“Hey, Meg. How’s Pete doing?”
“Oh, you know him. Damn man had a heart attack and was itching to get back to work the next day. If the doctor doesn’t give him the okay soon, I’ll kill Pete myself—you didn’t hear that, Agent Malone,” she added with a friendly wink before turning to Tess. “Coffee?”
“Yes, please.” The words came out quickly, as if the simple act of ordering might ground her.
Brian nodded. “Make it two.”
“You got it. I’ll grab those while you decide what to order.”
“Thanks, Meg.”
When the waitress left, Tess glanced up and caught Brian watching her. His expression wasn’t unreadable—if anything, it was the opposite. Open. Steady. Like he was cataloging her every little reaction.
“What?” she asked, half smiling, half self-conscious.
“Nothing.” Despite his claim, the corners of his mouth curved upward. “You just look... I don’t know... lighter today.”
Her cheeks warmed. “That’s probably because I don’t have anything on my schedule today.”
“Hmm.” He didn’t sound convinced, but he let it slide. The look in his eyes said otherwise—he knew exactly why she seemed lighter. The glow in her chest had nothing to do with a free calendar and everything to do with him... and the way he’d made her body sing last night.
The waitress returned with two steaming mugs, and Tess wrapped her hands around hers, grateful for the heat. Maybe it would stop the goose bumps skittering across her skin. She took a sip, wincing at the strength before adding two packets of sugar and a splash of cream from the little pitcher on the table.
After they placed their orders, Brian leaned back in his seat, his gaze drifting briefly to the window where sunlight spilled over Main Street. “What do you want to do today? After breakfast, I mean.”
Tess traced a fingertip along the rim of her mug. “Anything that doesn’t involve laundry or errands.”
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. “I was thinking we could go to an outdoor market about a mile up Beach Road. There are always lots of vendors with crafts, food, and all sorts of stuff. I haven’t been to it in a while, but I figured it would be fun.”
Her heart skipped. The thought of spending the day with him, no expectations, just the two of them, was more than she’d let herself hope for. “That sounds perfect.”
It wasn’t long before their plates arrived—pancakes dusted with powdered sugar for her, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast for him—and for a few minutes, the conversation paused as they dug in. The food was simple but delicious, and Tess realized how long it had been since she’d shared a meal with someone other than her brother, who made her laugh between bites.
Brian picked up a piece of bacon, then looked at her across the table. “You know, I wasn’t sure this morning would be... easy.”
Her fork stilled. “And?”
“And it is,” he said candidly, as though that was explanation enough.
The words settled deep in her chest. He was right. It was exactly what their morning-after interaction resembled—unexpectedly, impossibly easy.
But just as she was beginning to imagine the day unfolding—coffee refills, a walk through the market, and maybe even a late lunch together—Brian’s phone buzzed on the table.
He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening as he read a text message.
“Work?” she guessed.
“Yeah. Another homicide over in the state park.” He set down his fork, already pulling cash from his wallet. “I’ve gotta go.”
Disappointment flickered through her mind—brief but unmistakable—but she masked it with a smile. She knew his job was demanding, far more than hers. It was just lousy timing that the one weekend she wasn’t on call, he was. “Go. Don’t worry about me. I’ll find something to do.” It was only a few blocks back to the house, so she could easily walk there.
For a moment, his eyes held hers like he was trying to read her mind—to make sure she wasn’t upset. Maybe he’d been with women who couldn’t handle his job coming first, but Tess understood all too well. After all, his homicide cases often ended up on her autopsy table.
Seemingly satisfied with her answer, he nodded, dropping the bills on the table. “Rain check on the market?”
“Definitely.”
“I’ll call you later.” He slid out of the booth, hesitated for half a heartbeat, then leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers—quick, but sure, carrying more heat than he’d probably intended. When he drew back, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, like the kiss had caught even him off guard. Then he cleared his throat, gave her a half-smile, and headed for the door. Tess watched him go, the bell jingling overhead as he disappeared onto the street, leaving behind the faint trace of coffee and aftershave.