Page 21 of A Soldier's Pledge
It took everything he had not to ask Anna about the money when they got back to her house that evening. He knew there had to be a good explanation, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure it out. But with everything else going on the last thing he wanted to do was confront her about suspicions. She hadn’t even admitted to loving him yet, and for him to accuse her of anything would put an end to it.
It made for strained conversation while they ate the homemade pizza he’d prepared. Working the dough helped drive out some of the tension riding him since they’d left the ESP offices. He’d been so pissed at Steele he couldn’t even look at him. But after listening to his partner justify it on the ride back to the station, he knew he was right. They needed to look under every stone no matter who the individuals were or their relationship. But just because he understood and agreed didn’t mean he had to like it.
Anna didn’t get home until after seven, and he was getting ready to text her when she walked in the door. “Hi, sexy detective, I’m home. Did you miss me?”
“Sure did. How was the rest of your day?”
“Great, okay, not so much. I was worried I would say something I shouldn’t every time I had to talk to someone. I pretty much hid out in my office doing paperwork most of the afternoon. I’m sure Adria thinks I’m upset with her by now.”
“Why? You were talking to her this morning when I got there.”
“Yeah but I haven’t called her or sat with her in her office or anything since the meeting. Usually, we have coffee in the afternoon and unwind before she goes home.”
“I’m sorry. You know you don’t have to act differently with her. Right? Why don’t you give her a call after dinner?”
“I would except every word will be overheard. And sorry, even if you’re sitting here listening to the other side of the conversation it’s different than knowing someone is recording every word.”
“I’m sorry, baby. But hopefully this will all be over soon, and you can go back to normal. Then you can tell her whatever you want.”
“I hope so. Did you make any headway today? Figure out who the real suspects are yet?”
“We’re working on it, but so far we still don’t have much to go on. We are working a few leads.”
“But you can’t tell me, right?”
“Right. I would, but then I’d have to kill you. And you know, just don’t think I could find another Anna to love like I love you.” His words had the intended effect, and she smiled. The first smile since they’d sat down to dinner.
“Got it. I don’t really feel like dying yet either. I have a few bucket list items still to cross off.”
“Oh really? Care to share?”
“Nope. You won’t share, I won’t share.”
“That’s not fair. This is work.”
“I know. But I have to keep you guessing about some things, right?” If she only knew just how much he was wondering about he doubted she’d be so flippant. But he had to keep telling himself that he knew this woman, loved this woman, and he knew better than to think she’d be involved in anything illegal.
“So that’s how we’re going to play this huh?”
“Yup. I think so.” She batted her long eyelashes at him and tried to play the innocent card, but he knew better. Her cheeks were already a lovely rosy shade of pink. He loved how she wasn’t afraid to let him see she wanted him. Even with all the other stuff going on.
“C’mere, wench. I think it’s time to teach you a lesson.”
“What? Oh no, you don’t. Ethan Price, don’t you dare.” But it was too late, he’d already walked around the table and picked her up and put her over his shoulder. Then he gave her one smack on the butt for good measure as he took her onto the patio.
She must have figured out where they were going and she started to struggle for real. But he wasn’t letting go. He’d wanted to make love to her in the pool since the first time he’d been in her backyard, and they both needed to get rid of all the built up tension of the day.
“Ethan, put me down now. I told you, I don’t like to be carried.”
“I will just give me another minute or two. I hope that dress wasn’t expensive.”
“What?”
“The dress, was it expensive?”
“Umm, what? Oh no, you don’t. Don’t even think about it. Ethan, put me down now!”
“You want down? My pleasure, baby.” And walked them both into the pool. When he’d gotten to her place he’d changed into shorts and a t-shirt, but she was still in her work clothes. He’d probably have to buy her a new dress, but it was so going to be worth it.
