by J R Pearson
Caleb squeezed my hand, exhaling a large gust before proceeding.
“Two months ago, Johnson was arrested on suspicion of being involved in an armed robbery in West Emily. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured during the break-in. Without concrete evidence, he was later released but was told to remain in the area.”
“He burned rubber, didn’t he?”
“Yeah, just up and disappeared,” Caleb explained. “Recently his name came up again during an investigation of another armed robbery, this time in JewelCove. The thieves made off with over $850,000 d worth of goods.”
My eyes widened at the amount.
“What’d they take that was so valuable?”
Caleb let go of my hand and reached into his pocket, producing a small clear baggie encasing a large diamond.
A diamond the size of my thumb.
“It was found in the duffle bag at Luca’s house.”
“The one I tripped over.” I shuddered, remembering the blood splatter underneath.
“A smaller one was found in Luca’s pocket as well,” he said. I sipped my now cold drink, thinking of Maria’s big sparkly diamond ring.
“I don’t get it.” I scrunched my nose. “What do diamonds have to do with breaking into my apartment? I certainly don’t own any.”
Caleb shrugged, putting the bag away.
“I’m still working on that.” He blew out a breath.
“Could that be the side job? Anthony, Luca, and Cody going around stealing diamonds?”
“I don’t think Anthony and Luca had anything to do with stealing, but I suspect they were helping Johnson smuggle the diamonds out of Greenville. I haven’t figured out how yet.” Caleb frowned.
I tucked my feet and bit my lip. Why would a cook and a manager wake up one morning and decide to partake in illegal activities?
That’s easy.
Money.
“It’s late.” The detective stood and walked into the kitchen, setting his mug in the sink. “You should get some rest. I have an officer outside, just in case Johnson shows up again.”
“That’s a first for me.” Ain’t that the truth. I was grateful for it, though. I followed Caleb to the door.
“Hopefully the last. Thanks for the coffee.” He smiled.
“You’re welcome. And thank you for… everything.” Neither of us made a move. Nor did I open the door. In fact, I may have drifted closer to the handle, blocking it with my backside.
I had a question to ask.
“Why did you need a change?”
“What do you mean?” His head tilted.
“Yesterday you said you came to Greenville because you needed a change. To settle down. Did something happen?” My mom wouldn’t appreciate my bluntness. I didn’t care. It would be nice to stop wondering if the person next me wasn’t who they said they were.
Or the man I was starting to really like was hiding something.
“As a detective, I’ve seen a lot of… well, disturbing things. Been in dangerous situations. Mix in West Emily’s hectic lifestyle, and it was all just wearing on me. I was getting tired of the people around me changing and evolving while I stood stuck.”
“You wanted to evolve too?”
“Yeah, but not there.” He stared at the floor for a bit before continuing, “One morning, I requested a transfer.”
“Why not quit?” I asked.
Caleb looked up, and I was struck by the raw emotion on his face.
“I refuse to turn my back on those who need protecting, good or bad. And no matter where I live, I will always have my badge.” He paused. “I was reluctant at first, leaving my family. And I knew I would be going at a slower pace than West Emily’s 24/7 grind. But I needed this.”
I commended him. Mandy and I sometimes spent a girls’ weekend away in JewelCove, hanging out on the beach, shopping. Come the first night, I’d get panic attacks, desperately needing my own bed. Greenville was and forever would be my home. Take that away and I was like a fish out of water.
“Do you have any regrets?” I asked.
Caleb stepped forward and cradled my face.
Oh wow, I can see flecks of gold in his eyes.
“No. I’ve just made the best decision of my life.” Our lips were inches apart. I placed a hand on his chest, creating more space.
“I don’t want you to think I’m some fragile woman who needs to be comforted this way.” I glanced at his lips.
He grinned, not backing down.
“I know. You’re different than any woman I’ve ever met. I knew you weren’t going to be anything but when you cut through all those women at Sweeney’s like a Weedwacker.” He chuckled. I groaned.
