Page 7 of What Started In Deception

“Of course. Congratulations on your niece.”

“I appreciate it.” He watched her walk out, pleased that their first interaction had gone well. Tomorrow, they would be bumping into each other again. He imagined she wouldn’t be quite so friendly when he flashed her his badge.

Chapter Three

Lydia shouldered her bag as she stepped out of the women’s locker room at Oliver Heights Fitness Center, smiling and tossing up a wave to the staff at the desk as she made her way to the door. With her fifty laps complete, it was time to get home and bake.

Her friends were expecting Mom’s raspberry bars at book club tomorrow night, and she planned to deliver. A cool glass of wine and a couple of sugary treats were definitely on the agenda—a celebration of their first day without a classroom full of kids. Summer break was officially here.

Sighing in satisfaction, she pushed through the exit, sliding her sunglasses into place as she stepped into the warm sunshine. She faltered when she spotted the hottie that she’d met at Marnie’s yesterday, walking up the sidewalk.

Tall and tan—probably six foot two-ish—with dark, sandy-blond hair, bold blue eyes, a strong, square jaw, full lips, high cheekbones, and so many muscles on his lean frame. And then there was that sexy grin of his that worked just fine, too.

She smiled as he moved closer in a pair of blue jeans and a snug black T-shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and beefy biceps. “Well, this is fun. Two days in a row.”

He returned her smile as he stopped in front of her. “Hey.”

“Hi. Are you heading in for a workout?”

“Nah. Not today.”

“Oh,” she said as she smiled again, not hating that they were striking up another conversation. “Did your sister like her flowers?”

He nodded, flashing her one of his yummy grins. “She did. According to her, I’m the best big brother in the world.”

She laughed, liking him. “That’s great.”

He nodded again. “Yeah.”

“Yeah,” she said next as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder, because she had no idea what to say now.

“Lydia,” he said as he pulled a black leather wallet from his back pocket, opening it and showing her a badge. “I’m Special Agent Tyler Corddry with the FBI. Do you have a couple of minutes to talk?”

Her smile vanished as she blinked at him, completely shocked. “What is this?”

“Let’s step over here,” he said, moving farther off the sidewalk and into the small patch of grass.

She followed. “Am I in some sort of trouble? Because I’m not sure what I’ve done.”

“No, you’re not in any trouble. But I can’t say the same for Will and Senator Monroe.”

She felt her spine snap straight as he mentioned her family. “Is this some sort of joke?” Because she was still trying to equate the sweet man who’d bought flowers for his sister yesterday with the FBI agent standing in front of her.

He shook his head. “I’m afraid not.”

She adjusted the bag on her shoulder again. “What do you want?”

“To know what you do.”

She frowned as she shook her head. “About what?”

“I’m investigating potential improprieties.”

She shook her head again. “I have no idea what that means—what you’re talking about.”

He held her gaze, clearly skeptical. “You’re close with your family.”

“I am,” she said as she crossed her arms and stood hipshot now, no longer finding anything about him to be yummy or sexy. “And that’s why I don’t believe you. In fact, I think this is about the rumors that my uncle might be running for president next spring. If you’re looking for dirt to use against his campaign, you can forget it. You’ve come to the wrong place.” She whirled to leave.