Poisoned Politics by Maggie Sefton Read Free Book Online Page B

mouth to mine. His kiss was long and deep and warmer than warm. Waaaaay more. He broke it off just before my knees were about to give way.
    When I caught my breath, I settled in for what I hoped was more. “Hello to you,” I whispered. “I’ve missed that.”
    â€œGood. So have I.” He grinned then kissed me lightly and pulled away. “Let’s go to dinner. I’m starving.”
    â€œBut I was going to change.”
    â€œYou look great. C’mon,” he said, encircling me with his arm as he escorted me to his car.
    You gotta love a man that eloquent.
    _____
    I licked the last drop of Gulab Jamun syrup from my spoon. Divine sugary delight. My glucose level was mounting by the minute, no doubt. Glancing about the sedate Indian restaurant in northwest Washington, I noticed several other diners had succumbed to the tempting desserts.
    â€œYour friend Samantha is going to have to give up that guy’s name,” Danny said as he poured more chai tea into my cup. “Otherwise, she’s going to loom large on the cops’ radar screen.”
    â€œDon’t I know it,” I said, pushing away my licked-clean dessert dish and reaching for the chai. “Believe me, Danny, I’ve begged her to. So has her lawyer. He called her again this afternoon trying to convince her to tell the police. But Samantha swears she won’t compromise this guy’s privacy.” I gave a disgusted, if unladylike, snort before enjoying the sweetened spicy beverage. The Indian waiter refilled Danny’s coffee cup and smoothly whisked away the empty chai carafe in less than five seconds.
    â€œInteresting priorities,” Danny observed after sipping his coffee. “Samantha will jeopardize not only her own reputation but also her safety before she will compromise her companion’s privacy.” He gave a crooked smile. “I guess she has her own code of honor. I can respect that.”
    â€œYes, she has. And loyalty is at the top of that list.” I watched the silent, efficient waiter replace the newly filled chai carafe beside my cup. I toyed with having more. However, the heavy sugar dessert plus the sweet chai had already taken their toll. I felt the dreaded Sugar Sleep creeping through my veins. Time for coffee.
    Danny looked at me and grinned. “It’s time to take you home. I can tell you’re getting sleepy.” He signaled for the ever-observant waiter.
    Damn . This man’s perceptiveness was downright spooky. And unnerving. “Blame it on the dessert and chai. A double dose of sugar. And how could you tell anyway?” I teased. “I haven’t yawned.”
    â€œBy watching you. I’ve learned a lot of your signals these last four months,” he said with a wink.
    â€œThat is seriously scary,” I said in an unguarded moment. It must have been the sugar.
    All trace of a smile disappeared as Danny reached over and took my right hand. He brought it to his mouth for a warm kiss on my palm. “I know,” Danny said, taking my hand in his. “But you don’t have to be scared of me, Molly. I won’t hurt you.”
    The Sugar Sleep fled my system in an instant. I was wide awake now. I looked into Danny’s eyes, allowing him to see even deeper inside, and struggled for words that wouldn’t come. The waiter came instead, so I managed to murmur, “I know.”
    Danny kissed my knuckles then released my hand to sign the check. “I’ve got an earlier-than-usual reveille tomorrow morning anyway. Have to be on I-95 by four thirty to avoid the rush hour traffic.”
    I made a face. “I’m not sure that’s early enough. Where are you heading?”
    â€œSouth. I’ve got an early morning appointment.”
    Now that I was wide awake, my naturally inquisitive nature reasserted itself. “South as in southern Virginia or farther south?” I probed playfully.
    His lazy smile