Elusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #2)

by Nicky James

I hated when Aslan flirted and teased and dug his way under my skin. He knew it exasperated me, but he did it anyhow. What raised my blood pressure more was the way I secretly enjoyed it.

“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.”

Sometimes his patience and understanding astounded me. Without being told, he knew what I needed. Space. Time. Air. It was like he could see into the inner most part of me I usually hid from the world.

“Definitely. Once is fun. Twice is a rodeo. Three times is a commitment, and we both know that ain’t happening.”

“I’m going to get hurt because, as shocking as this may sound, I don’t entirely hate you like I used to. In fact… I like you more and more, and… I know that’s not what this is. I know us hooking up is just a fun time in your world. It’s what you do, and that’s great. I’m not judging, but I need to be more careful because I risk—”

“Am I a bad choice?” “The worst.” “But it feels so damn good, doesn’t it?”

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

“We closed the case. I have a few days off unless something happens, so I thought…” He huffed a laugh, glanced around, scrubbed a hand over his jaw, and then looked at me again. “I thought I’d see if you wanted to go to dinner with me. Like a date. A dinner date. Wow, I’m a little rusty.”