Close to Perfect by Tina Donahue Page A

wasn’t, he sure as hell would find her. “Great.” He gave her the access code to get inside his gate. “I’ll be expecting you at seven. Sharp.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    God, he loved her cop talk and manner. Of course, a little softness, a little banter with him, would also have been nice. “Wait.”
    Tess paused, then turned back to him.
    Josh tossed her a set of car keys, which she easily caught.
    She looked up from the keys. “What’s this?”
    â€œIs it a bonus?” Alan asked. “I didn’t put a bonus in the contract, but I could right now if you want.”
    Josh glanced at him. “It’s just the company car.”
    â€œIt’s a Mercedes,” Alan corrected.
    Tess looked at him, then Josh. “I have my own car.”
    â€œWhich can be traced, because of the plates,” Josh said. “I don’t want you getting any more press than you have to. I want to control that situation, at least. Use the company car.” He told her where it was parked. “I’ll have one of my staff take your car back to your place or your dad’s office, whichever you prefer.”
    Tess looked reluctant, but finally nodded and tossed him her keys. “My place is fine.” She told him the make and model of her car and the license number, then gave him her address.
    Josh wrote it all down, then tossed the pen back on the table. “I’ll walk you out.”
    As he took her arm and guided her from the room, she leaned into him and murmured, “Is Alan always that easy to negotiate with?”
    It was a moment before Josh understood the question. Her scent and the way she so effortlessly leaned into him, as if she found it comfortable, continued to distract and arouse.
    Clearing that from his voice, he murmured, “You’re kidding, right?”
    â€œNo—why?”
    â€œI thought he was being a real prick.”
    â€œYou haven’t seen the guys I’ve had to deal with. Actually, he was pretty easy.”
    Spoken like a true ex-cop. His ex-cop. His bodyguard.
    Josh suppressed a whoop of delight, guiding Tess past Peg, who was speaking on the phone as she spritzed herself with perfume.
    He’d have to tell Peg to stop that. He didn’t want any scent but Tess’s filling this space.
    Peg wouldn’t listen, of course, but Josh figured he would give it a shot. He opened the door that led to the hall. “Seven,” he said.
    Tess met his gaze. “I haven’t forgotten, Josh.”
    He liked how she said his name, as if it felt comfortable on her lips. “Drive carefully.” Sliding his hand down her arm, Josh took her hand and gently squeezed her fingers.
    Tess lowered her gaze to their joined hands. To his delight, she gently squeezed his fingers in return.
    â€œBring all you’ll need for our time together,” he added.
    She looked at him from beneath her lashes. “Behave yourself.”
    â€œI haven’t forgotten, Tess.”
    It seemed that she wanted to comment, but then thought better of it. As she backed away, Josh wasn’t yet ready to let go, but then, neither was she.
    Their hands remained joined, their arms outstretched as Tess continued to step back. It was as if she was testing him or herself.
    Soon, just their fingertips touched as their gazes remained locked, captive to each other.
    â€œWhat’s up?” Peg suddenly asked, joining Josh at the door.
    She would ask that. In that moment, Tess broke their bond. She moved back and lowered her arm.
    Josh lowered his, too, though he did it with great reluctance.
    â€œDid I interrupt something?” Peg asked.
    Nothing that wouldn’t be continued tonight.
    â€œYeah, you did,” he mumbled as his gaze followed Tess. She moved like a dancer, gracefully, effortlessly, as she turned and headed for the exit.
    â€œWell, excuse me,” Peg said, then added in a nicer tone, “I like her.”
    That