“It’s what I should have said from the beginning. Can we start over?” he asked, extending his arm for her to take.
He knew they’d have to discuss the case sooner or later, just as he’d have to decide what to do about looking up his old man. But those weren’t things he needed to dwell on now.
She nodded slowly and licked her glossed lips. “I’d like that.”
That easily, they were back to normal, leaving Mike to marvel yet again how different Cara was from other women he’d been with who chose arguments for the sake of arguing. Tiffany especially had liked tantrums in order to get something she wanted out of him. No woman he’d known had just simply stated her feelings instead of keeping them inside until they boiled over. Cara made it a habit. There was no guessing where he stood with her, and he liked it.
Twenty minutes later, they’d pulled into the driveway at the house on the hill. Cara, eyes wide, marveled at the twinkling lights coming from on high and the large mansion rising in front of them.
“It’s a town landmark, but I never get used to seeing it,” she said in awe.
He knew what she meant. He and Cara came from working-class families, and though Mike grew up in a nice house in a decent neighborhood, their four-bedroom home could probably fit in the pool behind the mansion.
“It is something,” he agreed.
They parked and walked to the door, and Mike rang the bell. A few seconds later, the door swung wide and a teenage girl stood before them.
“Hey, Tess,” Cara said to the girl.
“Ooh, you got yourself a hot one,” the teenager said, glancing at Mike.
“I most certainly do.” Cara winked at her, shocking Mike completely.
He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out.
“Mike, this is Ethan, Dare and Nash’s smart-mouthed sister, Tess. Tess, Mike Marsden. The police chief,” Cara said, emphasizing his job description.
“Oh. Shit.” This time Tess grew silent, and Cara burst out laughing.
“Are you going to invite us in or let us freeze to death out here?” Cara asked.
“Come on in,” the teenager said grudgingly.
“Gee, thanks.” Cara’s light laughter washed over him.
Tess stepped back, and Mike noticed she was wearing a fitted top over jeans, her clothes too tight to be comfortable, but a typical teenager outfit from what he’d seen around town.
“Tess, did you get the door?” Ethan asked, the sound of his footsteps coming closer.
“Duh,” she muttered.
Ethan met them in the foyer with a smile, but he glanced at his sister and asked, “What’s with the attitude?”
“You said company, not the chief of police,” Tess hissed at him, her cheeks pink.
“I’m not here on official business,” Mike said, hoping to put her at ease.
Ethan laughed. “I should hope not. She’s been off probation for a while now.”
“What?” Mike asked, sure his friend was kidding.
“A long story for another time,” Ethan said.
Tess looked at him, narrowing her eyes. “I can’t believe you!” With a solid foot stamp, she took off, heading back upstairs.
“Bye, Tess,” Cara called out.
“Bye,” the teen yelled back.