Situation.
It was such a benign way to describe her entire world having been thrown off its axis.
“That’s kind of you to say,” she offered softly.
“They’re not just words, Cassie. I mean it.” He walked slowly toward her. “You’re already fighting an uphill battle. You’ve got the cops thinking you did this; the D.A. no doubt sees you as his ticket to reelection...” Archer glanced out the window facing the front yard. “The media has you all but convicted, and I’m sure your neighbors are all too happy to tell everyone who’ll listen that they personally know The Black Widow Lawyer.”
“You know…” Cassie narrowed her gaze as she tilted her head just so. “If this is supposed to be a pep talk, you might want to consider enrolling in a refresher course.”
One corner of his lips twitched as if he were fighting that smile she longed to see. But as he always seemed to do, the former SEAL-turned-investigator-slash-bodyguard kept his expression steady.
“Something you should know about me.” He took another step closer. “I don’t give platitudes, and I won’t blow smoke up your ass. Your safety is my number one concern, not making you feel good.”
The same flash of…whateverit was she’d seen earlier crossed over his chocolate eyes. But just as it had before, it vanished with the very next beat of her heart.
I bet you could make me feel good. I bet you could make me feel really, really?—
“Cassie? Are you…okay?”
“Yeah, uh…yes. I’m good, I just…” She came so close to choking on the rushed words, she had to clear her throat before continuing. “My comment about the pep talk was supposed to be a joke. My lame attempt at lightening the mood. That being said, I both understand and appreciate your candor. And after being lied to for at least the last year and a half of my marriage,honesty is a trait I welcome with open arms.” When she took a breath and realized what she’d said, Cassie clarified by adding, “Not that we’re married. Or romantically involved in any way. Or will be, for that matter. Because you’re here to do a job, and not?—”
“Cass?”
She swallowed what little was left of her pride before squeaking out a soft, “Yeah?”
“I know what you meant.”
“Oh. Well…good. I’m glad there’s no confusion there.” And because she apparently didn’t know when to quit, she kept on going with, “You’re here to do a job, and nothing more. And I’m here just trying not to die, so…yeah. I guess that pretty much sums it up.”
Crap on a cracker, woman. You know, for a lawyer you sure do seem to be struggling to find your words.
It had been like that all afternoon. Ever since that sweet receptionist opened that office door, giving Cassie her first glimpse of the man standing before her.
She’d never felt such a strong reaction to a man before. Not even Russ, and she’dmarriedhim. But there was just something about Archer Nash. Being in the same room with the man threw her off in ways she couldn’t begin to understand.
Cassie opened her mouth to ask what their first step should be when a very large, very unladylike yawn struck from out of the blue.
“Sorry.” She covered her gaping mouth with her hand. “Anyone ever asks, I would not recommend county lockup to anyone looking for a good night’s sleep.” When he didn’t smile as she’d hoped, Cassie asked, “Okay, so what’s our first step? You mentioned checking out the house and having me walk you through that night. We’ve already checked the house, so if you want, I can?—”
“Sleep.”
“I’m sorry?”
“You look dead on your feet.”
Wow. Guess he wasn’t kidding about being a straight shooter.
“Gee, thanks.” She gave a small smile as she tucked some wayward locks behind her ear.
“Didn’t say you looked bad, Cass. Just that you’re obviously exhausted.”
Cass.
Russ had called her that on numerous occasions, as did her friend Lori. But for some reason whenthisman used the shortened version of her name, it sent a sort of fluttery feeling swirling deep inside her belly.
“I know. I tend to be a bit sarcastic at times.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed.”