smooth, angular curve of his cheek. âYou shaved.â
âYeah.â
âNice.â
âThanks,â Paulo murmured. âEvery now and then I try to look civilized.â
Tommie smiled softly.
As they gazed at each other, she was acutely aware of the heat from his body, the teasing scent of his aftershave, the melting intensity of his dark eyes. Light caught in his black hair, which hung over the collar of his turtleneck. Tommie had an overwhelming urge to run her fingers through the soft, thick strands. In her mindâs eye she saw herself gently pulling his head toward hers, bringing their hungry mouths together. She saw him touching her, his lips and hands caressing her body.
Pauloâs gaze darkened, as if heâd intercepted her thoughts. He shifted closer on the seat, making her breath catch in the back of her throat. Her pulse drummed.
She wanted him. God, she wanted him. If heâd taken her hand at that very moment and led her out of the restaurant, she wouldnât have resisted, as long as their next destination had a bed.
âIf you keep looking at me like that, querida ,â Paulo murmured huskily, âweâre both gonna be in a world of trouble.â
Abruptly Tommie dropped her hand from his face and averted her gaze, her insides quivering. Damn it. What was it about Paulo Sanchez that made her lose her mind every time he was near?
Sex appeal. Heâs got too damned much for his own good.
Frowning at the thought, Tommie glanced across the room, hoping to see Zhane and Daniela Santiago returning to the table. No such luck. They were still waiting in line to place an order. They seemed to be getting along quite well, their faces animated as they laughed and conversed with each other.
Tommie heaved a long, wistful sigh. âI think your cousinâs trying to steal my best friend.â
Paulo chuckled, following the direction of her gaze. âAppears that way.â
âOh my God. Did he just compliment her Christian Louboutin shoes?â
Paulo grinned at her outraged tone. âKnowing Daniela, sheâs probably inviting Zhane to go shopping with her even as we speak.â
Tommie gasped. âShe wouldnât dare!â
But as she watched in disbelief, Daniela Santiago reached inside her red Hermès handbag and pulled out a BlackBerry.
âUh-oh,â Paulo intoned, his grin widening. âDanielaâs checking her calendar. Thatâs never a good sign.â After another moment he shook his head, announcing gravely to Tommie, âIâm sorry. It looks like theyâve set a date.â
Tommie scowled in disgust. âMen are so unfaithful. Even the gay ones.â
Paulo threw back his head and laughed, drawing several admiring female glances.
Resisting the urge to glare at the other women, Tommie picked up her fork and resumed eating. âSo, whatâs on your agenda today, Detective?â she asked conversationally. âWhere are you headed after breakfast?â
âTo the office with Daniela,â Paulo said.
Tommie arched an amused brow. âWhy? Is it Take Your Cousin to Work Day?â
He smiled briefly. âNot quite.â
When he didnât elaborate, she prodded, âYouâre going there on official business?â
He nodded. âIâm investigating a homicide. One of the firmâs employees was found murdered yesterday.â
âOh no. Thatâs terrible. Did you know the employee?â
âNot really. I met her once at a function.â He paused. âActually, you met her, too.â
âI did?â Tommie asked in surprise.
Paulo nodded. âThe crime-scene unit found one of your dance programs in her nightstand. You had autographed it for her when you performed in Houston in February. Actually, I have her photoââ He glanced down at himself, then grimaced. âNever mind. I left my jacket in the car.â
âWhat was her
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