“Gabriel. Samantha. It is good to see you both.”
Gabriel clasped the big man’s hand. “You, too, old friend. Thanks for giving us the room when you’re so busy.”
“For you, anything. I have the deadeners on full. No one will eavesdrop on your conversation.”
“Good. The general should be here by eleven. Just keep an eye out for me. I don’t really trust him.”
Han nodded. “Do you want a drink while you wait?”
“Just ice water for me, thanks,” Sam said.
“Are you sure? I do make the best cocktails in town, you know.”
Sam grinned. “I’m still on duty. Water will do.”
Han looked at Gabriel. “And you, my friend? Are you playing by the book?”
“The SIU would go into shock if I did. I’ll have a beer, thanks.”
Han nodded and walked away. Sam interlaced her fingers and leaned her chin on them. The ring of smoke around the blue of her eyes gleamed like ice in the candlelight, but there was nothing cold about the smile that teased her lips. A moment later, her bare foot slid up his shoe and under his pant leg. The skin-to-skin caress had his muscles—and other parts of his body—jumping in delight.
“Why don’t you trust the general?” she asked.
When had her voice gained that sexy edge? “I just have a feeling about the man. He agreed to this meeting far too fast.”
“Maybe he just wants to help.”
Her foot was sliding up and down, up and down, and he was beginning to find it extremely hard to concentrate.
“The military is not known for its helpful nature,” he said dryly. “He’s got his own agenda for agreeing to this meeting.”
“Then why come here? Why not somewhere more secure?”
“Han’s is as secure as you can get, and the general might just relax his guard here.”
She nodded. Then Han walked in, and her foot stopped its teasing. Gabriel wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or annoyed.
“Thanks, Han,” he said, once the big man had placed their drinks on the table.
“I have ordered a tray of savories for you both.” A hint of amusement ran through Han’s voice. “Complimentary, of course.”
“Thanks,” Gabriel repeated, and knew he’d get the third degree from his friend later. But what could he say? That his temporary partner was pushing boundaries in a way she’d never pushed before? That while he was attracted to her, he had no intention of heading down that path while she was his partner?
Han left. Sam raised her glass and slowly sipped. Moisture glistened like tears on her mouth. God, it would be so easy to reach across the table, to wrap his arm around her neck and kiss those droplets away.
But he could not. Dared not.
She raised an eyebrow, and for a minute he wondered if she’d somehow caught his thoughts.
“So, what do we talk about until the general gets here?”
“How about the weather?” he said, keeping his voice bland.
She smiled that smile again, and heat twisted through his veins. “How about we talk about us?”
“There is no us,” he said gently, even though he wished it could be otherwise. “Not while we’re partners.”
“Then you’re not denying the attraction between us?”