Page 64 of The Hitman and the Psychic

Unable to resist, I wrapped my arms around her. “Yeah. I could hardly believe it either.” She snuggled against me, and I closed my eyes, grateful she didn’t pull away. “I never thanked you, so… thanks, but don’t ever do that again. I’m not sure I’m worth the risk.”

She pulled back to meet my gaze. “What? Of course you are. Besides… it’s my job.” She made a flipping motion with her hand. “And I don’t think I’d like it if you… if you got shot. Besides, I signed a contract.”

“Wait. Are you saying you like me? So I’m notjusta job?”

She blinked a few times and shook her head. “I never said that.”

I tugged her back into my arms. “But you’d be upset if I got shot?”

She tilted her head to meet my gaze, and her right brow rose. “Of course. You know how I am with blood. I might have fainted.”

I nodded, grinning. “That’s right. How could I forget that?” Her lips were inches from mine. All I had to do was lower my head just a little more—

Her gaze darkened, but instead of giving in, she pulled out of my arms. “What happened to being professional?”

“I didn’t sayIwas going to act professional,” I teased.

She rolled her eyes. “How are you coming with the peppers. About done?” She turned back to her bowl with the eggs and started beating them to death.

I smiled and picked up the cutting board. “All done. Want them in the pan?”

“Yes.”

Using the knife, I slid the onion and peppers into the hot, buttered pan. She took over and began to stir them around. I leaned back against the counter and watched herwork. A few minutes later, she added the eggs and spices, and the smell was heavenly. It was fun to watch her get lost in her cooking, and I could tell that she enjoyed it.

She glanced my way. “Want to set the table?”

“You bet.”

She directed me to the place-mats, plates, utensils and glasses. We finished up at about the same time, and my mouth watered with anticipation. “This looks amazing. I cook for myself now and then, but I usually order out, so this is a treat.”

“Then I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will.”

While she dished up the food, the doorbell rang. It startled her so badly that she nearly dropped the plate of eggs.

“Whoa.” I grabbed the plate. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Sorry.” She swallowed, wiping her hands on her apron. “Guess I’m a little jumpy.” She hesitated.

“Were you expecting someone?”

“No.” She shook her head.

The doorbell rang again, followed by a couple of hard knocks.

“Want me to answer it?”

She shook her head. “No. It’s fine. I don’t know why I’m so rattled. I’m sure it’s just a neighbor. I’ll be right back.”

She left the plate in my hands and hurried toward the door. Not about to stay behind, I set the plate down and followed her into the living room.

I moved the curtain aside for a quick peek before she pulled the door open. Getting a glimpse of a man with dark hair on her porch, I stepped behind her to see his face.

“Brandon? What are you doing here?”

“I saw the light on and—” He caught sight of me, and his face darkened. “What’s he doinghere?”

---