Page 205 of Broken Like Me
“What did you expect?” I ask.
“I don’t know. Something more impressive. This is just a bunch of offices.”
“You’re only seeing what we want you to see,” I tease. “All the cool shit is in the back.”
“Such as?”
“Well, in this branch alone, we’ve got the Nikola Tesla death ray on the third floor, and a bunker with alien remains.” I snap like I’m recalling something. “And Jimmy Hoffa works in the cafeteria. I’ll introduce you before we leave.”
Playing along, she gives me a doe-eyed look. “And if we could see the room where they faked the moon landing, that would be awesome. It’s on my bucket list.”
“Obviously, we’ll do that.”
“Before I sign any deal, I want to see the file on the JFK assassination. And I’m not leaving without meeting Mulder and Scully.”
“Cookie, that’s already been detailed in the paperwork. I’m not an amateur here.”
Fighting a snicker, she says, “And I thought I loved you before.”
Before opening the door leading to the Violent Crimes unit, I check over both shoulders and duck her into an alcove mostly out of sight of the cameras. The hall is empty, so I pull her close for a quick kiss.
I need another moment to simply be her man before reality temporarily steals that from me.
What starts as a peck intensifies when I get a whiff of her sweet scent. My tongue delves past her lips, giving me a brief taste. I withdraw before I get carried away. Sometimes it sucks being a professional.
“What was that for?” she asks, eyes dazzling and lips glistening.
“When we walk inside, I need to treat you like a typical CI.”
Her eyes narrow to slits. “CI?”
“Confidential informant.”
“Oh,duh. I thought it stood forcriminalsomething.”
I shake my head. “You’re not a criminal.”
“Let’s hope your boss agrees.”
I release her to straighten my tie. “If I get stiff in there, just don’t take it personally.”
Her cheek twitches as she fights off something playful.
“Say it,” I prod.
“Do you getstiffat work often?”
I wink at her. “Only when I think of you in my handcuffs.”
“What a terrible time to make a joke like that.” She flicks her gaze upward like she’s deep in thought. “Then again, I sort of like that idea. Just not for FBI-related purposes.”
Oh, hell yes.
My lips find their way to hers for one more quick kiss before I tug her toward the door. “We’ll discuss that later. We need to get in there.”
“In the words of the aliens your organization claims don’t exist,takeme to your leader.”
Leave it to Lila to make me smile when we’re in the midst of something so serious.
