Page 43 of A Pawn for Malice
immediately and knew something had to be up.The badge clipped on the belt buckle of the
handsome gentleman standing before her,quickly caught her attention as well.
“My lord, you’re in early.” She directed herremark to Bryan. “Pressing business?”
Bryan was quick to answer.
“Jessica this is a real close buddy of mineand former partner for nearly five years, Det. Ayden Tyler. Ayden,this is my Dir. Of Communications, Jessica Wilton.”
Jessica knew there was something amiss. Shecould tell by the look on Bryan’s face … like a little boy caughtwith his hand in the cookie jar. She clasped a hold of theDetective’s extended hand.
“It’s nice to make your acquaintance, Ms.Wilton.” He offered and released her hand, nodding respectfully. Hequickly stepped to the side and nodded at Bryan. “See you soon,Bry. It’s time for another steak dinner. My treat this time,remember.”
“I never forget, when it’s your turn topay.”
Both men chuckled and the Detective wasquickly gone.
She couldn’t hide the concern in hervoice.
“You look downright exhausted. Have you beenhere all night?”
He shook his head.
“Slept, no. Here since just before 5.”
She took off her leather coat and hung it inthe front closet.
“You want to tell me what’s bothering you?It’s about that madman, isn’t it?”
“What makes you think that?”
“Haven’t you learned yet, that women aresupremely intuitive?”
His dimple was so pronounced, she just wantedto plant her lips right there, on that same exact spot. She knew hewas keeping that incident under wraps, because he didn’t want toscare and upset her. It irked her a little. She wasn’t that scaredlittle girl anymore. She knew how to shoot a gun and defendherself.
He changed the subject right away.
“I needed some quiet time, that’s all. Aydenand I have been trying to connect for weeks, and this was kind ofon the fly and worked for both of us. Yes, we talked a little bitabout what happened. I still need you to be careful and not go offalone around here, until this guy is caught.”
She followed him into his office and occupiedthe chair Ayden had been in earlier. She noticed his coffee cup onBryan’s desk, stood up, and placed it on the credenza where theKeurig was. She looked over her shoulder and asked, “Care foranother cup?”
Bryan shook his head no and she went throughthe rudiments of fixing herself one.
“Since we’re both here early, want to go overwhat’s on the calendar for today?”
He moved quietly up behind her and slowlyturned her around, interlacing his fingers at the curve of herback.
“I know one thing I’d like to addressfirst.”
She smiled knowingly, but went alonganyways.
“And, what’s that, Senator.”
“This,” he replied, softly claiming herlips.
She melted … like butter over a slow heat,and got lost in the wonder of his lips caressing hers. Every kissthey shared was better than the one before. Even his goodnightkiss, when he walked her to her car, was now just a memory, abeautiful one, nonetheless. But, it was being replaced by a softer,more tortuous, and hypnotic exploration.
He knew how to explore her mouth, withoutbeing invasive. He knew how to tantalize her senses, without beingsoppy, and; he knew how to stir passion’s fire, leaving her wantingmore of the same.
