Read Online Blue Jeans and a Badge by Nina Bruhns - Free Book Online Page B

Before he could decide if he should be angry, she said, “It’s me, Philip. I’m afraid if I stay, I’ll…” She licked her lips.
    His brows shot to his hairline. “You’ll what?”
    â€œDo something foolish.”
    He couldn’t help it. He had to smile. “Yeah? Such as?”
    That earned him an eye roll. Then she got serious. “Philip, I’m not going to pretend I didn’t like kissing you. Because I did. A whole lot. Which is why it’s so tempting to—” She waved her hand.
    â€œStay?”
    â€œYeah. Stay. But neither of us are looking for a relationship, and as I said, I don’t do—”
    â€œOne-night stands. I remember. But who said I’m not looking for a relationship?”
    As soon as the words were out, he regretted them. Of course he wasn’t looking for a relationship! Other than the obvious. Hell’s bells.
    Luckily, Luce came to his rescue. Her mouth had dropped open a fraction, as though she’d been taken aback, but now it closed and thinned. “Even more reason for me not to stay. I like my life just as it is. Uncomplicated and mobile.”
    â€œMe, too,” he assured her. “At least the uncomplicated part. It’s just…” He stuck his hands in his pockets. “You make my palms itch.”
    Her lips tilted into a wry smirk. “Trust me, I know the feeling.”
    â€œGood to know,” he said, and headed straight for the door. “Come on, let’s get out of here before it spreads.”
    He heard her sigh as she followed behind him. “Too late.”
    It took all his effort not to turn around and help her scratch.
    Â 
    The next morning Luce made sure she was dressed before Philip arrived. He hadn’t said he’d come, but she had a feeling he’d be there at the motel bright and early just like yesterday.
    She was right.
    â€œHi,” he said, leaning on the door frame with a grin and a finger in the air when she opened the door.
    â€œHi, back,” she said, and glanced at the front of the door to see what he’d been fiddling with. The 9 had slipped down into a 6 again. “What’s going on?”
    He dropped his hand. “It’s a long drive to Santa Fe, we better hit the road.”
    â€œEver heard of a telephone?”
    He switched to prop his back against the frame. “Sure. But it’s always better to show up in person.”
    She wasn’t exactly sure if he was referring to him being at her door or them driving down to the Indian boarding school. Take your choice.
    In the first place, she wasn’t certain she wanted to work with him at all. And she definitely didn’t want to spend hours in his Jeep again with his knuckles brushing her knee and his shoulder bouncing off hers. That was probably what had made her lose her mind last night and let him kiss her.
    She groaned inwardly. “Is it as far as the reservation was?” she asked.
    â€œNot quite,” he said. “We should make it in less than two hours.
    Two hours. Each way. That made four hours. Not even counting the time in between, to make their inquiries.
    Oh, what the hell. She was a strong person. She wasn’t going to let this stupid attraction beat her. Or make her miss out on information vital to completing her job.
    â€œOkay. Just let me get my briefcase.”
    â€œHave you had breakfast?” he asked as she went to the closet.
    She shook her head. “Don’t generally eat breakfast. Just grab a cup of coffee.”
    â€œBreakfast is the most important meal of the day,” he stated.
    Like she hadn’t heard that one a million times before. “You sound like my mom,” she grumbled.
    â€œSmart lady.” Suddenly he was next to her, looking down at her footwear. “You got any boots?”
    She glanced at her perfectly fine sneakers. “No. Why?”
    â€œIf we’re gonna find that box canyon