the truth from his coworkers, but he couldn’t hide it from himself.
Eve Reilly, with her sparkling eyes and sharp wit and innate intelligence, had him flummoxed. And there didn’t seem to be a thing he could do about it.
As for what that meant for the future—who knew?
For now, he was going to quash his misgivings, pay the lady a visit—and worry about tomorrow when the new day dawned.
“Eve! I didn’t think you’d still be here.” Meg emerged from the showers in the locker room, running her fingers through her still-damp hair.
Eve slid her phone into her gym bag. “I didn’t plan to be. I got caught up checking messages.”
“I hear you—but I’m glad I have a chance to say thanks again for carving out an hour to introduce me to spinning.”
“I’m happy the session worked with your schedule.” Eve slung her gym bag over her shoulder and appraised the other woman. “Don’t be surprised if you’re sore tomorrow.”
“I followed your advice and paced myself—but I won’t mind a few sore muscles. It was invigorating to get real exercise.”
Eve fished out her keys. “I hope the showers here weren’t too bad. It’s a challenge for the staff to keep up with the turnover. That’s why I always wait until I get home to clean up.”
“They were fine. I have to grocery shop, and I didn’t want to run off the other customers.” She waved her hand in front of her face and laughed.
Eve chuckled too—but it was doubtful that errand was Meg’s prime motive for showering at the fitness club. Despite the fact he carved out a bowling night for himself, from all the comments Meg had dropped about her husband, he didn’t approve of her having a life separate from him. It was possible she didn’t want any indications in the house that she’d met a friend for an unapproved activity—like evidence of an oddly timed shower.
What a way to live.
Meg deserved better.
But until her high school acquaintance realized that for herself, the status quo would continue.
Eve shifted her bag into a more comfortable position. All she could do was leave Meg with a standing invitation. “I have to shower too. ASAP. If you ever want to join me again for a session, let me know.”
“Thanks, I will.” Meg picked up the small tote that held her shorts, T-shirt, and tennis shoes. “See you at the station on Friday.”
“I’ll be there.”
As Meg walked away, Eve’s ringtone gave a muffled rendition of her signature song from inside her bag.
She pulled it out, read the name on the screen—and her heart missed a beat.
Brent was calling her!
Now she wouldn’t have to manufacture an excuse to call him.
“Hi.” She put the phone to her ear and claimed a quiet corner of the locker room.
He returned her greeting. “Am I interrupting anything?”
“No. I finished a spinning class about ten minutes ago.”
“Are you going home from there?”
“That was the plan. Why?”
“I have an update I’d like to share—in person.”
“On the case?”
“Yes.”
She bit back the question that sprang to her lips. If she asked too much on the phone, he could end up relaying all his news—eliminating the need for a visit.
Patience would be a virtue in this situation.
“I could be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Give me thirty. I have to wrap up a few loose ends at the office.”
Perfect. She’d have a chance to jump in the shower once she got home.
“That’s fine. I was going to pick up a salad at Panera. If you don’t already have dinner plans, I’d be happy to order food for you too.”
Silence on the line.
Well, shoot. She’d been too forward. Again.
If this kept up, she was going to scare this man away before—
“I don’t have any plans. Or I didn’t, until now. But let me get the food.”
He wanted to buy their dinner? Like this was a sort of . . . date?
Don’t get your hopes up, Eve. Assume he’s just being polite and wants to save you a stop.
“That would be great, if you don’t mind. I’ll reimburse you later.”
“Don’t worry about it. Consider this repayment for two pieces of fabulous carrot cake. What would you like me to order for you?”
He didn’t want to be reimbursed.
That could be a positive sign—but it would be safer to withhold judgment until he arrived and she appraised the situation up close and personal.
Once she gave him her order and hung up, she zoomed home as fast as she could without incurring the wrath of any patrol officers eager to hand