot military man staring at her could be the incentive.
“That’s why I’m calling, Alexia,” Eric said. “The body has been taken to the coroner and you need to be there.”
She automatically sought Bryson’s gaze. Oh no. He should definitely stay away from the coroner’s office. He didn’t need to see his niece’s boyfriend in that environment. Convincing Tripp not to join her wouldn’t be easy, though.
“I’ll head over there now,” she said to Eric. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”
As soon as she lowered the phone from her ear, Bryson was at her side. He moved in fast and stood closer than a mere acquaintance would. Anybody who saw them together would see their intimate pose and guess that they were sleeping together.
Hell, just the way he was looking at her now… A person would have to be blind not to see that desire written all over the angled planes of his face.
His gaze sharpened on her. “What’s going on?”
“That was my boss. Something came up and he needs me to go check it out.”
“Leave town? Now?”
“I need to go to the coroner’s office.”
“I’ll go with you.” His tone was deep, gritty and no-nonsense. He caught her by the elbow and started across the quiet street to where the Humvee was parked at the diner.
When they reached the doors, she scrubbed her palms over her face. “You can just drop me off there. I’ll meet you at the hotel.”
“Drop you off? Why would I do that?” He twisted to face her.
“Bryson, do you really think it’s a good idea to go with me?”
His eyes narrowed. “I was good enough to tag along before. What changed?”
“It’s just that…” She was going to have to bring up the moment in the hotel and those tears she’d seen glinting in his eyes, wasn’t she?
“Just say it, Alexia,” he bit off.
“You were upset after the crime scene.”
“So?”
“So I don’t want you to be upset again.”
