Excerpt
Very gentlemanly, Chelsea mused, how Sam had walked her to her car at the gallery and waited until she’d pulled out of the parking lot. It was a thoughtful gesture.
Although Detective Sam Eldridge was about as far from what she considered her “type” as she could imagine, he intrigued her. He was undeniably attractive, but it was more than that. She found his personality appealing, so steady and solid—and her complete opposite.
Wouldn’t it be fun to throw him off his game? Get him to be a little more spontaneous?
And she was known for her spontaneity!
There was no ring on his finger—she’d checked—and she was sure he’d be the kind of man to wear one if he was married. She went into her apartment, hung up her coat and scooped Mindy into her arms as she headed to the kitchen. She placed the purring cat on a kitchen chair and searched through her handbag for the business card Sam had given her.
Samuel D. Eldridge.
The name suited him. She wondered what the D stood for but wasn’t surprised to see the use of his middle initial. He just seemed to be the type. Stuffy was the wrong word. Proper was more like it.
Mindy meowed and Chelsea scratched her behind the ears.
Sam looked like someone who could use some fun in his life, she decided.
It was less than a half an hour since he’d dropped her off. Chances were that he’d be home or wherever he’d been going.
She tapped the card against her fingers and grinned.
Grabbing the phone, she dialed his cell number.
“Eldridge here,” was the brusque response.
“Owens here,” she said, mimicking him.
“Is everything okay? Did I forget something?” He sounded confused. Point for her!
“Yes and no.”
“Did you think of anything else that might help the case?”
She was tempted to laugh, his reaction seemed so in character, but she didn’t think he’d appreciate it. “No, and before we play twenty questions, here’s one for you. Are you busy after work tomorrow?”
His pause told her she’d surprised him. She could all but hear him ask “why?” “I don’t have any plans.”
This was it. She’d either get what she wanted…or embarrass herself. But, hey, what was life without risk? “I thought we could have a drink together.”
“A drink?” No question she’d surprised him.
“Yes. You know. Share conversation over an adult beverage.”
“But don’t you…”
“Don’t I what?”
“What about you and Sinclair?”
“What does Mrs. Sinclair have to do with this?”
“Not Nadine Sinclair. I meant Joel Sinclair.”
“I’m sorry, I’m not following you.”
“Aren’t you seeing Joel?”
Now he’d surprised her. “No. What made you think…” Before she’d finished the question, she recalled Joel’s strange behavior the night of the gala. “Oh, no! You misread things. Joel and I dated for a while, but that ended almost four months ago.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just—”
“That I was asking you out, and you didn’t want to tread on anyone’s toes.” That was something else she could admire about him. A core of decency she’d sensed even when she’d first met him. The way he’d obviously cared about Mr. Rochester. Letting her comfort him, although it had been clear to her that it was contrary to police procedure.
“That sums it up.”
“Can I assume you aren’t seeing anyone either?” She was being direct, even for her, but she might as well get it out there while they were on the subject.
She heard a choked laugh. “It’s safe to say I’m not.”
“Well, then?”
“Well, then what? Oh… Sorry, I’m not used to being asked out by beautiful women. Yes, I’d like to have a drink with you.”
She smiled.
“But there’s a condition.”
Her smile wavered. “A condition?”
“That I buy.”
A lot of guys—in her experience, anyway—expected the woman to pay her own way. Joel had been one of them. While she liked to think of herself as being on equal terms with any man she dated, she didn’t have an issue if that man wanted to hold a door open for her or, as in this case, treat her. “I can accept that condition.”
* * *
Other Books in the Series
A Child's Christmas
(Camden Falls #1)
by Kate James
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 376 pages
November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming
There's a stranger at the door on Christmas Day…
Single mother Paige Summerville wants to give her seven-year-old son the Christmas of his dreams. Jason needs surgery to beat the illness that's plagued his young life, leaving Paige desperate to make ends meet. So she turns to a charity that grants the wishes of sick children…
Then a stranger arrives bearing gifts for Jason—and for her. He's Daniel Kinsley, a lawyer who's grown cynical about family. But his kindness in making Jason's wishes come true offers him more than he ever imagined. Is there room in Paige's heart for a man who could fulfill all their dreams? And not just at Christmas!
About the Author
Kate spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word.
Kate's goal is to entertain her readers with engaging stories featuring strong, likable characters. Kate has been honored with numerous awards for her writing. She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors, with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.
Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by
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