The Monet Murders (The Art of Murder 2)

“I thought you didn’t do birthdays.”

Sam’s mouth twisted. “It seems I do occasionally do birthdays.”

Jason laughed. “I’m flattered. But before you walk in there, you should know half the LA field office is here. So, if you want to keep our friendship under wraps maybe we could meet up later.”

Sam snorted. “I can take a little office gossip, if you can.”

Jason stared at him. Sam met his gaze calmly. “It’s not a problem for me,” he said, and being Sam, that was probably true.

“Okay. Well, then. Let me introduce you to my—”

Sam put a hand on his arm. “Wait a minute.”

Jason looked at him inquiry.

“I didn’t have time to buy you a present.”

“Your being here is the best present you could give me.” That was the truth, and Jason wanted Sam to know it.

Sam’s mouth gave another of those self-mocking quirks. “I do have something for you, though.” He reached into his pocket and handed Jason something small and gold.

Jason stared down at Grandpa Harley’s Tiffany cufflink. He looked at Sam. “It’s mine. It’s the one I lost.”

“Yeah.”

“Where did you find it?”

“In the hall outside Kerk’s hotel room. I went back that night after the rest of you left.”

“You’ve had it all this time?”

Sam shook his head, acknowledging the oddness of his behavior. “I know. I kept meaning to give it back to you, but…”

Jason was smiling, but puzzled. “But what?”

Sam hesitated. Said quietly, “I figured if I hung onto it, I’d always have an excuse to see you.”

Jason’s hands closed on the piece of metal, still warm from Sam’s fingers. He could feel that glow all the way to his heart. He stared into Sam’s blue gaze. “And now?”

Sam’s hand tightened on Jason’s arm. He drew Jason in and kissed him right there in the restaurant lobby. It was a surprisingly sweet brush of lips.

Sam said, “I don’t need any more excuses.”