“Well, you did,” I said. “Can I help you?”
“I’m a private investigator.”
Alarm bells started going off in my head. A private investigator? For what? Why?
He continued on before I could question him. “I’ve been hired by a family who recently lost a loved one. A young woman was killed not far from here.”
“Is this about the animalistic killings? The serial killer?” I asked, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. My desire for knowledge about the case was overriding my worry about a stranger on my doorstep.
Nate eyed me for a moment, then grinned. “You’re pretty smart. Beautiful, and a quick mind. A great combo.”
Swallowing, I tried to suppress the weird tingle of excitement that went through me when he said that.
“I’m a reporter,” I said in defense. “It pays to be smart.”
“Fair enough,” Nate said. “I’m investigating something for the families. I have several sources at the paper and in the police force that tell me you may have information I could use.”
“Sources?” I repeated. “What kind of sources do you have?”
I had a hard time thinking this guy could know as much or more than I did. He looked like he’d be more at home on a fashion runway or posing in his underwear for a magazine cover than delving into crime investigations.
He gave me another of those crooked grins. “Well, I know you’ve been assigned to work on the story atThe Chronicle.”
My jaw dropped. “How the hell could you know that? I just got assigned today.”
He winked, and that sent another surge of heat through my chest—a not-unpleasant sensation. “I have my ways of getting what I want.”
He stared into my eyes, a flirtatious gleam in his gaze. I had the distinct impression that he wasn’tonlytalking about work.
Fuck, was it hot in here? Why was I sweating?
“Be that as it may,” I said, “I still don’t see how I can help you. I’m not at liberty to reveal any sources I may have, or where I gather my information. I don’t think you flexing your muscles and batting those eyes at me is gonna work. Maybe it does on other women, but I’m not that kind of girl.”
“Come on, now,” Nate said, glancing away, then back. “This could be mutually beneficial. You’re a smart lady. Maybe we can help each other out.”
His deep, sonorous voice reverberated through my chest and my core. I couldn’t stop looking at his eyes—a sharp, silvery gray that pinned me in place as he took a step closer. Swallowing hard, I didn’t move as he rested his hand on the wall behind me, leaning close to me, invading my space. At any other time in my life, I’d be pissed.
Actually, on second thought, Iwaspissed. Who did he think he was flirting with me? We met, like, two minutes ago. Still, my body was rebelling against my mind. As much as I wanted to tell him to go fuck himself, I couldn’t force the words from my mouth.
“So,” Nate said, grinning coyly. “What do you say? I scratch your back, you scratch mine?”
Unbidden, an image burst into my mind: me on my back, mouth thrown open in ecstasy, powerful hips thrusting into me, my nails dragging down a broad muscular back as a thunderous orgasm shook me.
What the fuck?
That snapped me out of whatever spell this guy was casting on me. I shook my head and moved away, sidestepping Nate. And I swear to God, he did the same sniffing thing Officer Vickers had done. His grin faded slightly.
Damn. I guess I really did need a shower or something. Did I reek that bad?
“Interesting,” Nate muttered to himself.
“Buddy,” I said, ignoring him and doing my best to keep my voice steady, “I don’t know what you think you’re gonna get here, but it’s not going to happen. Got it?”
Gritting my teeth, I cursed myself. My panties were soaked. What the absolutehellwas wrong with me? Heat crept into my cheeks.
Nate must have seen me blushing, because the smile never left his face. “I’m not trying anything. Why don’t we go get a drink somewhere and discuss the case? Maybe I can get you some info you don’t have for your story, and perhaps you can give me something I need for my investigation. That’s a pretty decent plan, don’t you think?” He shrugged. “Whatever happens after that just happens.”
A memory of my mother crawled out of the recesses of my mind. Coming home and gushing about the new man she’d met. How many times in my life had that scene played out? Too many to count. Almost always, she’d allowed her desires and lust to take her down a path with a man who didn’t treat her well and left her stranded and heartbroken. Men who only wanted her for her looks and body, but cast her aside when they were done with her.
