The blues in her eyes darkened, and if he didn’t know better, he’d almost think it was a sign of attraction. But this was Ellie. She could barely stand being in the same room as him, most days. Even if he wasn’t on the job, there was no way this woman—of all women—would be interested in him.
So, rather than turn a promising situation into an uncomfortable exchange, he avoided a direct answer by responding with, “You, uh…you don’t want to know.”
“What if I do?” Ellie kept her gaze steady and her hand in his.
“You don’t.” Lucky swallowed hard. “Trust me.”
A stretch of silence ensued, and for a moment, both he and Ellie became lost in their own thoughts. But then the tempting woman inched closer, her fingers curling around his as she continued staring deep into his eyes.
“I do, you know?” She inched closer. “Trust you, that is. I know I haven’t exactly shown it lately, but I know you’ll do whatever you can to keep me safe.”
“Damn straight, I will.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
“I just wish the feds would catch Harvey, already,” she continued. “If he was back in police custody, then we could find out once and for all if he was the one behind the shooting.”
“You think the prick would admit to it, if he was?”
“Yes.” Her answer was instant and filled with confidence. “Aside from being a sadistic killer, Harvey’s also a textbooknarcissist. He wouldn’t want someone else taking credit for his work.”
Lucky could see that, he supposed. And it wasn’t as if an attempted murder charge would affect the four consecutive life sentences the man had already been handed down.
“So…what do ya say?” He watched her closely. “You wanna blow this popsicle stand and go blow off some steam for a couple of hours?”
Excitement began to work its way into her gaze, but then she glanced at the time on the oven’s digital clock. In a move that drove him wild with need, the woman pulled her bottom lip between her teeth as she considered her own question.
The move was unintentional. Innocent, even. And still, he had to physically fight the urge to grab ahold of her and finally taste the lips he’d been craving.
“It’s already after nine,” she mused. “Do you think it’s safe?”
“It would only be for a couple of hours,” he informed her. “And yes, the place where I’d be taking you is safe.” It was a club he frequented whenever he got the chance. “The owner is former military, and he runs a tight ship. And I’ll be right by your side the entire time.”
“So…you and me. Dancing.” Her throat worked with a silent swallow. “You really think that’s a good idea?”
“I think you could use a break from all this. And you’ll be perfectly safe.” He let his thumb caress her once again. “I wouldn’t have suggested it if I thought otherwise.”
“Okay.”
Ellie’s answer was so unexpected, it took Lucky a full two seconds to even realize what she’d said.
“O-okay? As in—”
“As in, give me thirty minutes, and I’ll be ready to leave.”
Twenty-nine minutes and forty-five seconds later, Ellie was in the living room, ready to go. And Lucky, well…all he could do was stand there and stare.
I am in so much trouble.
Before, she’d been dressed in an adorably baggy crewneck, black leggings, and a pair of fuzzy socks. Her hair had been pulled up in a messy bun, and there hadn’t been a stitch of makeup on her perfect, silken skin.
But now…
Now Ellie’s hair was down and draping over one of her delicate shoulders. Her ears were adorned with dangly, shimmering earrings, and she’d done that whole smokey-eye thing with her makeup.
The best part of the transformation, however, was the short, black, strapless number hugging her delectable curves. That and the black fuck-me heels giving her feet a dramatic arch.
With the tiniest of slits at one side, the dress’s simple, straight neckline showing just the right amount of her luscious cleavage.
And still…Lucky was just standing and staring.