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Paula swayed on her feet and leaned into him, as if she wasn’t even aware he hadn’t answered her second question while she pondered what he’d said.
“Okay, that’s clear,” Jackson murmured, more to himself than to her.
“Clear as mud maybe. What are you talking about?”
“To answer your earlier question, I’m also in the lifestyle. I’m a member of Club Indigo, just like James and Laura.”
“Well that explains your bossy behavior on the night of the wedding,” she muttered.
He decided to ignore the comment. “Did you drive to work today?”
She blinked at his change of topic but answered, “No, the weather was nice so I walked.”
“When does your shift end?”
She told him the time.
“I’ll pick you up after, and we can have that dinner you owe me.”
Her mouth parted in surprise. She’d clearly expected him to forget about it or at least let it drop. Shoulders sagging in resignation, she gave a reluctant nod. He turned and swaggered away, feeling her gaze on his back the entire time.
CHAPTER NINE
Paula had trouble concentrating the rest of the afternoon. She worried about her friends and Josh and wondered about Jackson. She kept checking the clock, but time seemed to have slowed to the speed of the police station’s internet. The past fifteen minutes, however, rushed by at the speed of her new smartphone.
Paula shut down her computer, rose from her chair, and visited the bathroom on her way out. Why did she feel nervous about a simple dinner? Jackson likely only wanted to talk about Laura, James, and Josh.
I have given lectures to classrooms of recruits, led investigative task forces, and interviewed nasty criminals. I can manage one simple dinner.
While she washed her hands, she took stock of herself in the mirror. She wasn’t a vain person, didn’t use make-up or bottles of product in her hair. Her clothes were professional, if somewhat boring. Paula shoved her still-wet hand through her hair.
Stop being silly, woman. Since when do you care how you look?
She pulled back her shoulders and strode out of the bathroom with more confidence than she was feeling.
Jackson was waiting in the hallway. “Ready to go?” His voice startled her, but she covered her reaction.
She gave him what she hoped was a confident smile. “Yes, I am.”
They walked together through the station, and Paula kept her gaze forward, acutely aware of how close Jackson was beside her.
Outside, the late afternoon air was cooler than she’d expected.
Jackson ushered her to his dark blue Acura. Paula’s face heated, and she sure as hell hoped she wasn’t blushing, as she recalled the previous time she’d been in the car.
So not a good train of thought!
“Paula?”
“Sorry?”
“I asked you if Longboards was okay?” Jackson studied her, and she hurried to confirm that the restaurant was fine.
She stole silent glances at him, admiring his skill while driving. He had the same kind of confidence as when he’d danced with her at the wedding reception—not aggressive, exactly, but assertive and competent. He was in control of himself, the vehicle, and the traffic around him. Like he’d control?—
“We’re here.” Jackson interrupted her musing, as he pushed the gear shift into park. “Hold on.”
Paula froze with her hand on the belt buckle. Jackson hopped out of the car and rounded the hood to open her door. She unbuckled and narrowed her eyes at him. “I can open my own door.”
