Read Online Rest in Pieces by Katie Graykowski - Free Book Online

freeze to death.
    One of the enormous wrought iron double front doors opened and an olive–skinned man with black hair stepped out. Deep dimples dented each cheek as he smiled at us. He bore a striking resemblance to Eddie Cibrian, only taller and more muscular. He waved, and diamond cufflinks glittered in the sunlight. His dark gray trousers and pressed white button down shirt seemed a tad formal for Saturday morning at home, but what did I know? Maybe all rich people dressed up while lounging on the sofa and watching Saturday morning cartoons. Maybe this was a Texas version of Downton Abbey. Why hadn’t his butler answered the door? Besides the gunsmithing, it really was his only job. Man, he’s lazy.
    “Ladies, welcome to my home.” His accented English was downright sexy.
    I’d expected a Mexican drug lord to look like Danny Trejo or a Hispanic Don Corleone, anything but a Latin soap star. It was disappointing. I glanced at his shoes. Black cowboy boots. My first thought was that he could have at least worn some expensive, cheesy Italian loafers. My second thought was that I really needed to stop stereotyping people. Everyone had a hobby; mine was prejudging people. The fact that I was usually wrong about them didn’t deter me one bit. I’m not a quitter.
    “Damn.” Monica said under her breath. “I call dibs.”
    After the shotgun incident, she’d stepped up her game.
    “Daman. Thank you for letting us take advantage of your hospitality on such short notice.” Haley sauntered over to him.
    I don’t think I’ve ever sauntered…possibly sashayed but never sauntered. Monica and I just plain walked up to the front door.
    Daman Rodriguez up close was even better looking. His black–coffee eyes were surrounded by so many eyelashes that it looked like he was wearing eyeliner. A tiny scar creased his brow, which was more charming than dangerous.
    “Absolutely. I’m always happy to help out a friend.” He leaned in and kissed her left cheek and then her right.
    “Think it’s too forward of me to ask him to be the father of my future children?” Monica whispered as she shot him a stunning smile.
    “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” I winked at her.
    “Good point.” She nodded.
    “These are my friends.” Haley stepped back giving us access to Daman. “This is Monica.”
    Monica stuck her chest out and cooed. “It’s so good to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
    “All good I hope.” His gaze darted to me. “And this must be Mustang.”
    Reluctantly, Monica stepped inside and out of the way.
    “Nice to meet you.” I nodded.
    He turned up the wattage of his grin and all the estrogen in my body drunk–dialed my brain. I opened my mouth to ask how the drug lord business was treating him, but thought better of it. Ben didn’t say it was supposed to be a secret, but I’m pretty sure it was implied. People should start stating the obvious instead going around implying all sorts of things.
    “I believe that you were married to our former police chief.” Daman held out his hand for me to shake. I took it, but instead of the normal handshake he brought my hand to his lips and kissed the back. “Give him my best when you speak with him.”
    Slowly, he released my hand.
    “I don’t ever speak to him, but on the off chance that hell freezes over and I do, I’ll give him the message.” Was that TMI? Sometimes I have trouble with over sharing.
    One corner of his mouth turned up, and damn if a third dimple didn’t pop out on his chin. Handsome men should have a two–dimple limit.
    He stepped aside so that I could walk through the open door.
    The interior of the house was breathtaking—literally, I sucked in a chlorinated, humid breath. The scent of roses fought with the chlorine in a battle for dominance, but I had to give it to the chlorine. There must be an indoor pool somewhere close.
    The front entry way boasted off white, large travertine tiles set on the