Killian (Hope City #8) - Kris Michaels Page 0,17
time I met you, but I thought your last name was Terrell. When I found out it was Ganas, that’s when I put two and two together.”
“And decided I was a crook.”
“No. Well, maybe, but I changed my mind.”
Killian took a drink of his beer before he asked, “What changed your mind, the fact that you originally liked me or that I was pissed at you questioning my business ethics?”
“Neither and both.”
Killian lifted his elbow to the table and pinched the bridge of his nose. He drew a deep breath and asked, “Would you be so kind as to explain that?”
Bekki shrugged. “To be honest, I lied about why I didn’t eat today. I pulled every one of your inspections for the last five years. All to code. There were several building code violations and noted electrical problems which were all minor and fixed as required. Every stage of construction, your inspectors—who were all different and varied, although you do draw Chet Brown for building inspector a lot—have passed you and there has been no notice of deficiencies. You have a great reputation, so no, based on my research, your reaction, and my gut, I’m not worried you’re here to steer me in the wrong direction.” She grabbed her plate and moved to the counter to serve herself another portion. “So, answer my question, don’t you like the lasagna?” She swiveled her head and looked back at him.
“It is very good.” He lifted his fork and knife again. “I don’t want to offend you, but you are an extremely frustrating person. Conversation with you is difficult.”
“Difficult? How?”
“Honestly? Following your train of thought is exhausting.”
She smiled and spun around. “Thank you.”
Killian raised his fork but stopped to look at her. “I just insulted you and you thank me?”
“Nah, insults are like saying I’m a horrible reporter or my lasagna sucks. You think I’m kinda weird, hell, so does everyone else. I can live with that.” She sat down and picked up her fork, ready to attack her second piece.
“Why does everyone else think you’re weird?” He didn’t look at her when he asked.
“Well, I dunno, I’m just me. But my family will tell you I have no filter, that I’m spoiled, and that I get my way all the time. Plus, I’m Daddy’s princess and the guys hate that. Why do you think I’m weird?”
“I would say you are a conundrum wrapped in hyperactivity and tied in abrasiveness.” Killian shrugged and finished his lasagna.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Where did you go to school?”
“Yale.”
“For construction?”
“No, for business.”
“You have a business degree?”
“Two, actually. I double-majored. MBA and Advanced Management.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. I went to HCU and majored in journalism. Not as impressive as Yale, but I love dealing in reality, finding the truth, and reporting it.”
Killian stood and served himself another slice of lasagna. “Most people these days would argue what is being reported are the shades of truth, slanted either left or right.” She watched the way the muscles of his back moved under his t-shirt. Damn, he was really built. Her eyes slid down the bulging, V-shaped back to his nice ass and thick, strong legs.
When he turned, she shoved a forkful of pasta in her mouth. Finishing it quickly, she rushed to agree. “Oh, believe me, it is. It is one of the big detractors about moving up to a major market. Being told how to report the news is a legit thing.” She put down her fork and leaned in, resting her chin on her hand. “Being in a smaller market like Hope City has its advantages. There are certain stories that need to be addressed to the upper management at the station before they hit the airwaves, but I’ve been very lucky. No one has censored my reports.”
Killian sat back down “And if you discover something politically embarrassing with this information you have, will someone pull the plug?”
She sighed, “You know, I don’t think so, but everything I’m looking at says this could be a political minefield. If they do, I’ll give it to someone who’d report it.”
His eyes whipped up to hers. “You’d give up a story?”
“In a heartbeat, but only if I was being silenced.” She took a sip of her wine. “The truth is important. People deserve to know what’s happening. Most are so busy trying to live that they don’t see the corruption and crime around them. It’s my job to make sure they know who they can trust and who they