Page 52 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

George cracked his first beer of the evening. He’d just touched it to his lips as he pushed open his front door, planning to enjoy it on the porch while watching the storm roll through. But the soaking wet woman on his doorstep changed things.

“Does your dinner invite still stand?” Dana blurted out.

It was rare for the cat to catch his tongue, but George stood slack-jawed for a moment as he took in Dr. Dana Gray in all her dripping wet glory.

He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t noticed she was an attractive woman.

But clad in soaking wet spandex, she was currently replacing all his previous fantasies.

“Oh,” she said as if just realizing she was drenched so thoroughly she was leaving a puddle on his porch. “Maybe a rain check?”

Her sudden embarrassment forced him into action. “Nah,” he said. “I was raised better than that. Come on in and dry off.”

Dana gratefully accepted his invitation, but her teeth began chattering once inside thanks to the air conditioning. His home was old, but the new air conditioning unit ensured the interior was a brisk 68 degrees at all times. It was the only way to survive the Louisiana heat.

“I’m sorry,” she said, “I’m not even sure why I showed up here soaked to the bone. ”

“You’re here because I invited you to dinner. And this is Nawlins. You can’t help the weather. No sense apologizing for it.”

Dana forced a grin, but her inner turmoil was etched on her face. Wanting to relieve it, George said, “Why don’t you take a shower and warm up. I’ll get you something dry to wear. Then we can discuss dinner.”

“You’re being too kind. I really didn’t mean to show up uninvited. I was just out for a jog and …”

“And you ended up here?”

She bit her lower lip and nodded. The innocent gesture tugged at George’s heartstrings so unexpectedly he found himself taking a step closer.

“Is that okay?” she asked.

He swept a damp strand of hair from her cheek, gently tucking it behind her ear as she gazed up at him. “It’s more than okay.”

“I’m a mess,” she warned.

He grinned. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

That made her smile and damn if it didn’t make him want her more.

He invaded the space between them, his hand moving from her hair to her waist. Her breath caught but she didn’t back away.

He closed his eyes, momentarily fighting the painful memory of the last time he’d let himself get this close to a woman.

When he opened his eyes, Dana was gazing at him, her eyes full of questions. The creak of hinges saved him from answering.

“Mom sent me over to grab some … oh!”

The sound of his sister’s voice broke the crackling tension that had fused George and Dana together. She sprung away from him, cheeks burning red.

“Cadie,” George greeted, through clenched teeth. “I thought we talked about knocking?”

Ignoring him completely, his little sister grinned at his guest. “Dana! My brother didn’t tell me you were here! Does that mean you’re joining us for the ceremony tonight?”

Dana looked between the siblings, confusion etched on her face.

“Dr. Gray and I were getting ready to go out to dinner. ”

Cadie waved his comment off. “You can go out anytime. Tonight, we honor lwa with a potomitan ceremony!”

This time interest lit Dana’s eyes. “Truly? I have always wanted to see a potomitan ceremony.”

“See it? Try being a part of it!” Cadie exclaimed. “I’m not taking no for an answer.” She grabbed Dana by the hand, pausing as she finally seemed to notice the state of Dana’s attire. “What happened to you?”

“Went for a run at the wrong time,” Dana replied. “Do I have time to shower?”

“Sure. I’ll bring you some dry clothes to wear.” Cadie cut her eyes at George. “My brother should’ve offered. This is Nawlins. Hospitality is kinda our thing.”

“I offered,” George grumbled. “There’s no way I’d live to tell the tale of sending someone away wet and hungry with Mom living next door. And a nosy little sister, ” he added under his breath.

Pretending not to hear his comment, Cadie turned and walked back toward the front door. “I’ll be back with dry clothes in fifteen,” she called over her shoulder.

When they were alone again, George shook his head. “A man with many sisters is a saint, not by choice.”

Dana grinned. “I’ve never heard that saying.”

“Well, I’m living it. Being this close to all my sisters is like having a permanent third wheel, or six wheels in my case.”

The subtle light that had returned to Dana’s brown eyes dimmed at his comment. “I can only imagine. Still, you’re lucky to have so much family. Are you sure you don’t mind if I accept your sister’s invitation?”

“Not as long as you promise me a raincheck on dinner,” he said.

“Raincheck it is,” Dana agreed, grinning again.

“Then I’ll let it slide.” George gestured toward his bathroom. “Come on. Cadie’s as punctual as she is annoying.”