“Thanks. I think.” My cheeks burned.
“That’s what I like about you. Once I close this case, I would like us to get to know one another better… if you want to?” His grin turned shy.
My earlier reluctance gone, and not the least bit ashamed, I replied faster than I did placing an order at the drive-thru of Frank’s Fried Fish.
“I’d like that.” I dropped the hand that held him from me. The space between us reduced as our bodies slowly gravitated to one another, mine comparing to jelly, his warm and hard.
This is what the dream should have been like. The two of us. Minus dead Anthony. Minus being shot by his wife. Minus the gyrating, stripper moves. On second thought, now that I’m sandwiched between him and the door, I actually wouldn’t mind him grinding his—
Large hands cupped my waist, snapping me out of my thoughts, as one slid around to the small of my back. I shifted in his hold, making the hem of my tank top rise. I wanted our skin to touch. Hell, I needed it. Was this what he meant by getting to know one another better?
If so, I’m all in.
Electrifying air consumed us, and still our lips hadn’t touched yet. Though that was about to change. His lust-filled eyes locked onto mine, thumb caressing my bottom lip while his left arm drew me even closer. Bodies molding perfectly.
“Jennie.” He whispered my name, silently seeking permission. I was damn sure going to give it, but first I had to fix the slight—okay, major—height difference between us. I seriously would hate for him to have future back pain due to constantly hunching over to kiss me. Plus, my little toes weren’t strong enough to raise me any higher, and I’d melt into a freaking puddle if I moved out of his arms to walk us to the couch.
“You’re gonna have to lift me,” I say.
“Wha-oh.” He morphed his mouth into a firm line, face turning red. Amusement clouded his bright eyes.
“Nuh-uh. Don’t you dare laugh! I’m short. You know what the deal is. I’m forever reminded of such each time I go to reach the—” My babbling was cut short—pun not intended, I swear—when he hauled me up against the door. Automatically, my legs wrapped around his hips. I winced at the loud bang my ass caused hitting the wood. Caleb just looked further amused. I had a clever remark to throw at him, but then his lips swept along the slope of my neck, and instantly I forgot everything.
It’s official. This definitely beats a chargrilled burger with veggies and extra cheddar. Hot damn, I’m a changed woman.
I roped my arms around his neck, gripping his wavy hair. We moaned instantaneously, delighted that our lips were finally meeting.
More. I want more of this for as long as possib—
“Freeze!” a high-pitched shout pierced the air.
Chapter Fifteen
Not gonna lie. I screamed as if a serial killer had busted into the room, swinging a bloody ax. That prompted Caleb to spring into action, spinning around with one hand on his gun. Where did that leave me? On the floor. Assbone bruised like a motherflubber. I credited him for having magical hands that ignited my skin, but catching me was not being added to his résumé.
“You never were a football player, huh?” I asked him dryly, massaging my booty.
“No, I played soccer.”
Figures.
He helped me to my feet, and we both
switched on bitchy face glares on Mandy, who caused my freak-out. She had a severe case of bed-head, wearing big fluffy green slippers and a gray hoodie that stopped at her knees. And for the love of all things savory, she had a freakin’ baseball bat raised above her head. I was afraid to ask, but I had to.
“What’s with the bat?”
“I heard a loud noise and thought those cookie-crushing-cocklosers came back. I was going to show them my aluminum friend here.” She stabbed the air with the bat like a fencing sword. “And give ‘em a piece of my mind too. Though I can see Detective Hot Stuff is trying to get a piece of you.”
Her knowing cheesy smile had my eyeballs rolling.
“No intruders, Mandy. Thanks, though.”
“But what was that freakishly loud bang—”
“Not important!” My butt didn’t need the reminder.
Caleb vibrated with laughter beside me. Bitch face turned on him, he held his hands up in surrender.
