Page 44 of Tell Me All Your Lies

“No, of course not.”

I study her expression as she tries not to look in my direction.

“If we’re going to be partners, then you have to tell me what you’re thinking.”

She glances over, and I see a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

“What’s with the nickname of lucky charm?”

“You should be ever so grateful for all of them,” I taunt.

“Come on, Grant. Really? Pick which one you want to use. It’s lucky charm, darling, and I’m sure there are others.”

“Never, Collins.”

I shoot her a flirty wink.

“Oh, please. Play it your way.”

She gets comfortable and kicks her feet up underneath where she’s sitting. The platform sneakers are off the side of the chair as she leans onto one of the armrests.

“Do you still want to go down and watch the sunset?”

Cara looks over at me and gives me a small shrug.

“You’re not a shrugger. Don’t go playing damsel in distress with me now.”

Cara laughs freely as she shrugs again.

“This is nice,” I say, causing her to tense momentarily before relaxing again.

“It is. Almost as if we really will be able to handle this whole partnership.”

“I have no doubt we’ll be able to.”

“Are you sure?” she whispers.

“Yes. I promise. We’ve got this covered.”

“I hope so. I’d like to have the Kingpin down, once and for all.”

“It has been a while since you’ve been chasing the Kingpin.”

“Not that long,” she retorts.

“You’re right; however, I’d like to put this whole mess behind us as soon as possible.”

A comfortable silence lingers between us on the patio as we stare out to the ocean, watching the sun begin to set.

I get up and grab two more mini bottles of whiskey and pour them into each of our glasses.

Cara murmurs her thanks as I sit down, and it’s back to us being relaxed in each other’s presence.

“Will you tell me how you’re connected to this ring?” Cara asks after some time.

“Yes.”

“Not tonight. I think I may call it an early night soon. I don’t think I can handle going down to watch the sunset.”

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