Obsession by Kathi Mills-Macias Read Free Book Online Page A

might want to come along? If this were an official investigation, I couldn't invite you, being a family member and all. But since it's unofficial, I thought, why not? It's supposed to be another beautiful day, and it's such a great ride to the lake. What do you say? Can you come?” When she hesitated, he added, “Hey,partner, it may be unofficial, but it's still strictly business, I promise. I can go on up by myself if you think it would be too painful for you to see where—”
    “No,” she interrupted. “No, that would be fine. I'd be glad to. What time?”
    She could hear the smile in his voice. “Pick you up about one-thirty?”
    “Sure. See you then.” She handed the receiver back to Melissa, whose eyes mirrored her confusion and disapproval.
    “What was that all about?” she asked, replacing the receiver on the hook. Before Toni could think of a plausible answer, the phone rang again. This time she reached across Melissa to answer it.
    “Hello?” Her voice was guarded, wondering if Abe had already changed his mind about taking her with him. As uncomfortable as the situation with the handsome police detective might be, and as unsure as she was about what to say to Melissa about Abe's phone call, she knew she wanted to be there when he did his so-called “preliminary sleuthing” at Eagle Lake. She had no idea what he might find, if anything, but whatever it was, she wanted to be in on it.
    “Toni?” Brad's voice was a mixture of confusion and hurt. “Are you all right? You sound… different.”
    Toni felt a rush of relief sweep through her at the sound of the familiar voice she loved so dearly. “Brad,” she said, his name a joyous exclamation that brought a smile to her lips. “It's so good to hear your voice. I've been meaning to call you.”
    “I wish you had,” he answered, the hurt still evident in his words. “It's not like you to forget our plans. I'd really been looking forward to that picnic. I was worried when I got to your dad's office and found it locked. Then, when I looked up the street and saw you walking with that detective, talking and laughing…”
    “I'm so sorry,” she said, wishing she could say more, that she could explain why she had been with Abe, what they were talking about, and why she might very well be seeing quite a bit more of him in the nearfuture. But this was not the time. Explanations would just have to wait. “Please forgive me,” she added. “I guess I lost track of the time.”
    Toni knew Brad well enough to realize that the pause that followed meant he was restraining himself from saying something he might regret, and she loved him for it. Her headache was getting worse, and she was too emotionally drained to deal with an angry or jealous fiancé on top of everything else. Brad was just going to have to be patient and understanding with her throughout this time, whatever it might bring. She touched the solitaire diamond on her ring finger. “I love you,” she said.
    “I love you too,” he answered, his voice cracking with emotion. “Truce?”
    “Truce,” she agreed, a surge of gratitude forcing a lump into her throat. Once again, from the corner of her eye, she glanced at Melissa. This time she was smiling.
    “So,” said Brad, “how do we go about celebrating this truce? Can we do something special? Tomorrow, maybe? You name it. Time, place—I'll be there. I'm at your disposal for the entire day. Can't beat an offer like that, can you?”
    Toni's mouth went dry, and the lump in her throat seemed to grow. Now what? How was she going to explain to Brad, of all people, why she couldn't spend the day with him—especially with Melissa sitting right next to her?
    “I… I can't,” she said, struggling to get the words past her throat. “I've already… made plans. Melissa and I…”
    The hurt was back in his voice, although it was obvious he was trying to hide it. “You and Melissa have plans? Is it… I suppose it's a ‘girl thing,’ right?