“I guess this is my cue to leave.” He dropped a kiss on my forehead and then on my lips which, damn him, teased what could’ve happened before Mandy’s interruption. “I’ll see you soon,” he whispered to me before waving to Mandy. “Good night. Nice bat.”
“Thanks!” She beamed.
Upon Caleb’s departure, I turned off the lights in the apartment while Mandy checked the premises like a soldier on duty. I told her about the officer outside and how we were fine, but she continued the charade, even escorting me to the bathroom.
“I don’t need a guard to take a piss.”
“Sure thing. I’ll be right outside the door, ma’am.” She saluted, then allowed me to pee in peace.
While doing my business, I thought about asking Caleb to the family dinner the following night. It didn’t sound as ludicrous as it did before. Granted, my brothers would pummel him with questions. Dad would shovel food in his mouth and stare him down the whole time. And then there’d be Mom asking how many people he wanted to invite to our wedding.
Okay, never mind. It’s too soon to introduce him to the Peterson Family Circus.
The next morning, I stood in line at Sweeney’s Café, having decided to spend time updating my notepad of the info Caleb told me. I gave the barista my order. Moving to the side, I accidently bumped into another waiting customer.
It was Ashley.
“Oh hey, sorry about that.” I smiled in greeting.
“Hey, Jennie.” She sipped her coffee “Mm. Don’t you just love Sweeney’s coffee? It reminds me of my grandma’s special blend. Difference is Sweeney’s doesn’t add a teaspoon of Kahlua.”
“Maybe I should meet your grandma sometime.” I laughed. Ashley and I make small talk, avoiding the murdered elephant in the room. Until I brought it up.
“Isn’t it crazy how things work out?” I said.
“How so?” Ashley cocked her head, causing a curtain of strawberry-blonde hair to fall across her neck.
“If I hadn’t taken your shift, you would have found Anthony.”
“Yeah, I’ve been trying to not think about it.” She visibly shivered.
“I guess this is the only time I’d say being sick is the best thing that’s happened,” I mused.
Ashley furrowed her brow.
“I wasn’t sick. Anthony told me you wanted my shift.”
“No, I didn’t,” I argued, then remembered the last-minute annotations in Anthony’s employee schedule.
Jeez, this is so confusing, and also somehow very important. I feel like I’m missing the blaring answer.
“Ashley, orders’ up!” the barista called.
“I’ve got to go.” She fixed me with a strange look. “Maybe you should stay away from my grandma’s coffee.”
She left and soon my order was ready. I set up at the small table Caleb and I had taken days before, mocha latte to my left and chocolate orange twist to my right. The twist was a golden pastry, blended with rich dark chocolate and cubed candied oranges. Orange-flavored sugar syrup glazed the surface of the warm treat. I deserved this sugar and caffeinated high after the previous night’s events.
I flipped open my notepad and began writing.
ANTHONY- LUCA
*Side job smuggling diamonds out of town—working with Cody Johnson
*Both murdered a day apart
Caleb had already eliminated Mrs. Genova and Maria as being suspects. Following suit, I crossed them off the list. That left Cody.
NUMBER ONE SUSPECT
Cody Johnson
(CRIMINAL DIAMOND THIEF)
Was it possible Anthony and Luca threatened to go to the police and rat him out?
Or was Cody about to disappear again and needed to tie up loose ends?
MY CONNECTION
Anthony’s warning
Picture on Luca’s phone
Apartment break-in
MY CONNECTION TO CODY JOHNSON
NONE
I took a break, flexing my fingers, and then finished off my breakfast. I had a lot of info noted. A lot of speculation. A lot of what the hell did I have to with any of this? Glancing out the window, I had a direct view of Main Street. It was busy with folks crossing it and polluting the sidewalks.
I caught a glimpse of Caleb.
My pulse went into overdrive as the butterflies in my stomach awakened. I thought about going after him but immediately tossed the idea away. I didn’t want to come across as crazy-stalker chick. I was totally above that. Just don’t judge me when I admit I was staring at his fabulous backside, clad in a dark suit, the whole time.
