Dangerous Temptations

Once I got into my car, I pulled up the photo I had taken inside the house and stared at it in disbelief.

It was the same symbol that was on t

he coin Sydney had showed me earlier that evening.

Sydney

“Looks like you had a visitor last night,” Marie said as I walked into the office and set Maggie Maye down. Marie waggled her eyebrows repeatedly, and I rolled my eyes and giggled.

Maggie Maye sniffed around the office. The cleaning crew had been there last night, and the smell of bleach permeated the air. She sat in front of the fish tank and watched Ragnor swim around in his lazy circles. A little growl grew in the back of her throat.

“That’s Ragnor. He’s the office mascot.”

She looked at me with her big puppy-dog eyes while she cocked her head. “Do you want to be an office mascot, too?”

I received a bark in reply. She was too cute.

Amazingly enough, she’d slept through the night and we had no accidents in the house this morning. I took out a rawhide and tossed it to her. So far, no one had contacted me about Maggie Maye. Once a full week passed, I imagined it would be safe to assume the likelihood of anyone showing was slim.

Marie asked, “Well, did someone come by?”

Nonchalantly, I shrugged. “Mike dropped by with a pizza. That was it.”

“Pish posh. There’s more to it, and you know it.”

I loved Marie, but she was also a huge gossip. She and her Red Hat Society women, which included Lou and Peggy, met every month and compared notes. If I revealed too much, I’d be featured in their conversations.

“I watched Maggie Maye for him last night when he got called away. We’re friends.”

The door chimed, and the little puppy took off. Mike gave me a million-dollar grin, which I returned. The Salem PD T-shirt was black this time. Why, cruel world, why? The material was thin, showing off every muscle, and I took a steadying breath.

I will not lose my composure. I will not make a fool out of myself.

“As promised, I brought coffee. I figured Marie would be here, too. Chuck at the coffee shop said Marie takes it black with a dash of sugar, and of course I know you like yours with caramel creamer, Syd.”

Marie took the proffered cup. “Oh honey, I wish I was younger. I’d chase you around this office.”

Mike laughed, but his eyes never left mine. Casually he stepped closer, and his extreme hotness nearly incinerated me.

Ruff. Ruff. Ruff.

Maggie Maye gave a series of barks at his feet.

“Hey there, Mags. Did you miss me? As soon as Sydney takes this coffee, I’ll pick you up.”

Shit, that was my cue. I took the coffee and inhaled its rich fragrance. “Thank you. Smells amazing.”

“Good.” He picked up Maggie Maye. She licked his face crazily—like it had been forever since she’d seen him.