Worst Fears Realized (Stone Barrington 5)
Page 5
“I exist on leftovers from takeout,” she replied. “So what fascinating dirty work are you doing for Woodman and Weld at the moment?” she asked.
“A personal injury suit,” he replied. “Dirty work isn’t always fascinating.”
“Is it a fascinating injury?”
“Not in the least. A Woodman and Weld client’s daughter was hurt in an automobile accident, and the other driver’s insurance company has been recalcitrant about paying her for her pain and suffering.”
“They usually are.”
“What’s next for you at the DA’s Office, now that you’ve put Dante away?”
She sighed. “I don’t know; I’m thinking about giving it up. It wears on me, you know?”
“I think I do, but it sounds like Brougham is on his way up. Won’t he take you with him?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure I want to go. When I joined the DA’s Office I was pretty idealistic, I guess. I saw it as the good guys against the bad guys, but now I’m not sure there are any good guys.”
“Life is a gray area,” Stone said.
“It’s charcoal gray and getting darker,” she said. “Did I ask you if you’re married?”
“No; I’m not.”
“Divorced?”
“Nope.”
“A lifelong bachelor? My God! Are you gay?”
“Nope.”
“Why did you never marry?”
“Just lucky, I guess.” He had been using that answer for a long time. “What about you?”
“A spinster at thirty-two,” she replied.
“Not for want of offers, I suspect.”
“I’ve had my moments.” She looked at him oddly. “May I kiss you?”
Stone laughed. “I’ve been kissed, but I’ve never been asked.”
“May I?”
“You don’t need to ask,” he said.
She leaned over, put her fingertips on his face, and drew him to her.
Her lips were firm and purposeful, and her tongue lay in waiting, darting into his mouth from time to time. He snaked an arm around her and pulled her closer, but she broke off the kiss and looked at her watch.
“Uh-oh, our dinner’s getting cold.” She stood up and threw him his coat. “To be continued after Chinese food. I’ll set the table and make some tea.
Hurry.”
Stone got into his coat.
“Here,” she said, “take my key, so I won’t have to buzz you in.” She handed it to him.