Page 58 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

George was trying to be a gentleman.

He’d asked if he was crossing any lines.

Dana hadn’t given him a red light.

But she hadn’t exactly given a green either.

He’d meant what he said about Jake. He owed the man his life. But what good was a life if he didn’t live it?

Looking at Dana, George realized he hadn’t been doing a good job of that lately. He’d buried his wounds creating a shield of scar tissue, guarding him against future injury. But that was no way to live. The spark thrumming to life just under his skin when he touched Dana told him so.

George hadn’t let himself experience a connection like this in …

He shut his eyes tight, warding off the sudden memory that crashed into his mind. Eyes the color of bleached denim. Skin like coffee with too much cream. Her voice dripping with honey as she promised him a goodbye that never came …

It doesn’t have to be that way, George reminded himself.

He opened his eyes and let them roam over every inch of Dana Gray to chase away the bitter memory.

This could be different .

This could be what he needed.

They could take their time. He didn’t see any reason to rush. Try things on. See how they fit.

Nothing serious , he promised himself . Nothing complicated. Just some fun .

There was no harm in that.

“You got any plans Saturday night?” he asked.

Dana shrugged coyly, but her smile gave her away. “I might be free.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

“Because I still need a date for Cadie’s wedding.”

Dana laughed, but her words became breathy when George pulled her against his chest. “Are you asking me to be your date?”

“Among other things,” he said through a grin, his hands sweeping over her curves. “What do you say?”

She sucked in a breath, and he thought maybe he was moving too fast, but the next word out of her mouth caught him by surprise. “Jake.”

“No,” he amended, his pride wounded. “The name’s George.”