Private Indiscretions by Susan Crosby Page B

on for a quick resolution.” More important, Dana hadn’t asked for him. Didn’t have faith in him. Why should he help? “I can recommend someone.”
    â€œNo, thanks.” Abe stood, irritation evident in his posture. “I have other sources. I thought because you were her friend…” The sentence trailed off. “My mistake.”
    Sam shut the door after him and returned to the window. The view of the city barely registered. He’d earned the trust of countless people, people of higher rank than Dana. People who didn’t doubt his abilities.
    How could he go to her house now and act as if he didn’t know she didn’t trust him?
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    Sam made his decision to finish what he’d started, which meant meeting Dana when she called so that he could thank her properly for returning his medal. He hadn’t gotten where he was by backing down from tough decisions or situations.
    He arrived at her house ahead of her. Knowing she’d be along momentarily, he sat in his car, his engine idling, and glanced at the box on the passenger seat. A rare lack of confidence slithered through him. Any gift he usually gave was wrapped at the store and delivered. He’d wrapped this one himself, and it showed. Simple rice paper and twine, nothing fancy. There was no note because he’d had no idea how to balance the meaning of the gift with his desire to keep his distance. Although, keeping his distance had gotten easier, thanks to Abe Atwater’s visit.
    In his rearview mirror he spotted her white Lincoln approaching. She waved as she passed by, and he followed her through the gate then met her at the garage.
    Her face lit up when she greeted him. A fierce and uncontrolled longing roared through him. He was no longer bound by any promises, but Dana Sterling was untouchable in a different way now, more for his sake than hers this time. Plus, there was the new issue between them.
    â€œHi, honey, I’m home,” she said, a sparkle in her eyes.
    â€œWhat’s for dinner?”
    She laughed, the sound pure magic, then reached for his hand and started walking toward a back courtyard encircled by a lush garden. He let her take him along, deciding toshare the moment as he might have had he not known she didn’t have faith in him as an investigator.
    â€œLet’s sit outside. It’s such a beautiful evening,” she said.
    Her skin felt good, soft and smooth. She brought her body a little closer, enough that he became aware of her perfume. He closed his hand around hers a little more tightly.
    Her steps slowed. She didn’t say a word, although he caught her eyeing his gift. When they reached a cushioned swing big enough for two, she slipped her hand from his and sat just to the right of middle.
    He sat beside her, setting the package in her lap. Her hands shook as she curved her fingers over the box, keeping it from falling. Nerves? Over him? He didn’t know how he felt about that.
    Or was she thinking about the threat?
    â€œYou can open it,” he said when she made no attempt to do so.
    â€œI’m practicing self-control.”
    â€œWhat, you usually tear into a package?”
    She shook her head but didn’t explain. She toyed with the twine. Finally she unwrapped the box without tearing the delicate paper, lifted the lid and peeled back the bubble wrap and tissue paper. “Oh! It’s beautiful. Breathtaking. It’s a Japanese Noh mask, isn’t it?”
    â€œZo-onna, she’s called. She represents calmness and purity. This one is a century old.”
    â€œA century… Imagine.” She ran her fingers over the beautifully carved face, tracing the features. She met his gaze. “She’s exquisite, truly, Sam, but I couldn’t possibly accept it.”
    â€œI would’ve thought you would know how to accept a present. You say thank-you. And that’s all you say.”
    â€œBut I didn’t do anything to