Page 103 of Rogue's Path

“Then that’s another thing we have in common.”

Hotel Versus Motel

Rogue

Peaches hasn’t gotten over seeing him. She’s trying her best to work on her computer, but most of her time is spent staring out the window.

Time for a distraction. “We have a decision to make.”

Her laptop snaps closed with a click. “What decision?”

“Hotel or motel?”

A little smile works its way up her face, and her eyes start to twinkle like they do when she’s being mischievous. “That feels like a trick question.”

“It might be.” Totally is. “Neither of our choices is great. The hotel is an hour away from the motel. It’s also got zero amenities and a very low rating. The motel, well, it’s a motel, so the biggest things you’ll find there are vending machines and hot water in the showers, but the reviews are all amazing. There’s also a really nice park nearby that we could go for a walk in before we start driving.”

“Hmmm.” She pretends to think very hard. “The motel it is. Though I think we’re good on snacks.”

We probably have enough to last a month. “The motel it is.”

“Do you mind if I work a little bit?”

“Not at all. What do you do?” I haven’t quite figured it out.

Peaches is blushing. That’s a new one. She didn’t blush when she blurted out, I love you. That’s a moment I’ll never forget. Nor is this one. What could she possibly do to make her blush like that? Time to see if I make her laugh or blush some more. “Are you a stripper?”

She bursts out laughing.

I love that sound.

“Hardly, which you already knew.”

“Guilty as charged. But if you want to take up a new hobby, I’d be happy to be your only customer.” I’d kill another man that looked at her.

“Are you getting jealous of an imaginary job?”

“Maybe. I’m not usually jealous.”

“Neither am I. It didn’t bother me when Marvin tutored the cheerleaders.”

An illogical flash of jealousy hits me. Marvin? “High school boyfriend?”

“Yeah. He was determined to get into the tech world. When we graduated, he left town and me.”

Idiot. “What did you end up doing?”

She shifts to one side, fidgeting with her seatbelt for a moment.

What could possibly be so embarrassing?

“Criminal forensic science.”

WHAT? “You’re a cop?” I didn’t see that coming. Who stalks a cop? And why wouldn’t her unit take care of that problem?

“Nope. School was amazing. I was flying high. Top of my class. Then they brought the cadavers in, and I lost it.”

“That had to be hard.” There’s a gentle heart hiding inside that strong woman. My strong woman.