Page 5 of A Dangerous Proposal

Interest flared in Alex’s eyes. “Really? What’s it called?”

“Murder She Spoke.”

“And is there a criminal here I should be worried about?” His lips quirked.

“Probably.”

He leaned past her to set down his glass, and his arm brushed hers. Even though there was a layer of fabric between them, she felt her heartbeat pickup. She took a deep breath, willing her body to calm down.

As tempting as the man in front of her was—and he was the definition of temptation—The tired voice in her head reminded her she didn’t have the bandwidth for men right now.

Isn’t that the point of a hook-up?

She ignored the horny voice in her head. “I’m here because Kip is a major advertiser.”

His eyes danced with mischief. “Does overpriced, mediocre food go well with crime?”

Madison burst out laughing. “I don’t think you can say that here. Kip has a meal delivery service. Perfect for those who want to cook and solve mysteries from the comfort of their home.”

“Fascinating.” His eyes traced over her face almost as if he were trying to memorize her. “Why crime? Why are you drawn to the darkness in the world?”

“What do you mean?” She frowned.

“Well, you’re chasing it for entertainment. Do you recognize something of yourself in it?” Alex leaned close, the spicy scent of his cologne filling her nose.

“I don’t think it’s the darkness at all. It’s the light. People have a visceral need for answers. And some people, like me, want to help others find justice.”

He cocked his head considering. “You think that helps? Does knowing how or why someone you cared about was harmed somehow lessen the pain?”

“It’s closure.”

“You sound like a psychologist.” He sounded amused, and for some reason that annoyed her.

“Ex-social worker, actually,” she bit out.

“Mm. So youarean angel.”

“Hardly.” Madison snorted. “Trust me, I’m not as nice as I look, Charming.”

His devilish smile had her pulse racing. “You’re thinking of the wrong type of angel.”

Why can’t I look away?

A current of awareness licked over her skin. She’d never met anyone like him before. He made her feel… uncomfortable… excited.

Madison bit the tip of her tongue, needing the pinch to bring her back to reality before she threw herself at him. “I don’t see myself as an angel at all.”

Alex reached out and toyed with her hair where it fell over her shoulder. The intrusion of her space should bother her. She should tell him to back off. But some key component in her brain was clearly short circuiting, because she welcomed the touch… was actively fighting the urge to move closer to him.

“Even Lucifer started off as an angel.” His breath coasted along her cheek, and goosebumps rose on her arms. He was too close. Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it.

“You don’t have to hide any of your darkness from me, Angel. Standing next to me, you glow.”

The air froze in her lungs as his silky voice wrapped around her, making it impossible to think clearly.

“Do you still want to know?”

His lips grazed her ear, and for a second, Madison thought she might actually dissolve into a puddle right there in the middle of the restaurant.

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