Page 63 of Once a Killer

Exhaled sharply. This was going to be a long, hard weekend.

She smiled, knowing exactly what Jameson would say if he heard her thoughts. His eyes would darken, and he’d lean closer. “Damn straight it is,” he’d say in that low, rough voice that really did it for her.

She’d have to make sure those words never left her mouth tonight.

* * *

Forty-five minutes later, there was a knock at the door. “Room service,” a male voice said.

Jameson took two steps toward the door without thinking, then stopped himself. “Be right there,” he called.

He knocked on Bree’s door, which had stayed firmly closed since she walked into the room. “Are you dressed?” he called. “Dinner is here. I know you don’t want me to answer it without you.”

“Right,” she said. The door flew open, she walked out, and he almost swallowed his tongue.

The royal blue dress clung to her upper body, outlining all her curves. The fabric was stretchy and shiny, and he couldn’t tear his gaze away from the way it hugged her breasts. The skirt flared out just below her waist, emphasizing her hips and ass. Pockets sat at the seams on both sides of the dress, laying flat against her hips.

“Oh, my God,” he said, his gaze devouring her. “That dress… it’s… it’s fucking amazing. I don’t want to bother with dinner. All I want is you.”

She put her hand on his chest. “Let’s get dinner in the room and let the poor waiter go. You have money for a tip?”

“Right here,” he said, holding up his hand with folded bills.

She held his gaze for a moment, then shook her head. “Snap out of it, Jameson,” she whispered. “The guy’s waiting out there.”

He sucked in a breath and turned around. Stumbled once as he headed for the door. She nudged him gently to the side and reached below the hem of the dress to pull her gun from its leg holster. Holding it behind her back, she opened the door.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said to the waiter. Jameson noticed that her gaze swept over the waiter from head to foot. Finally she stepped to the side, and he wheeled the cart into the room.

“Anywhere is fine,” Jameson said, his voice thick. “Thanks.” He shoved the money into the guy’s hand, then watched him walk out of the room. Re-engaged all the locks, then turned back to Bree. “You’re killing me, babe,” he said, his voice low and throaty. “Not sure I’m gonna be able to have a rational conversation tonight.”

She brushed her fingers over his raspy cheek, shooting electricity into his chest. “You need to snap out of it,babe. You’ve got a lot riding on this evening. Information to get from Theo. Reconnaissance of the reception to see who’s there. Watch to find out if anyone’s paying special attention to you.” She swept a hand down her dress. “If I had known this would make you stupid, I would have bought a different one.”

“No,” he said, his gaze sliding over her like a caress. “This dress is perfect.” He swallowed. “It’s stunning. Everyone will be looking at you.”

“That’s good,” she said. “It’ll give me a chance to check them out, as well.”

She bunched the dress in her left hand, lifted it high enough to replace her gun in the leg holster, then let the dress fall to swirl around her legs.

“Oh, my God,” Jameson staring at her. “That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

She smiled at him. “You’re so easy, Jameson.” She took his hand and led him toward the tiny table by the window where the waiter had set their dinner. “Eat now,” she said. “Because you’re not eating anything at that reception.”

Chapter 22

They’d barely finished their dinner when someone knocked on the door. Jameson stood up immediately. “Probably Theo,” he said. “I’ll get it.”

Bree stepped in front of him. Touched his cheek. “I know you’re eager to see him, but you know the drill. I open the door.”

He took a breath. Blew it out. Of course he knew that. “Yeah. Sorry.”

He stood to the side as Bree retrieved her gun from beneath her dress, and he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her sexy, muscular legs. Once the gun was in her hands and the dress was swirling around her legs, she opened the door. No one said anything for a long moment, then he heard a familiar voice say, “Is this Jameson Ford’s room?”

“Yes, it is.” Bree turned to Jameson. “You want to confirm?”

Jameson slid behind Bree. “Theo! Great to see you. Come on it.”

He stepped to the side to allow his advisor to enter, and as soon as he was in the room, Bree closed the door. Locked it. Then she slid between him and Theo. “I’m sorry, Dr. Graham. But I have to pat you down.”

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