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“Dinner?”

“Yes, you know, that thing where you share a meal with someone you find attractive?” The blush that crept up her cheeks amused him.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Look what happened when we had breakfast. We’re a bad combination, Bradley.”

As Bradley was about to respond, the green room door opened, and a producer entered.

“We’ll be ready for the panel in about five minutes if the two of you would follow me.” They fell into step behind the producer and followed him onto the set. The news anchors had finished the local news, and the weather girl was giving a rundown of the weekend weather. Jake Holt’s news hour would be coming up next.

“You’ll have dinner with me,” Bradley whispered in Darci’s ear as someone pointed to the chair he should sit in. He walked away not waiting for her response. She was scowling at him as she settled into her chair at the other end of the curved desk. Jake Holt arrived on the set a moment later, and a third panelist, an older man Bradley didn’t recognize, sat next to him. He winked at Darci as someone announced they were thirty seconds to being live.

Jake Holt kicked off his show and introduced the panel members, then launched into the first topic.

“Bradley, I want to start with you. We’ve been following the tragic story of Marlie Dixon’s murder, and just this morning, your boss, Senator Sean Atleigh, had this to say.” A clip of the senator’s impromptu press conference played. When the clip ended, Jake asked, “Would you agree that Senator Atleigh’s remarks could be construed as victim-blaming?”

Clearing his throat, Bradley responded, “Jake, I think what’s important to focus on is that the senator was trying to bring attention to the case because he wants to see the killer brought to justice. It’s fair to say he can be indelicate, but as I’m sure you saw this afternoon, the senator released a statement clarifying his remarks.”

“A lot of women disagree with you.” Turning to Darci, Jake said, “Miss Sanders, do you believe the community of which Senator Atleigh spoke condones violence against women?”

“Absolutely not, Jake. And you’ll notice Mr. Givens failed to answer your question. What Marlie Dixon did in her personal life should have no bearing on whether she lived or died. The fact is, someone attacked and brutally murdered an innocent woman. A woman who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A woman who left behind family and friends who loved her very much. Senator Atleigh should be ashamed of even implying her death hadanythingto do with the choices she made in her personal life.”

Bradley admired the passion in Darci’s voice as she spoke of her friend. He knew they were close. Seeing her defend Marlie Dixon made him feel nauseous that it was his boss that caused this conversation to happen on national television. He hated having to defend his actions, but Atleigh was good to him. He wouldn’t hang him out to dry now. His eyes connected with her and then the camera.

“I admire the passion with which you speak on behalf of Mrs. Dixon, and I agree she is not to blame for her own murder. However, is it not true that someone affiliated with the same group as Marlie was arrested for domestic abuse just two years ago?”

Darci started to respond, but Jake cut her off. “So, you’re saying you believe S&M groups do condone violence against women?”

“Not exactly, Jake. I’m saying that there are bad apples in every group, and if bringing attention to that helps apprehend the individual who killed Marlie Dixon and could kill others then that has to be OK.” Bradley could see anger flash in Darci’s eyes.

“First, the man arrested for domestic abuse was a rare case. In fact, they banned him from the community long before he was ever arrested. That’s because the BDSM community does not condone violence against anyone and especially not against women. The community believes so strongly in consent that they will self-police. Not only do they not want abuse happening at their events, but they also don’t want conversations like this becoming the norm. Second, I don’t see how smearing the good name of Marlie Dixon does anything at all to help apprehend her killer, and you should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting such a thing.”

Jake cut in then. “I hate to cut you both off, but we do need to take a break. We’ll bring you both back later in the hour to discuss how the senator’s statement might affect his bid for the White House.” As the producers counted out for commercial, Jake turned to the third member of the panel and said, “I apologize you didn’t get a chance to speak during that segment. I didn’t mean to eat up all the time on one question.” The older gentleman waved him off.

“It’s fine. I’m sure your audience will find this more interesting, anyway.”

Darci and Bradley were dismissed, and they both headed back to the green room. Bradley could feel Darci’s ire radiating from her as she walked through the door.

“Darci, I’m sorry. I know I sounded like a dick out there.”

“Do you think?” She whirled to face him. “I can’t believe you would even try to defend Atleigh’s statement. And I can’t believe you would fucking bring up a two-year-old incident that had nothing to do with the issue.”

“Oh, come on, Darci, you know I was just doing my job.”

“Well, your job sucks, and maybe you should find a new one.” She stomped across the greenroom to pick up her bag. Bradley followed, wanting to make things right.

“Stop following me, damn it.”

“No.”

His one-word answer caused her to turn and gape at him.

“No?”

“No.”

He quirked an eyebrow up and moved closer to her until they nearly touched. He had backed them up against a wall. With his forehead pressed against hers, he said, “I’m sorry. I really want to kiss you right now.” Her eyes widened, and her nostrils flared.

“I swear to god if you do, I’ll knee you in the nuts.”

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