Page 28 of Beckett

But I felt it now. Felt it in the way my hand tightened slightly on her arm. In the way she swayed closer instead of pulling back.In the way my body recognized hers on some primitive level that bypassed all my carefully constructed defenses.

“Beckett.” My name on her lips sounded like a question and a warning all at once.

Chaos chose that moment to scale her shirt like a tree, tiny claws digging in as he made a determined assault on her shoulder. She gasped, trying to contain him, while Jet—apparently feeling left out—jumped up to investigate, his paws landing squarely on my hip and shoving me sideways.

“Down, boy,” I commanded, catching my balance.

Audra laughed—surprised and genuine—stepping back as she tried to peel Chaos off her collar.

“Thanks,” she said, not quite meeting my eyes. “For catching me.”

“Anytime.”

The word came out rougher than intended, carrying promises I had no business making. Her stomach chose that moment to growl. Loud enough that Jet’s ears perked up, head tilting in curiosity.

Heat flooded her face. “Sorry. Haven’t had anything since lunch. I should probably?—”

“When’s the last time you ate a real meal?” The question came out sharper than I meant it to. “I mean, besides the sandwich I brought you?”

She lifted her chin, defensive. “Does it matter?”

“Yes.”

The simple answer seemed to throw her. She blinked, readjusting her grip on Chaos, who was starting to squirm.

“Look,” I said, trying for casual and probably missing by miles, “it’s almost five. The animals are settled for the evening. Why don’t we grab dinner? There’s a diner in town that does decent burgers.”

Something flashed across her face—longing, maybe—before the walls slammed back down.

Maybe she thought I was hitting on her. I wasn’t. But…

“We could go Dutch,” I offered. “Each pay our own way. Wouldn’t be a date or anything. Just two people who happen to be hungry at the same time.”

Something flickered in her eyes—hurt? embarrassment?—before she shuttered it away.

“No, I have to get going. I have a bunch of stuff to do, so tonight isn’t good.” She handed Chaos back, careful not to let our fingers touch.

The tactical error hit me immediately.Dutch. Of course. The way her face had shifted—that flash of something in her eyes before she’d shuttered it away. Whatever was going on with her, offering to split the bill had been the wrong move. Maybe she was just being proud. Maybe it was something else. But I’d clearly hit a nerve.

“Audra, wait—” I tried to backtrack. I needed to offer to pay.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” She was already backing away, that prey animal flight response kicking in. “Bright and early. Lots of work to do.”

“The diner?—”

“Maybe another time.” The smile she gave me was bright and false and hurt to look at. “When I don’t have so many…errands.”

She practically ran for her car, leaving me standing there with a squirming kitten and a sinking feeling that I’d just made everything worse.

“Smooth move,” I told Chaos, who bit my thumb in response. “Really showed off those excellent people skills.”

We both knew I was talking about myself and not the kitten.

Jet whined, pressing against my leg in solidarity. Or maybe he was just disappointed Audra was leaving.

I couldn’t help but feel the same.

Chapter 9