All the Hidden Sins. Marian Lanouette
in Hartford. Have you ever been there?”
“Yes, it’s one of my favorites.”
Jake took the jacket Kyra handed him and held it up for her to put on. Cool for late spring, though tonight promised warmth. After Kyra grabbed her purse from the chair, Jake opened the door and waited while she set her alarm and locked up. For the date he’d switched out the department issue for his silver convertible. After he helped her into the car he pulled into traffic.
“Rough day?”
“Yes and no.” He laughed.
“I understand that.”
“We caught this guy today I’ve been looking for all month. He’s the reason I ran late.”
“As I said, it wasn’t a problem.”
“How was your day?”
“Busy, and more of the usual,” she said as she shrugged.
“Bored?”
“I’m in a rut, I guess.”
“Summer’s almost here; that should brighten things up.”
“It should.” Kyra seemed…uncomfortable?
Good first-date conversation, Jake. Change the subject. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I need to be honest, Jake.”
“Okay.” He glanced at her sideward. Here goes.
“This is my first first date in nine years and I’m petrified.”
“Is that all? Didn’t we go for drinks the other night? So, in reality this is our second date.” He flipped her a quick smile before turning back to face the road.
“That helps.”
* * * *
Once he’d put her at ease, Jake enjoyed Kyra’s company. She turned out to be someone who listened. He spoke about his job, the recent promotion, but steered away from anything personal. Kyra tried to dig deeper but Jake was a master of avoidance. Before he knew it, they were at the end of the evening, sitting in front of her condo. The awkward moment has arrived. He didn’t want to put any pressure on her. He relaxed back into his seat and let Kyra control what happened next. It’d make his life easier. While he waited her out he studied her face. Strong bones, wide almond-shaped eyes, and a bowed mouth had him hoping she’d invite him in for coffee.
“Earth to Kyra.” Jake laughed as he nudged her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, trapped in my head.”
“I get it.” He leaned over, kissed her, brushing his lips over hers before he got out of the car. He walked around to her side, extended a hand, and helped her out.
“Thanks for a great evening,” she said.
“I enjoyed it. How about we do it again next week?”
“Yes, that sounds nice.”
At the door, he held out his hand for her keys. She dropped them into it. He unlocked her door, handed her back her keys but didn’t open it.
“Do you want to come in for a cup of coffee or a drink?” Her voice cracked, endearing her to him.
“No, it’s best I go home. Thanks for a wonderful evening. I’ll call you at the beginning of the week to set up a time for dinner.”
“Sounds good.”
He leaned in and kissed her once more, gently. But it didn’t take long for him to deepen the kiss when she offered encouragement. The urgency in it forced him to put space between them. He didn’t take advantage of vulnerable women.
He ran his thumb over her cheek, and smiled down at her. “Now you can relax,” he joked.
“I was relaxed,” she shot back.
He laughed. “Liar.”
“You’re right. Good night.”
“Bye. Lock your door.”
“The protector?” Kyra joked.
“I love a smart-mouth.”
“Well, you came to the right place.”
“Not yet,” Jake said.
“Bye.”
He waited for her to close the door. When he heard the lock click into place, he walked down the stairs. Kyra was an intelligent woman who didn’t flaunt her looks. Every time the subject turned to relationships, she somehow turned it back on him. Was he losing his touch? She never discussed her gambling problem. His cop senses zoned into how masterfully she dodged the subject whenever they came close to it. At the same time her eyes shouted “help.” Lord, I should be running— not wondering how I can help her. He doubted she’d ask him for assistance even if she need it. The more they talked, the more he recognized she was hiding something. He’d need all his investigative skills to unravel her secrets.
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