Suddenly the butterflies in my stomach dropped dead.
Alongside him, he chatted with a very beautiful blonde woman. They stopped to sit on an iron bench, the two laughing and nudging each other as if they were old chums. Lover chums? The woman encircled her arms around his neck, and he did the same around her waist. A sharp pain stabbed at my gut and back. Why hello, Betrayal. Fancy meeting you here.
I packed up my stuff and barreled through Sweeney’s. Before I knew it, I was headed straight for the lovely couple. My feet burned asphalt as I charged through the horde of people at the crosswalk. Sensing a pissed-off woman was near, folks parted the way. Good. I felt like an angry bear whose hibernation was interrupted by some punk jabbing its belly with a stick.
You poked the bear, Caleb! You poked it!
He saw me coming and smiled, his cute dimples appearing and then disappearing when he saw the look on my face.
“Jennie, what’s wrong?” he asked. Beside him, Miss I Eat Kale Every Damn Day glanced at him, confused.
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong is eating three chili cheese dogs and a tub of cotton candy before riding the spinning hippos at the carnival. That’s wrong. And messy. This?” My eyes ping-ponged between him and his runway model friend. “Is infelicitous.” I was eighty-nine percent sure I used the word correctly.
Caleb slow-blinked, unamused.
“What are you—”
“Did you suddenly realize this morning that living in a different town and being interested in a different woman was too much for you?” My voice rose, throwing his words back at him.
He flinched.
“Now wait just a damn minute.” His face was turning red.
“And to think I was considering inviting you to family dinner night!”
“Jennie, stop. I don’t understand—”
“Really? It’s quite obvious what the problem-Oh, shit!” I forgot I was still holding my latte, and my angry hand gestures caused the lid to pop off and the liquid to shoot out.
And into Caleb’s face.
Light brown mocha colored his tightened features and hair. Eyes shut, it dripped down his chin and on his shirt and lap. Ms. Kale had jumped back in time and managed to not get a single drop on her designer suit. Of course. People passing by stopped to see the show. I, for one, wanted to be on another planet. I’d start with bookin’ it home. This incident can’t get back to my mom.
On that thought, I never moved so fast
in my entire life. Wait, that was a lie. Tuesday’s dollar buffalo sliders at In The Box Bistro usually got me going.
Once I was safely in my apartment’s parking lot, I just sat there welcoming embarrassment. I shouldn’t have confronted him like that. In my head, I had the perfect “Act Like an Adult” plan in effect for these types of situations. Unfortunately, it was deleted and replaced with “Act Like an Immature Dork” instead. No way was I jealous of what’s-her-face. My issue was with Caleb wanting to play grab-ass-roulette with every other woman in Greenville.
Well, mine—I promise I’ll stop talking about my butt—refuses to take the brunt again.
Chapter Sixteen
“Lousy! Two-timing! Jerk! Does that man have any sense? Obviously not! Hangin’ around cops is never a good idea, Jennie,” Mandy ranted. “It’s always the hot ones with the mysterious eyes who sweep you off your feet and then drop ya’ like a sack of corn.” She was spot-on with last night’s sore romantic interlude. “Now repeat after me,” she ordered.
“I’m not—”
“Fries before guys.”
“Mandy—”
“Tacos before amigos.”
“That’s ridic—”
“Beef stew before dudes—”
“I get it, Mandy! Besides, you’re with Josh. Why say all that?” I pointed out.
“I know. But as your best friend, I’m entitled to say or do anything that’ll make you feel better. Hence why I brought you a funnel cake… well, half of one. I got hungry on the way here.” She wrinkled her brow.
“Thanks.” I appreciated the somewhat gesture. I felt better than I had that morning after the scene I made at Sweeney’s, which I instantly regretted, looking like a fool to anyone in a five-mile radius. Coming home, I devoured a marshmallow chocolate chunk bar to clear the taste of stupidity from my mouth and texted Mandy, who came right over after her shift ended.