Elusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #2)

by Nicky James

Living one day at a time means not worrying about what’s ahead or behind. It’s about doing the best I can in the moment.”

Who’s your heroin, Aslan? You must have gotten a taste of something damn good recently and now nothing measures up.”

The moment, whatever it had been, shattered. Quaid’s face hardened. The notorious stitch appeared between his brows, and his back stiffened. I didn’t know why I did it, but I reached out and smoothed the crease with a thumb. “Stop frowning. Your face is going to get stuck like that.”

Yoko Ono once said, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” Jack had never shared my vision of family and future, of growing old together and having children. Jack didn’t want to grow up. It was no wonder I’d been abandoned in the rain.

“Are you suggesting we go to a gay nightclub together, Quaid Valor?” “Don’t make it into something it’s not. It’s for work.” “Un-huh.” “For. Work,” I said again, the corner of my lips twitching. Aslan’s smile grew, and he pointed a finger at my face. “Careful, Valor. Don’t let anyone see that you enjoy my company.” “Hardly.” “I think you kind of like me.” “I think you’re delusional.” Aslan beamed. “I love it when you talk dirty. Let’s go.”

I squeaked and jolted forward when Aslan slapped my ass, grabbing a handful of the left cheek and squeezing as he leaned in and whispered, “Get your smug, sexy little ass over to the bar right now. We have work to do, and I don’t like your attitude.” “Um… inappropriate touching.” “Uh-huh. I’ll give you inappropriate touching, Quaid Valor. Don’t tempt me.”

I would never tell him, but I was kind of sad he hadn’t added a second notch to my bedpost.