Page 29 of Dark Terror
“Come eat some lunch.” He needed to get her out of his room with a bed in it before she ended up in his arms again.
She blinked as if coming out of a trance. “Harry doesn’t want me here.”
So she’d heard their little argument. “Harry’s gone. And this is my house. I get to decide who I want here. Come on, Cara. I’m starving, and I’m not going to eat without you.”
“Did she leave because of me?”
“No. Since the trip to your house interrupted our plans for lunch, she decided to head on home. The truth,” he said at seeing the doubt in her expressive eyes. “She’s been on vacation. Said she needed to unpack and do some laundry.”
A few minutes later he had her seated at his patio table. “It’s such a nice day, I thought we could eat out here.”
After Harry had left, he’d thrown together the grilled chicken salad with walnuts and tangerine slices, warmed up a loaf of crusty French bread, and poured them both a glass of iced tea. His dad had insisted he learn how to cook, and although not as talented as his father, he enjoyed creating meals. His mind rested when he was cooking, and more times than he could count, the answer to something that had been bothering him about a case would surface.
Cara smiled up at him. “This looks wonderful, perfect for a summer day.”
“Do you like to cook?” he asked as he took a seat across from her.
“I do, but since it’s just me, I mostly make stuff like soups that I can freeze for future meals.”
“Makes sense.” What didn’t make sense was his sudden desire to spend the evening in the kitchen with her, making dinner together. He normally didn’t like anyone in his kitchen when he was cooking.
“This is delicious, Gabe. Especially the dressing.” She took another bite and closed her eyes, and then she swiped her tongue across her bottom lip, licking up a drop of dressing at the corner of her mouth. “I taste olive oil, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and… something tangy.” She opened her eyes and peered at him.
“Ah…” He cleared his throat. Watching her savor his meal was strangely erotic. Or maybe it was simply that little pink tongue that was putting naughty thoughts in his mind.
“The tangy is rice wine vinegar, and you were spot on with the other things. Impressive.” And damn if his voice didn’t still sound rough.
“I’ve always had a discerning palate. I can eat something at a restaurant and then come close to duplicating it without a recipe.”
His father was going to love this woman. If they ever met, that was. Gabe hadn’t once taken a woman to meet his parents. The first time he showed up with a lady on his arm, his dad would be planning a wedding while his mother ran a background check.
“What has you smiling?”
He hadn’t realized he was. “Just thinking of my parents.” At the wistful look in her eyes, he remembered that she’d lost her parents and her brother. Not wanting her to start feeling sad, he decided to change the subject.
“How’s your research on Sherman Enterprises going?”
“Good. I’ve created a report I can send you, but I can give you a summary now.” She finished the last of her salad and then sat back in her chair.
“Great.” She’d eaten every bite of her lunch, which pleased him. Too many of his dates only finished half their meals or less.
“The business is owned by Troy Sherman Sr., who got his start thirty-six years ago flipping houses. He built that business into a land development company, specializing in shopping centers and office buildings. Seven years ago, after graduating with a degree in business and economics, his son, Troy Sherman Jr., joined the company as manager of accounting. He’s now a vice president with accounting, marketing, and operations under his umbrella. His father’s obviously grooming him to take over someday.”
“Do you have photos of them?”
“Yeah, let me get my computer.”
Gabe grinned when Cricket jumped up from where he’d been sleeping at her feet and followed her. She couldn’t go to the bathroom without the little dog trailing after her.
“Here they are,” she said when she returned.
He scanned the company’s home page showing photos of an older man and one younger who was obviously the son. Senior had silver hair, and Junior’s was blond. “Do either of them look familiar to you?” Other than their hair color, there was no reason to be suspicious of either man, but right now anyone who knew their victim was suspect.
“No. They’re well respected in the community. I found several articles on charity events they’ve attended. The company officially supports the Wounded Warriors and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.”
“What was Sheri Carstad’s job with them?”
“She was their accounting manager, reporting directly to Troy, Jr. He’s actually referred to as TJ. Sheri was hired as a bookkeeper shortly after TJ came onboard. I’d assume by him since he was the accounting manager at the time. She had an assistant, Meredith Wallenberg. You’ll want to talk to her.”
