Page 27 of A Diagnosis Dark & Deadly

"You said you had more than one option," she pointed out. "I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision. I like to explore all of my options before settling with a decision."

The corners of Hadley's lips curled up. "Is that what happened with us?" he asked. Even though he was teasing, there was a slight cord in his tone, something that showed that perhaps there was more to the question than he wanted her to think.

Olivia wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "Absolutely not," she said. "I went with my only option."

Hadley laughed despite himself. Olivia reveled in the sound. She hadn't ever heard him laugh like that before. It made her want to make him laugh like this all thetime.

"I'm just teasing," she told him, craning her head so she could look at him from the corner of her eye. "If I had any other options, I would still choose you." Hadley snorted. Olivia smacked him on the shoulder. "Despite how ridiculous it sounds, I'm telling you the truth." She pressed her lips together, the corners of her lips curling up. "What's our second option?"

There was silence in the car for the moment, save for the thunder-like rumble of the engine. The sound was dull but still vibrated through the dark leather seats.

"A barbecue place opened just down the street," Hadley said. "They don't take reservations and we're way too overdressed but they have the best ribs in Boulder. At least, that's what Shore tells me. And I don't always trust thatguy."

"Yeah, why trust him?" Olivia says with a roll of her eyes. "He's just one of the best pharmacists ever. That guy doesn't know jack." Her eyes sparkled. "Honestly, if you don't care either way, I could really use some baby backribs."

Hadley grinned, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. "I never said I didn't care," he said. "But you happened to pick exactly what I wanted anywayso..."

Olivia felt herself smile. "I didn't expect you to be a barbecue guy," she murmured, more to herself than tohim.

He glanced over as he turned left. "I didn't think you would pass up La Belle Chateau for baby back ribs," he pointedout.

"I think you'd be surprised what kind of girl I really am," she said with a small smirk.

He couldn't help but grin. "Truth be told," he said, "I don't think I wouldbe."

He pulled into a relatively busy parking lot. The restaurant was long, the entrance bright, with people idling close by. It might not be La Belle Chateau but Lucille's was definitely popular. In fact, a part of Olivia was worried that they wouldn't get seats and she was starving. They got out of the car together and she slid her arm through his. They made their way through the crowds and walked inside. Olivia was surprised when the cute hostess recognized Hadley and without even checking to see which table was available, grabbed menus and began to lead them through the crowded restaurant until they reached a small table in the back, relatively secluded fromview.

Despite the casual vibe of the restaurant, there was a romantic touch to this table. It had a single white rose in a clear case as a center piece. Candles surrounded the table, giving the atmosphere a low-light vibe. Hadley pulled out Olivia's chair for her and she slid in it, a small smile on herface.

"Carrell wants to show his appreciation for everything you've done for him," the hostess said, her dark eyes shining as she took in Hadley. "He's sending over a bottle of strawberry champagne on ice and wants you and your lovely date to know you can order whatever you want, on the house."

Hadley perked his brow, clearly surprised.

"That's not necessary," Olivia began but Hadley cut heroff.

"Speak for yourself," he said. "I know your appetite, Goodson. Free it is." He glanced at the hostess. "Of course, I'm teasing. I'd be happy topay."

"I apologize but he gave specific instructions stating that your money is not good here," shesaid.

They ordered their food and drank the champagne. Olivia didn't drink much so it wasn't long before her head got bubbly and light and a warmth spread throughout her body. Hadley was surprisingly charming when he wanted to be, not so much grumpy. And there were a few times when he actually smiled a smile that made his eyes crinkle and sparkle. She liked the way he looked at her, liked the way he smiled at her, because she knew he didn't look at anyone else thisway.

The food was delicious. She got it all over her face. She got it everywhere except her white dress, which was fine. She could always wash her hair when she got home. Perhaps after sex with Hadley.

Just because they were dating now didn't mean they couldn't at least indulge in bedroom activities. Especially since she craved him all the time now. She couldn't get enough of him. When they were at work, she thought of all the places she could take him, places with no chance of them getting caught, places where they might if they weren't quiet enough. And now that they were dating and sleeping together, Olivia didn't expect any favoritism. If anything, she expected Hadley to be hard on her, harder than he already was. She knew he had high expectations of her and in that she took as a compliment.

After dinner, they left the restaurant. Hadley didn't pay due to the predicament he was in, but he did give the waitress a large tip. There was a small wooden bridge adjacent to the restaurant and it led into an old part of town that had been around since the forties. Olde Village was what it was called. A lot of first-generation German immigrants made up the small portion of town and sold a variety of knock knacks and hand-crafted designs, whether it was furniture, toys, or art. There were also two small restaurants located on opposites end of the town - one could walk through town in about fifteen minutes - just in case someone preferred authentic German cuisine.

For some reason, instead of leading her to the car, Hadley led Olivia through the town. Though the shops were closed, the lights were on and even though it was September, it reminded her of Christmas. The small bright bulbs against the black sky reminded her of stars she could reach out and touch if she wanted to and she leaned her head against Hadley's shoulder, breathing in the comfortable silence that encompassed them as they walked over the bridge together.

This was nice. This was a feeling she could get usedto.

Hadley steered her over the bridge and stopped just before the town entrance. He maneuvered her so she was looking directly through a patch of trees. From where they were standing, they could see the city skyline of Boulder, all lit up in the night sky. It took Olivia's breathaway.

"I like to come here when I have a lot on my mind," Hadley said in a quiet voice. His tone surprised her. It was gentle, pensive, and though he was speaking to her, his eyes were hooked on the view. She couldn't blame him. The view was stunning.

"It's beautiful," she murmured. Her head was still on her shoulder, her shoulders rolled back, completely relaxed against him. How silly of her to have worried about it in the first place. This feltnice.

"I like you," Hadley said, seemingly from nowhere.