BAD Beginnings by Shelley Wall Read Free Book Online Page B

over her shoulders. She stared at the fabric for a second before pulling it tight. It likely cost more than two month’s salary for her and it smelled—as if it had been hugging his neck for the past two hours. Mmmm.
    Knock that thought right out of your head, girl, and replace it with something that makes sense. And mattered. Could she pull DNA from the fibers if she managed to hold onto it long enough to get it to the lab this time? He’d been too careful in the past. Had the vacation loosened him up? He was beginning to grow on her for the first time in two years. Unfortunately, in all the wrong ways.
    “Thanks, Logan. Do you mind if I take a cab? It’s been a long day and I need to get home.” She reached for her cell to make the call.
    “We can drop you.” He frowned and she realized she’d disappointed him. Again. Would he revert back to old ways and close up?
    “I’m fine. Just go ahead…but I’ll hang onto this if you don’t mind. At least until tomorrow.” She flashed a weak smile as she held up the jacket lapel. Would he fall for it?
    Nope. He shoved the door wide before the driver could reach them. “Get in. I’m not leaving you here in the middle of the night alone. Not looking like that.”
    Gemma squelched the tingle that surged down her back—a mixture of disappointment and excitement. She blinked and glanced at the plunge in her neckline. “What’s wrong with the way I look?”
    “Nothing. That’s the problem. Shove over.” He slid a leg against her thigh and used his weight to shift her aside.
    “There’s a thousand people here. I don’t see what the—” She growled in frustration when her bag vibrated and the tone rang from within. Who would call at this time of night? She fumbled around for it then answered. The voice on the phone dismayed her further. Her boss—the real one.
    “You want to tell me where the two of you are going?” Deep innuendo in his tone made her dart a glance at the profile next to her as they pulled from the lot into the street. They’re watching me? What, they don’t think I can handle this?
    “Hi, Dad.” She forced a steady tone into her voice, knowing that her real father would likely not approve of the man at her side. Or would he? Wealthy, successful, and definitely easy on the eyes. A little too easy if she were honest. Not that her father would care about the looks. The tattoos might be a drawback.
    “Don’t tell me you’re getting involved with our suspect, Gemma. You know how stupid that would be? Especially considering the fact that he’s probably not our suspect anyway—or is that why you’ve wasted two years on this case?”
    Gulp. The hairs on her neck stood at attention and the flush of anger surged through her skin. He was watching. How long had that gone on?
    “Come on now, Dad. You know I never waste my time on anything but work. Haven’t you said yourself I need to get out once in a while? Enjoy myself? How can I do that when you call me at the worst possible times? For all you know—”
    “For all I know, you’re screwing Logan Indiris, which is why your case is stalled and you can’t seem to find one solid piece of evidence.”
    A cloudy mist covered her vision, her eyes ached, and she put a thumb and forefinger to them and pressed back the need to scream…or cry. “Look, Dad. I appreciate your concern but I’m doing exactly what you wanted me to do. Really. And you calling me at this time of night isn’t exactly helping. Tell Mom and the rest Hi. Gotta go now. Love you.” She clicked the end button on the phone and dropped it back into the sequined bag, not before she heard the echo of her boss’ order to appear in his office Monday morning.
    She balled her fists in her lap, the only thing she could do at the moment, and stared at the glitter of streetlights and cars that flashed past. There was noise and excitement in the night outside but inside the car—suffocating silence. Yet, if she spoke, she’d likely