Page 30

Okay? More like hell-to-the-yes. Joan leaned in and murmured, “See? It’s already working.”

Their lips met softly but surely. No hesitation from Sadie. Joan returned the same energy, reveling in the feel of Sadie’s mouth, the slight taste of sweet drink and savory food.

They parted with smiles. Sadie dropped another quick kiss on Joan’s appreciative lips. Joan ran her thumb down her date’s chin.

Sadie sat back and exhaled deeply. “I have to admit something else.”

“Oh yeah?” Joan stared at those luscious red lips. “What’s that?”

“I know your secret.”

Time crashed to a complete stop.

Joan blinked and managed, “What secret is that?”

“You know.” Sadie glanced over both shoulders. “That you’re Catch.”

What?“I’m what?”

“You’re Catch.” She held up a hand. “I know you have to keep it a secret, and I don’t expect you to talk about it. I just wanted you to know that I know so you don’t have to hide it. I promise not to say a word to anyone.”

This was…just…what? “What makes you think I’m Catch?”

“Your suspect gym injuries. You act weird around doorways. How you said you absorbed my energy the other night. The way you’ve been watching the crowd.” She touched Joan’s cheek. “But it’s your eyes that gave you away. They’re like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Damn it, her eyeswouldgive her away. Joan pulled back slightly.

“Also, the mysterious payment after I told you about the window. I don’t know if it was you personally, or the Supers?—”

“It was me,” Joan stated. Those assholes were not getting the credit for her kind gesture.

Sadie’s smile brightened. “Itwasyou!” She looked around, then leaned closer. “Thank you. That was so thoughtful.”

Sadie thought she was freakingCatch?

Sadie thought she was a Superhero?

Sadie wanted to be with a Superhero.

Joan’s heart sank. “So you only wanted to go out with me because you think I’m…”

“No,” Sadie said, shaking her head. “I wanted to jump your bones the first time I saw you. You are one hot woman, Joan Malone.”

More than you know.“But it’s a contributing factor.”

“Well, I’m not gonna lie and say it’s not. But not why you might think.” She gazed down at her lap. “I totally admit I’m eager to please and help people out. I’m an open book, and that’s been taken advantage of. And yes, I’ve been attracted to bad boys and girls and other folx in the past. But you’re…” She waved a hand at Joan. “You’re better than a good guy. You’rethegood guy. I feel safe with you. I hope that’s not weird to say. But it’s true. I feel like…”

She shook her head again, then covered her mouth. Then uncovered it to add, “I’ve admired you for a very long time, that’s all.”

Admired Catch.

Well, shit. Sadie wanted to date someone who wouldn’t take advantage of her. In theory, Joan fit the bill. She was overall not a terrible jerk and never took advantage of kindness. She hadn’t seen much of it in her life, and it was sacred.

But she was a Supervillain. And had brokena lotof laws. And she was lying to Sadie. Even if she denied being Catch, she’d still be lying about the gym. Lying about the true nature of her injuries. No way would Sadie have wanted to fuss over a Villain.

Sadie looked at her with those big brown eyes. She was the good girl here. And Joan really liked her and appreciated her.

A glimmer of something akin to hope flickered in her chest. She didn’t have to confirm or deny. And there could be a nugget of truth. Several nuggets. A pack of nuggets. They could get to know the truest parts of one another and see if anything more developed.