Read Online Star Crossed by Rhonda Laurel - Free Book Online Page A

her. “I could tell you things that would make that lovely red hair of yours curl, but I’m trying to be a gentleman these days.”
    “I think you may be just what my musical friend needs in her life.”
    “And what is that?”
    “Someone who considers her feelings and needs. Very cool of you.”
    Chris turned to Kate. “Babe, thanks for the mechanical bull reference. Can I make you two a drink? Something to eat? I was in a rush to get home, so I skipped dinner with the rest of the cast.”
    “Fajitas?” Kate rubbed his shoulder.
    “Sure.”
    “Charlotte, you hungry? Chris’s fajitas are awesome, like the fajitas off a food truck, not the fancy ones in a restaurant.”
    “Sure, why not?”
    “Cool. Late-night dinner will be ready in a half hour.” Chris kissed Kate and went off to the kitchen.
    “I hope you’re in love with the guy because I think I am. He’s hot and charming, and he can cook. He worked all day, and he’s fixing you dinner.”
    “Hey, I wasn’t home knitting all day, I was working too.” Kate grabbed her wine glass.
    “I know but he’s…”
    “I know.”
    “And that totally goes against of what I thought…”
    “I know.”
    “And how many squats does he have to do a day to keep that ass so tight?”
    Kate shifted her eyes. “Three hundred thirteen. But he also runs on the beach.”
    “You run with him?”
    “No, I’m usually on my deck with a pair of binoculars watching him.”
    “Damn.”
     
    * * *
     
    Kate booked a late flight to New York. Under the cover of darkness she could slip into town, do her interview, and leave before the Garrison brood knew she was on the eastern seaboard. She did, however, call her cousin Billie and tell her she’d be in town.
    Kate rolled up late to her cousin’s townhome expecting to use the key she had. Instead she was greeted by Billie and her husband, Dominic.
    “Dom!”
    “Hey, beautiful, how you are you?” He walked down the stairs and then gave her a squeeze.
    “Always better after seeing New York’s finest.”
    “Billie!” She ran up the stairs, grabbed her cousin, and held on for dear life.
    “Hey, babe.” Billie returned the hug and stood there for a moment rubbing Kate’s back.
    Kate exhaled so loudly she thought she’d wake the neighbors. Billie gave the best hugs.
    “How about a late-night snack, ladies?” Dom came up the stairs with her luggage.
     
    * * *
     
    Kate sat on a stool in the kitchen, watching Billie and Dom as they milled around the kitchen. By day they were both NYPD detectives, but when the day was done and the guns were put away, they were just husband and wife.
    Dominic shook his head. “You know, I can never get used to this. Why do you two have to look so much alike?”
    “Espejeda, can it with the twin fantasies.” Billie elbowed his ribs.
    “I didn’t say a word.” He held out his palms.
    “Yeah, but I can read your mind.”
    Kate giggled. “I still don’t see it.”
    “Neither do I.”
    Dom shifted his gaze between the two women. “Is this some kind of weird twin denial?”
    “Maybe.” Billie kissed her husband.
    “So, Kate, what’s going on with that jerk-off Jack?” Dominic said.
    “He’s mad because he got busted and I seem to have moved on amid scandal, which is rude apparently.”
    “This new one, Chris Cavanaugh, how is that going? I’ve seen a few of his movies; he’s not bad.”
    “Chris.” She cleared her throat. “Kind of punched Jack out on Friday. Jack came over with a reconciliation ruse and things got out of hand. Chris came out of nowhere and knocked him through the railing.”
    “Sounds like a movie plot.” Dominic brought his hand to his chin.
    “Tell me about it. It was surreal. Chris…” Kate hesitated. “Is a really cool guy. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. I like that. He has potential. Greater potential than he gives himself credit for. Everyone sees the face and then wants to use him as eye candy.”
    Billie remained silent.
    Kate