Page 11 of Burning Daylight

“We’re not in court.” I eye him. “And you’d be a terrible lawyer.”

“Says who?”

“Says me.”

He tilts his head, studying me like I’m a riddle.

“What?” I ask, wary.

“Nothing, you just don’tlooklike a lawyer.”

“And what exactly does a lawyer look like?”

His gaze flicks over me, slow and unapologetic. “Not like you.”

“I feel like I should be offended. For all you know, I’m planning to be one.”

His smile deepens. “Guess I should behave, then.”

“Little late for that, Trouble.”

He shakes his head in ayou’re cute when you’re madkind of way and then pins me with a stare.

I cross my arms again and tap my fingers on the inside of my elbow. “Fine, don’t tell me. What’s in a name, anyway?”

“Exactly,” he says, like I’ve just made his case for him.

“But I don’t talk to strangers.”

“Aw, come on, Princess, don’t be like that.” He chuckles, and the sound is low and teasing.

It hits me right in the chest.

I make a face. “Don’t call mePrincess, Trouble.”

Right on cue, my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out, flashing it at him with a grin.

“I’m leaving. Saved by the text.”

He smirks. “Bold move, announcing your escape plan to yourallegedmurderer.”

I roll my eyes.

He slips his hands into his pockets again, his tattooed forearms flexing just enough to be distracting. “Maybe I’ll see you around? Like tomorrow, same time?”

My heart flutters. “Doubtful. I don’t come up here often.”

“I can wait.”

“Great. I’ll be sure to avoid the area, then.”

He walks back a few spaces until he’s perched on the edge of the rock he saved me from. “Nah. I think you’re bluffing.”

“And why would I do that?”

“How should I know? Maybe so you don’t have to admit how wildly attracted you are to me,despiteyour boyfriend.”

I laugh. “Okay, I’mreallyleaving now.”