Page 15 of Evidence of Secrets

She made a plate for him of the cheeses, meats, filo triangles, stuffed mushrooms, skewers of tomato and mozzarella balls, and bacon-wrapped dates. Then she jumped up. “I almost forgot the best part.”

What best part? As far as Hank was concerned, the best part was sitting with her.

Laura was beaming when she came back with a container. She placed it on the table and uncovered the top. “Ta-da.”

The multi-hued miniature pastries made his mouth water. “Are these the ones you served at the fundraiser? I left before dessert.”

“No. These are slightly different and made last night.” Laura licked her lips. “I say we start with dessert and work our way backward.”

Hank shook his head. “You’re too funny. But I’m game.”

“I know it’s silly, but I’m always too full after a meal to enjoy dessert.”

She placed a few pastries on her plate and passed the container to Hank.

“Mmmm.”

Hank looked over at Laura. That moan almost did him in. Then she licked the red jam off her bottom lip. Good God, his cock got hard and wanted to join the party. It pressed against his zipper, and he discreetly tried to adjust himself. No way could he get up to put the camera up with a raging hard-on.

She picked up a little chocolate ball and brought it to his lips. “Try this. It’s a chocolate cheesecake bite.”

Hank loved the sparkle in her eyes. She passed the chocolate under his nose.

“Come on, open up.”

He complied, and she gently placed the cheesecake bite in his mouth. The smile disappeared from her face as she watched him chew. Her eyes got a dark whiskey brown, and a flush covered her face.

Holy crap. Did that just turn her on? Hank knew it sure as hell turned him on. Who knew eating could be so erotic?

Laura coughed and broke the spell. “Let’s finish up. I’m sure you have better things to do than install my camera.”

“No, Laura. I don’t.”

Right now, Hank wanted to tug her face over the table and kiss her lips. Then, oh lordy, then he wanted to rip her clothes off and give her an orgasm she’d never forget. But that was for another day. He had a job to do. Sam would ask him how it went, and he sure wouldn’t tell her he never installed the camera because he was pleasuring Laura.

“I need to get it installed today while the restaurant is closed. We’ll discuss the best place to put it after we finish”—he looked around the table—“this banquet. The food is delicious. Are these your recipes?”

Laura nodded. “Some. A few are from my grandmother’s recipe box. She used to own a bakery.”

“Tell me about her.”

“I only know what my mother told me because she died before I was born.”

“Do you have a good relationship with your mother?”

Laura sucked in a breath. Silence. She fiddled with the sapphire ring on her finger. “Yes, I did. She died a few years ago. I miss her every day. Because of her, I went to culinary school and had enough money left to put the down payment on this restaurant.”

Hank loved that she had a good relationship with her mother, since his own died when he was young and he missed her.

“What about your dad?”

“Humph.” Her lips pursed. “Dad deserted us when I was a baby. Haven’t heard from him since.”

“I’m sorry. That had to suck,” said Hank. Hearing that her father deserted Laura and her mother upset Hank. It was one thing not to have a relationship, but desertion? Not cool. No wonder Laura had trust issues with men and was so gun-shy about relationships.

“What about your parents?”

What about them? Hank sure wasn’t telling her his father never thought he was good enough or smart enough. He sure wasn’t telling her that his father thought he could buy happiness.

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