Page 142 of Girl Between

“Hello, gorgeous.”

Dana grinned when Lena took the seat George had vacated. “Lena! Hey!” She hugged the coroner with unabashed affection.

“Whoa! Somebody’s in a good mood,” Lena said.

Frowning, Dana shook her head. “Actually, I can’t stop thinking about the case. I’m so happy for Cadie and Neville, but getting swept up in all this joy … it feels wrong, ya know?”

“I do,” Lena said. “But that’s precisely the reason we need to celebrate. The world can be a dark place. Especially in our line of work. That’s why we need to cling to every shred of light that comes our way. We gotta find a balance. That’s the only way we can keep doing what we do.”

“You’re right,” Dana said. She’d found herself having the same thought at the ceremony. It was nice to know she wasn’t alone in her perspective.

No one did their best work when they were depleted. And Dana couldn’t think of a better way to recharge than at this beautiful celebration. Besides, hadn’t she promised Jake she’d do that tonight? Put everything aside and just be?

“You looking for tall, dark, and dangerous?” Lena asked.

“No.”

“Girl, tell your face.”

Dana laughed. “I think I hate that catchphrase.”

Lena gave a shrug. “Then do something about it. He’s right over there.”

Dana followed Lena’s gaze to where Jake stood, staring lasers at her.

Leaning closer Lena whispered, “That boy’s been giving you the look all night.”

“What look?”

Lena huffed a laugh. “The one that says he wants to be anywhere but here, with you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Girl, he’s undressed you with his eyes so many times I feel violated just sitting next to you. Go put him out of his misery already.”

127

Finishingthe one bourbon he’d allow himself for the night, Jake set the empty glass down. He’d been ready to make his move the moment George left Dana’s side, but the coroner swooped in. And now they were staring at him.

No time like the present, he told himself, pushing his way through the crowd. Walking up to Dana like this felt different. Dangerous. He’d done it a thousand times before, so why did this time feel like base jumping without a parachute?

Because you want this,his subconscious chided.

Ignoring his fears, Jake stopped in front of Dana and extended his hand. “Let’s dance.”

“W-what?” she stammered.

The coroner gave Dana a shove, which seemed to dislodge her from her stupor. Not waiting, Jake took Dana’s hand and led her onto the mostly vacant dance floor.

“You want to dance?” asked Dana, still appearing stunned.

“I want to talk,” Jake answered. “The dance floor seems to be the place we’re least likely to be interrupted.

Jake watched Dana look around as he pulled her into his arms.They were one of four couples swaying back and forth amongst a gaggle of toddlers bouncing to whatever chaotic rhythm kids heard in their minds. It certainly wasn’t the timeless melody of Ella Fitzgerald.

Jake couldn’t help noticing that Dana had taken her heels off. He loved when she was barefoot. It made her the perfect height. He slipped his hand lower, resting it on the small of her back as he settled her against him. Her chin just below his shoulder, her cheek pressed against his—lips within reach. She fit in his arms like a missing puzzle piece.

If she noticed, she didn’t let on. But she didn’t fight it either. And she let him lead—another win.