Yes, because the sexy beast of a man’s protective nature is what’s got you squirming in your seat.
Cassie stopped moving, realizing she had, indeed, been squirming. A sly grin spread across her face, and she was thankful Lori wasn’t there in person to see it.
“I’m good,” she finally answered her friend. “I mean, as good as one can be in my situation.” After last night, Cassie was fairly confident she was much,muchbetter than most would be in her situation. “One of Archer’s teammates called in a favor, and there’s a crew at my house right now cleaning it all up while I take care of a few things here at the office.”
“Wait, you’re at the firm? What are you doing there?”
“Just getting my pro-bono case files ready for Ellie to pick up in the morning.”
“Oh, that’s right. I remember Eddie mentioning she was going to take care of those for you while you’re…” An awkward silence ensued before Lori shifted directions. “Anyway I’m so glad to hear you’re doing okay. How’s the bodyguard? He and his team find any new leads?”
“Not yet, but they’ve been working on it.”
“Well I hope they work fast. One of Eddie’s golfing buddies works closely with the mayor. From what he said, the mayor’s still pushing for a speedy trial.”
“Yeah, I know.” Cassie swallowed hard. “Wouldn’t want to drag this out on the taxpayers’ dime, right?
“Right, because that man actually gives a shit about the taxes we pay.” Lori snorted but grew quieter when she added, “I still can’t believe any of this is happening. Losing Russ like that…”
The cracking of the other woman’s voice was like a fist to Cassie’s heart. She and Russ may not have been compatible as husband and wife, and the guy may have been immune to monogamy, but he wasn’t a bad person. Not really.
And while Cassie had been busy trying to save her own ass, she’d nearly forgotten that Lori was probably still reeling from the loss of her friend.
“I know,” she offered the other woman sincerely. “This whole situation is insane. I mean, you know me. I wouldn’t kill a bird, let alone a man I’d married. Granted I was trying very hard tounmarry him, but still.”
“That’s what I’ve been telling everyone when they bring it up. I know you aren’t capable of doing the things they’re saying on the news, Cassie. Of course, I know that. I just hope that mouthwatering man watching your back can prove it before it’s too late.”
“You and me both, sister. Hey, listen…I hate to cut this short, especially since we’ve had like no time to talk lately, but I only have three hours to spend here before I have to leave.”
“Why the short timeframe?”
“Archer has a meeting scheduled for noon to touch base with the guys.”
It was more of a misleading truth than a flat-out lie. After all, the other four members of Eagle’s Nestwereplanning to attend the meeting with Detective Knox.
Way to justify deceiving your best friend.
Guilt assaulted her, but Cassie didn’t have a choice. Knox was supposedly putting his career—possibly his own life—on the line to pass along information that could possibly help her case. There was no way she’d divulge that to anyone.
Not even Lori.
“Gotcha.” The other woman seemed to buy the excuse. “Okay, then. I only have one more question before you hang up.”
“Shoot.”
“The other guys on Archer’s team…are they as smokin’ hot as the one watching over your sexy ass?”
“Lori!” Cassie feigned a shocked gasp, chastising her friend with a grin. “Shame on you. You are a married woman, young lady.”
“Yes, but the ring on my finger has nothing to do with my eyesight.”
With a full belly laugh, Cassie said, “I’m hanging up now.”
“You know I love my husband butdayum. A girl would have to be blind not to notice the hunk of muscle you’ve got sleeping under your roof. Speaking of…does he stick to your side at night, too?”
“Okay, now I really am hanging up!” Cassie’s lower belly tingled from the answer she refused to give. “I love you, and I will hopefully see you soon.”
“Ah, come on!” Lori pleaded. “You’ve gotta give a girl a little something…”