Page 26 of Midnight Witness
I laughed, glancing back as I made a cappuccino. “I bet he loved that.”
Claire chuckled. “I got an eye roll, then he changed the subject. I couldn’t get any more out of him about the woman after that.”
“Well, that’s something. It gives Luke and me a place to focus our search tonight.”
A sly look crossed my best friend’s face. “Is that the only reason you’re going back tonight?” Claire raised a hand and pointed a finger at me, swirling it. “I saw that blush.”
Like it had a mind of its own, the fire returned to my face. “We’re researching.” I ducked my head, but I doubted I was quick enough if her renewed laugh was anything to go by.
Who are you fooling? You know it’s more than that.
A soft huff passed my lips as my mind reminded me of the flaming pile of hormonal woman Luke reduced me to last night with that cockeyed smile.
“No one would fault you if you were doing more than just researching. He’s quite yummy. And he seems nice.”
“He is.” I glanced up as I reached for a lid. “And fine, you caught me. We’re having dinner before we research.” Resolving not to be a chicken, I met Claire’s suddenly wide-eyed stare.
A slow smile spread over my friend’s face. “I knew it.” She let out a little squeal and clapped her hands. “When you’re ready for a double date, you’ll have to let me know.”
Despite the turmoil in my brain over my feelings about the whole Luke situation, one corner of my mouth lifted at her enthusiasm. “We haven’t even had our first date yet, so it might be a while.” I set the cappuccino on the counter and called the name on the receipt, then picked up the next order. It was Claire’s.
Automatically, I reached for a paper cup, then paused as I read the order. With an eyebrow quirked, I looked at her. “Iced coffee?” She almost always ordered a hot latte.
“It’s hot outside.” She waved a hand toward the window, then gestured to her sleeveless dress. “The AC in my temporary office is terrible. Until this heatwave breaks, it’s iced coffee and water for me at work.”
My nose wrinkled, but I didn’t argue. Moving toward the espresso machine, I set the cup down and reached for a portafilter to fill it full of grounds. “How long until your office is rebuilt?” The fire that Grace Alonso set in her attempt to destroy evidence had completely destroyed Claire’s real estate office.
“With the rate insurance is moving? Probably next year. I just hope the heat works better than the air-conditioning, or it’s going to be a long winter.”
A short chuckle slid past my lips. “That’s no lie. We’ll have to find you some portable heaters if that’s the case.”
“For sure, because I refuse to freeze.”
I didn’t blame her. I loved Alaska, but the cold sucked. It was home, though, so I knew I’d never leave for warmer pastures.
Finishing Claire’s coffee, I handed it to her.
“Thanks. I better run. Call me later and let me know how your evening goes?” She waggled her eyebrows, grinning.
“It’s just dinner. I’m sure it will be typical.”
Claire hummed. “Maybe. But I still want to hear how it went and whether you think a relationship with him could work. I also want to know if you two find out anything about our Jane Doe.”
Now that I could understand. I nodded. “I’ll let you know what we uncover.” And that was all I was promising because I wasn’t sure what I was even willing to admit to myself about how I felt about Luke.
A sly grin spread over Claire’s face as she backed away from the counter. “Don’t think I didn’t notice the dodge.” She tipped a finger at me. “I expect a full report later.”
I just stared back, unwilling to commit.
Raising one eyebrow, she waved the finger, then turned, heading for the door. “Have fun.”
Chuckling, I shooed her away. “I will. Go swelter.” She was relentless.
On a laugh, Claire left.
