Page 39 of Bachelor Cop Finally Caught? (Hot off the Press! 2)

He loosened his grip on her shoulders and drew away, his expression oddly grim even as he kept his tone light. “I’ll let you know when it’s ready,” he said, stepping back.

Still not quite trusting her voice, she nodded again.

He disappeared into the kitchen and she stared at the doorway through which he had departed. What did he expect her to do now? Lie here like a helpless victim while he took over her house? Drive herself crazy trying to interpret the look that had been in his eyes as he’d bent so close to her?

Scowling, she reached for the telephone. Languishing just wasn’t her style.

Riley answered his cell phone after a couple of rings. “O’Neal here.”

“Riley, it’s Lindsey.”

“Hey, Linds. I thought you got blown up.”

Obviously, he’d been assured she wasn’t badly hurt, or he wouldn’t have made such a sick joke. At least, she didn’t think he would. With Riley, it was sometimes hard to tell.

“I was only partially blown up,” she answered in the same vein. “What’s going on with you?”

“I’m writing a front-page story about a beautiful, intrepid reporter who risks life and limb in pursuit of the news.”

She groaned. “Please tell me that’s only a joke. You’re embarrassing me.”

“Did I say the story was about you? It’s about me.”

She snorted inelegantly. “Yeah, right. What have you really learned today? Anything new?”

“Not much. No one saw anyone suspicious hanging around the arson scene either before or after the fire. There’s been no sign of Eddie Stamps, and his mother is starting to make a lot of noise. She’s getting hysterical—understandably, of course.”

“Her son is missing. She has a right to be hysterical.”

“Yeah. Anyway, she’s claiming no one is paying attention to her boy because everyone’s so focused on the arsons. And she’s been asking where Chief Meadows is. All anyone is saying is that Dan’s off on personal business today.”

Lindsey winced. People had to be wondering what Dan was doing taking time off only hours after another fire. As much as his friends had been urging him to take a break, no one could have expected him to do so today. She was still stunned by his decision herself.

“Dan’s keeping very close tabs on his ongoing investigations,” she said, defending him. “But he deserves a chance to rest from the long hours he’s been putting in lately.”

“Sure he does. I’ve been telling him that for ages. I’ve been saying the same thing to you, if you’ll remember. So stop worrying about work and spend the rest of the day recuperating, okay? This is only your second day off in months. Lousy way to get a break, but you might as well take advantage of it. And if you’re still not fully recovered by tomorrow, take another day. Believe it or not, the paper’s not going to shut down if you aren’t here for a couple days.”

“I know that.”

“Seriously, Lindsey, is there anything you need? I can come by later and give you a hand.”

Lindsey could hear Dan clattering pans and slamming cabinet doors in the kitchen. “Thanks, Riley, but I’m okay. I have help.”

“Well, tell Dan I said hi. And let me know if you need me for anything.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Hanging up, she considered calling Cameron, but decided that could wait until after she’d eaten. Her curiosity was simply getting the better of her.

She stood, stretching in an attempt to relax her stiff muscles. Dr. Frank had told her it would be several days before the soreness went away, but she had no intention of giving in to the discomfort. She’d once played a tennis tournament with a stress fracture in her left ankle. She could ignore a few scrapes and contusions now.

Walking a bit stiff-legged, she entered the kitchen, pausing just inside the doorway. She wasn’t sure what Dan was making, but apparently it required the use of several bowls and utensils, judging from the cluttered counters. His back to her, he worked at the stove, his cell phone wedged between his shoulder and his ear. He talked in a low voice, and she didn’t try to eavesdrop, but she could tell the call was work related.

Dan was definitely still running the show from behind the scenes. She suspected he’d taken only a brief nap before she’d found him on her couch.

Dan might not be in his office, but he was still at work, she thought with an indulgent smile. She identified all too well with that sort of dedication.

She waited until he disconnected the call before asking, “Are you sure you don’t need help?”

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