Page 19

Chapter 19

Cate

I had to admit, it was a smart choice to stay in the plaza for lunch. It gave us a chance to re-evaluate the flyers we’d seen with new eyes.

At least, that was what I thought until we were walking back to Jaden’s truck and without warning he pushed me against the empty store’s front window and kissed me.

What the fuck?

One hand cupped the back of my neck while the other held my hip. His big, rock hard body pushed against mine, trapping me against the wall. It was the kind of toe-curling kiss that might have turned my insides to mush, if I hadn’t wanted to punch him.

When I tried to push him away, he held on tighter, crushing his lips to mine .

Focusing on the anger, and ignoring the fact that he was turning me on, I poured all my energy into pushing him away.

Someone whistled from the parking lot. Someone else laughed.

“What the fuck, Sh-”

He cut me off, a wicked grin on his face. “What? I can’t kiss my wife?” Emphasis on the word wife.

Shit . Pull yourself together . I’d almost let my personal feelings blow our cover. What was it about Jaden that always made me so crazy?

I corrected my expression and looked around, feigning embarrassment. “You know I hate public displays of affection,” I slapped at his chest as I scolded him, hoping to cover my blunder.

“I couldn’t help it. You had a little sauce right there,” he touched the edge of my lips, “and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to kiss it off.”

He grinned. I plastered a smile on my face while internally seething.

Jaden was having a little too much fun at my expense.

And his kiss, his touch, had turned me on a little too much for my comfort.

“Come on, Charlie, don’t be embarrassed.” He reached for my hand. “It’s not like we’ve never kissed in public before.” He winked.

God, I hate him and his smug attitude and his sexy grin and his flirty wink .

It took everything I had to not pull my hand away .

His voice irritated me. His arrogance infuriated me.

But his touch, that confused me because I wanted more.

Unwilling to make the same mistake twice, I focused on my anger.

Keeping my head down, I looked around shyly, using my faux embarrassment as cover while we walked to the truck. The instant both doors were closed I turned on him.

“What the fuck was that?”

He smiled, “People can still see you, Snookems.”

At least they can’t hear me . “Jaden,” I warned through gritted teeth while forcing my lips to lift up in a smile.

“Bill’s here. I didn’t want him to ID us.”

Shit . I hadn’t seen him.

“Where’d he go?” I scanned the area, hoping he couldn’t see us.

“You’re welcome.” He started the engine and backed out of the parking spot.

My sigh was involuntary. “Thank you. Where’d he go?”

“The convenience store. He’s still there.”

“How do you know?” I asked, annoyed that he’d seen something I’d missed.

“His car is still here.”

Ignoring my irritation, I reminded myself we were a team. “You think he’s involved?”

“I didn’t get that vibe. It’s probably a coincidence.” I didn’t believe in coincidences, but Bill lived close enough for this to be convenient. He continued, “No offense to Bill, I’m sure he’s a smart guy.” Jaden rolled his eyes. “But I think we would’ve picked up on something if he was involved with Wendy’s disappearance.”

I chuckled at Jaden’s choice of words. “Agreed. I didn’t pick up anything except frustrated young adult from him.” Thinking back to the two empty plaza spaces, I added, “Might be worth checking his financials anyway. He might have ties to Roman and unknowingly be involved.”