Page 15 of Loving a Billionaire

“Of course, I’m sure. He was trying to stop me, remember?”

“Hmm...” he rubbed his trimmed beard. “Maybe you could say you had come back to collect payment—”

Gasping, she slugged him in the arm. “You’ve got to be kidding. I’m not going to do that. Not after the way I ran out of there as if the devil was nipping at my heels.”

He groaned and rested his head back against the couch. When he closed his eyes, silence stretched between them. She couldn’t stop herself from gazing over him. From the first day she’d met him, she thought he was one good-looking man, but even back then, she knew not to judge a person by their appearance. However, the more she’d gotten to know him, the more she liked him. Kurt was easy to like. He entertained everyone in the precinct, especially her. For a few months, she thought she was developing a crush on him. She fought it as hard as she could. It wasn’t a good idea to date a co-worker. Then, when they became partners, she definitely knew she needed to start thinking differently about him. So, he was like a brother to her. At least that’s what she tried to believe.

“What other excuse could you use?” Kurt asked, lifting his head and looking at her. “I really don’t see any other way to meet him again, unless we go as ourselves, and you know he’s not going to be truthful with a cop.”

Talia mentally shook away her thoughts of the past and focused once more on their conversation. “True. He wouldn’t be truthful with me if that happened. He’d say I purposely tricked him because I was wearing that dress.”

Chuckling, Kurt ruffled her hair. “You did look sexy.”

“Knock it off,” she slapped his hand away. Heat started climbing up her neck, making its way to her face, but she tried breathing normally and not getting too excited by his comment so that the blush wouldn’t reach her cheeks.

His gaze locked with hers as his laughing subsided. She didn’t want to read too much into this moment, but why were his hazel eyes softening? Even the lines in his face weren’t as dominant.

A lump formed in her throat, and she swallowed hard. She prayed he didn’t havethosekinds of feelings for her. A relationship with her partner was not a good thing.

Suddenly, his eyes widened, and his smile grew. He straightened. “I think I have the answer.”

What answer was he talking about? Her mind quickly replayed their conversation. Oh, yah, they were back on Austin Reeder. “It had better be good.”

“You are going to return to his hotel to tell him that you were sorry for the way you acted.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Excuse me? You want me to do what?”

“Just listen to me.”

He took her hand in his and gently rubbed her fingers. Now she knew he was going to tell her something she wouldn’t like.

“You’re going to explain to Austin Reeder,” Kurt continued, “how sorry you were for acting that way. Let him know you don’t usually do... um,that, but you desperately needed the money.”

Anger built inside of her again, and she tried to take her hand away, but he gripped onto it harder, making it impossible for her to release. “Kurt Hamill...” She usually only used his full name when she was upset.

“Listen to me before you interrupt.” He smiled sweetly. “As I was saying, the reason you’re doing this is to make him think you’re new at this... um, kind of thing. That would explain why you acted the way you did the other day. He, of course, will have sympathy for you, and allow you to apologize.”

When he paused, she quickly spoke before he could go on. “And why exactly would I be desperate for money?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Make up a story. Maybe you are looking for work and nobody will hire you. Maybe your father is sick and dying, and you need the money to pay for his medical expenses.”

Thankfully, Talia’s mind was working better now. “Okay, so tell me, oh master of all knowledge, how would I have known to go to Austin Reeder?”

Slowly, Kurt shook his head, but he still wore his cocky grin. “Because Kalama Kane recommended him as the man who could help you.”

Talia gradually processed this information, and after a few awkward, silent seconds, she realized she couldn’t think of anything to argue about. Perhaps Kurt’s idea would work after all, and maybe she’d finally get some answers out of the good-looking womanizer.

* * * *

KURT WATCHED TALIAcarefully. He knew her well enough to know her moods, and at times, he even knew what she was thinking. Right now he saw a mixture of frustration and awe on her pretty, wide-eyed expression. He couldn’t blame her for being upset. If roles were reversed, he’d be irate at her for suggesting such a thing. But Talia could definitely pull this off. She had the right body and looks. Not that he’d ever paid for one, but he’d seen movies. And being a police detective, he’d seen his share, as well.

If anyone could play this part, Talia could. She wouldn’t take crap from Austin Reeder, either. Of course, Kurt wouldn’t let the perp lay a hand on his partner. He’d told her once that he’d protect her, and he’d move Heaven and Hell to make sure she was taken care of.

She released a heavy breath and her body relaxed. He still held her hand, and even her tight grip had diminished.

“So,” she said softly, “how are we going to do this? How are we going to keep me from really playing the part of a call girl?”

He smiled and squeezed her hand gently. “I’ve already figured this out. I’ll get us the ear pieces, and we’ll both wear them. That way, if I can hear the perp is getting out of control, I’ll come rescue you.”