Page 70 of A Real Good Bad Thing

“I know.” I adjusted a mask neatly next to some fins so he couldn’t see that I was embarrassed I’d been hoodwinked.

“If you tell me more, maybe I could help,” he offered.

I pursed my lips, rewinding the last few days with Jake. Howdidone sayI think the guy I slept with stole a diamond my stepfather bought with money stolen from someone else? That was a riddle wrapped in a conundrum. I didn’t want any of it to be true, and voicing those concerns aloud might make them a reality. I was careful with words, saying, “Let’s say I suspect this guy of something unethical. I’m just not sure I should say anything to him about it.”

“You mean tell him what you think and give him the chance to explain himself?”

I stared at Devon, pretending I could actually resent him. “Stop being so smart and logical.”

“It’s a passing phase,” he assured me. Then, more seriously, he said, “I think it’s best to be direct. And maybe, if you like him, give him the benefit of the doubt.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “But if the guy is being unethical and does hurt you in any way, you come tell me about it. Got that?”

I laughed at his tough guy act. It was good advice, but in the end, this was a mystery I’d have to unwrap solo.

I finished straightening, grabbed my stuff, and headed to my Jeep, still noodling on those messy details.

Jake was a professional. Leaving the safe open was an amateur move. Smarter to close it and put off my finding it empty for as long as possible. And I knew Jake wasn’t sloppy. The man had amazing follow-through, both on the job and in bed.

On the other hand, he’d been in my room all night. He knew how to break into a safe. Maybe he’d left the door open to make it seem like someone else, someone less experienced, had stolen the jewel?

I burned with frustration.

Jake was wily. Devon’s advice was good, but being direct with Jake would only alert him to the fact that I suspected him and give him a chance to backpedal.

So I’d have to be wilier.

I wouldn’t let on that I suspected he was a thief, or that I even knew the diamond was missing. I’d play it…friendly. I’d play it flirty. I’d be all island tryst-y.

Then, I’d watch his reactions.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

I wasn’t sure which of those Jake was, but oh yeah, I could keep him close.

34

IS THAT A DIAMOND IN YOUR POCKET…?

Jake

She looked good.

But then, that seemed to be her specialty.

Wearing a turquoise sundress that hugged her curves, she walked down the block toward me. With her looking so carefree, all I could think about was smothering her in kisses. Cupping her face in my hands, lacing my fingers through that blonde hair.

All these desires were annoyingly distracting.

We had business to do. Catered lunch to order. A mission to accomplish.

I’d chosen a spot outside at a café a few blocks away from the gallery. A Frommer’s guidebook lay open on the table, announcing “tourist” as much as my tropical shirt.

When Ruby reached the table, she shot me a scorching, sultry stare. An hour ago, I’d wanted nothing more than to be done with this job, but that heated look changed my mind. Let the case drag on. Let the diamonds go unfound for a few more days. I wanted time with her. To get to know her better, her body and her mind.

But the voices of reason and experience told me the longer this dragged out, the greater the risk of disaster—in more than just the job. Only, I wasn’t thinking with reason right now. I wasn’t thinking at all, only feeling how much I longed for this woman.

“Hey there, sweetheart,” I said, my voice dry and husky.