Power Play - Tiffany Snow Page 0,16

building,” Ryker said to Parker.

“Are you insinuating I had something to do with this?” Parker’s body was stiff with tension, his voice cold.

“I’m just making an observation,” Ryker said.

“Well, it’s a ridiculous observation,” I cut in. “I was with him when we heard the first shot.”

“And your livelihood depends on your boss,” Ryker said. “Not exactly a sterling recommendation of your truthfulness.”

My eyes narrowed. “You’re accusing me of lying? Why, you little swine—” I snarled, taking a step toward him, but Parker pulled me back.

Ryker’s lips twitched, like he wanted to smile but knew he shouldn’t. “Is that supposed to be a cop joke?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because frankly, I’ve heard better.”

By now I was so upset I wanted to claw his deliciously blue bedroom eyes right out of his perfect head.

The cops came back then and Ryker went to speak to them, leaving Parker and me standing by ourselves.

“I can’t believe what an arrogant imbecile he is!” I seethed, staring at Ryker’s leather-clad back. “Trying to say you had anything to do with it. What a jerk!”

“I appreciate your anger, but antagonizing the police isn’t a good idea.” Parker’s mild reply had me glancing his way.

“I’m not going to just stand here and let him say those things,” I said stiffly.

Parker’s eyes gazed into mine and I was abruptly reminded of what had happened in his office before the police had arrived. My cheeks grew warm and I was suddenly acutely aware of his hand still wrapped around my arm.

“Forensics would like to swab your hands for gunshot residue.” Ryker’s voice intruded and I jerked around to see him standing behind us, his eyes calculating as he took in Parker and me.

“Of course,” Parker agreed, letting go of me. A uniformed cop escorted him to where two other men in jackets with “CSI” stamped on the back were setting up their materials on a desk.

Ryker remained by me, but I crossed my arms over my chest and refused to look at him.

“I wish our dinner hadn’t been interrupted,” he said in an undertone.

My jaw fell open. “Are you kidding me right now? You practically accused my boss of murder!”

He shrugged. “I’m doing my job. It’s nothing personal.”

“You sure about that?” I retorted. “Because it sure seems personal.”

“Parker and I have a history,” he said.

“No kidding.”

“Go out with me Saturday night and I’ll tell you all about it.” His eyes crinkled slightly at the corners as a slow grin lifted his lips.

Damn. It should be against the law for a man who could be that giant of an asshole to also look that good.

I snorted, glancing away from him to where the technicians were rubbing some kind of swab over Parker’s hands.

“Trying to bribe me with gossip won’t work,” I lied. Who was I kidding? I wanted to know about him and Parker more than I wanted Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs at Easter, which was a whole helluva lot. I loved those things. And the hearts at Valentine’s Day, and the pumpkins at Halloween, and the trees at Christmas…

“Sure it will,” he said. “C’mon, it’s just dinner.”

“It’s already Thursday,” I stalled. “Maybe I have plans for Saturday.”

“I’m worth breaking them,” he said, which only confirmed that his arrogance knew no limit. He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “I can do things with my tongue that’ll leave you begging for more.”

Ho-ly shit.

That sent a hot flash through me, but I wasn’t about to let him know. “Does that line actually work on anyone?” I sneered.

“You tell me.”

Damn it all to hell. I had the spine of a jellyfish. I stepped into his personal space. “Fine,” I said. “I will come to dinner with you. But that’s all.” I poked his chest for emphasis. Lord, but his muscles were lick-worthy. “No more…indecent insinuations or…or propositions.” Though that line about his tongue would have a starring role in my fantasies tonight.

Ryker grinned outright. “I like how you talk,” he said. “Indecent proposition. Sounds right up my alley.”

“Don’t you have a murder to investigate or something?” I reminded him. Not to mention that it felt a little uncouth to be flirting with someone when a man was dead. I hadn’t known Mr. Hinton other than in passing, but still.

“Right after we get your hands swabbed, sweetheart.”

I stared at him. “Tell me you’re joking.”

His grin just widened. “I never joke about my job. Let’s go.”

I allowed him to lead me to the CSI people, who did their job quickly and efficiently.