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Cursed, with Love
Sneak Preview
Nick punched the speed dial button for the D.A.'s office. He needed to get close to Hope to learn as much as he could about her brother. At least that's what he told himself when he picked up the phone and dialed.
“Hope Benedict.”
When he heard her voice, the same shiver he'd felt race down his spine when he'd seen her in the antique shop happened again, only stronger this time. A quiver he hadn't felt for a woman in a long time. It made him uncomfortable. “Hello, Hope. This is Nick Morelli.”
There was a short pause on the other end of the line. He could hear a soft intake of breath before she spoke. “Detective, what can I do for you?”
Nick settled against the back of the car seat. “What are you doing for dinner?” He tried to sound casual.
“Ordering in ...”
“I know this great little place near Washington Park .” He purposely ignored her statement. He'd learned patience over the years from handling stakeouts, relentless court proceedings and brutal cross-examinations. One reluctant A.D.A. was a piece of cake compared to that. “It's quiet, the food's not bad. You'll be home by nine. What do you say?”
He felt her smile through the phone line. “How long have you been a detective?”
“A few years, why?”
“Your skills at handling people are sharply honed.”
“I'm not trying to handle you, Hope.”
“Let me put it another way ... what do you want?”
“A chance to get to know you better.”
There was a prolonged silence while Nick waited for her to answer. “Why?” Her voice was crisp and lawyerly.
“I'm investigating your brother and I'd like to have the opinion of someone who really knows him.”
“Oh.” She drug out the word. “For a minute I thought you were asking me out on a date.”
He shook his head. She was on to him, no doubt about it. So be it. He planned to pump her for information about her brother. Period. This was business and had nothing to do with how good she looked or how sexy her voice sounded. Besides, he loved a good cat and mouse game. “I don't think you and I going on a date is a good idea since your brother is a suspect in a crime. I just thought you might enjoy a friendly dinner.”
“If all you want is information, why not drop by the office?” she suggested sweetly.
He smiled slightly at her question. “My case load is backed up and I don't have very much time during the day.”
He listened to another moment of silence before she spoke. “Okay, tell me where and when.”
“Chez Morelli.”
“Your house?” Her tone was surprised.
“Yeah, you have a problem with that?”
“No. Should I?”
Nick chuckled and gave her directions. “I'll see you at six. Sharp.”
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