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course. I knew a different way into the building that would bring us onto the
same floor without alerting him to our presence. They didn t like putting their
faith in a brand-new detective, but I led a team inside, through the back of the
building, and took the perp down through a vent in the ceiling.
 Sounds like you paid attention in class. Ginger leaned back, studying his
frown.  That s a great story, save the one unfortunate death. It could have
been a lot worse.
 You asked me how I made lieutenant. He glanced away.  One of the
hostages turned out to be the mayor s granddaughter. When he got wind of
my role in the takedown, he demanded the department promote me. I didn t
earn it. They handed it to me.
Ginger scoffed in disbelief, but his expression remained tight so she leaned in
and spoke quietly against his shoulder.  Derek, people have gotten ahead in
this world for much less. A lot of them are probably in this room right now.
He leaned down to rest his mouth against her temple.  You re right about
that.
She shivered. In order to kiss him, she needed only tip her head back and
meet his lips. But they stood in the middle of a crowded dance floor filled with
his peers, so she appeased herself by pressing closer to his warm chest. His
arm tightened around her, the hand in her hair tugging lightly on the strands.
 So being a lieutenant isn t all about fancy charity events like this one.
There s a lot of danger involved.
He nodded against her head but didn t respond.
Ginger could sense the direction of his thoughts.  I wish I d known that day
in the hallway you were headed to a funeral. I still feel a little guilty about
telling you to go to hell.
 If I recall correctly, I deserved it.
She wrinkled her nose, then sighed.  Well, it certainly isn t an easy life you ve
chosen for yourself. I m sorry I added to it that particular day. Even if you did
deserve it.
The hand in her hair began massaging her neck.  It hasn t been easy for you,
either. Has it?
Ginger didn t show any reaction to his casually posed question, but her
internal defenses shot to attention.  That s a story for a different day.
She sensed him wanting to press her for more, but he wisely refrained. A
heavy silence descended between them as they danced, and Ginger searched
her brain for a way to lighten the mood again.
 Patty mentioned something interesting during dinner.
 Did she?
 Hmm. She took some liberties in responding to your invitation tonight.
His chest rumbled with laughter against her cheek.  So it was her. I had a
feeling.
Reluctantly, Ginger pulled away to look up into his face. Being held by him
felt too natural, like she could crawl into his arms and fall asleep. But cuddling
and neck massages were not a part of what they were doing here together,
and she needed to remind herself of that fact. Derek was the same man who
spanked her without warning, pleasured her in front of a mirror so he could
watch. She shouldn t feel safe with him, but she did. It forced her to question
her judgment.
The first Derek, the one who breathed sensuality, whose very words elicited a
response from her body, that Derek she could accept. Warm, humble,
apologetic Derek quite frankly terrified her.
Someone needed to redraw the battle lines, and it looked like it would be up
to her.
She gazed up at him through her lashes.  Surely, Lieutenant, you keep a few
women on reserve to bring to events like this, or maybe just the occasional
late-night date. Why not call one of them? You and I want something from
each other and it doesn t include prime rib dinners and dancing.
His eyes narrowed suspiciously and Ginger sensed he could see right through
her.  You told me to try harder. I m just following orders.
 I didn t think you were in any condition to pay attention that night.
 I always pay attention where you re concerned.
The song ended and after a moment, Derek let his arms drop, shoving his
hands into his pants pockets. People around them made their way to the bar or
returned to their tables, but Derek and Ginger remained rooted in place.
 Since you appear to be the expert, what do we want from each other,
Ginger?
 I think you know.
 Oh, I do. But I want to hear you say it.
Painfully aware of the crowd milling around them, she stepped closer and
reached up to adjust his bow tie, lowering her voice to a near-whisper.  I want
to show you instead.
Derek s quick exhalation of breath stirred the hair on her head. His hand
banded around her elbow, steering her off the dance floor.  We re leaving.
Now.
Startled by his reaction, Ginger stopped him before they reached the table.
 Wait. I need to use the ladies room. I ll meet you at the coat check.
He looked like he wanted to argue, so she turned and slipped through the
crowd toward the restroom before he could grab her again. Thankfully she
didn t have to wait in line and the opulent bathroom was relatively empty, save
the uniformed attendant handing out paper towels and breath mints.
Washing her hands and giving herself a quick glance in the mirror, Ginger
turned to leave but stopped abruptly when a tall blonde entered the bathroom.
She recognized the woman from their table, but hadn t been introduced, nor
were they given an opportunity to speak during dinner. Easily six inches taller
than Ginger, she looked elegant in a pale gray cocktail dress, which highlighted
the icy blue of her eyes.
 Well hello there, the blonde slurred, leaning a little too close to her. Ginger [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]