Cobb (Lighthouse Security Investigations #9) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,62

money through your clinic, and there’s a very good chance that some of it came from or went through one of these casinos.”

“Fine, but Bert? He would have nothing to do with this.”

“What if he didn’t know?”

Her brows narrowed as she stared at him, irritated at his calm acceptance of the situation. “What do you mean?”

“Maybe it’s not him. Maybe it’s somebody near him. Somebody could be using him.”

“And maybe it’s got nothing to do with him at all!” Her lips were pinched together so tightly her face hurt. She finally pushed the papers back and shook her head slowly. “I can’t do this. I thought I could. But I’m too close to these people to even think about doubting them. I can’t help you, Jorge. It will cloud my relationships.”

He remained quiet for a moment, then slowly nodded. She pushed her chair back and stood. “I know you have to do this. I think I’ll go take a shower and get ready for bed.”

His dark eyes roamed over her face, and then he nodded slowly. She turned and walked down the hall, the weight of the world feeling heavy on her shoulders.

Several minutes later, she let the hot water pound out the tension in her back. Her mind was in turmoil, and she wished she could wash away the negative thoughts as easily as the suds ran down the drain. She regretted walking away from Jorge but was desperate for a few minutes alone. Her mother said that she’d always been that way, needing privacy to ponder a situation, consider her options, and eventually make a decision.

And he is giving that to me. That thought alone eased the tension in her shoulders. He didn’t try to argue. He didn’t try to prove that he was right. He simply had her review the facts and then gave her the chance to work through everything in her own time.

As her muscles relaxed, she closed her eyes, dropping her head back so the water could rinse through her hair. Behind her eyelids, she could so clearly see Jorge’s face, already so familiar to her even though she hadn’t known him long.

He was so calm, not a man given to rash thoughts or actions. He was introspective, confident in himself while not in-your-face with his abilities. His body was strong and handsome, but it was his quiet, inner strength that drew her to him.

The water began to cool and she turned the knobs, then stepped out onto the plush bath mat. Toweling off, she then pulled on knit pajama bottoms and a camisole top. She brushed her teeth and moisturized her body, then ran a comb through her long hair.

Leaving the bathroom, she was surprised to see Cobb sitting on the side of her bed, his body leaning forward and his arms resting on his knees. The sight of him caused her heart to skip a beat as her feet stumbled. So handsome. So capable. So serious. She was beginning to learn how to read his expressions but right now had no idea what was on his mind. As usual, he didn’t make her wait long.

“Josie, this is my job. Your safety is a priority.”

Her heart squeezed, but she tried to ignore the pain, wishing his words didn’t hurt quite so much. Swallowing deeply, she tried to smile. “I know. I know this is your job.”

He blinked, his chin jerking back slightly as though surprised. She didn’t want him to feel bad, so she rushed, “It’s okay. I get it. I’m a… uh… this… well, this is a mission.” Even as the words left her mouth, the little fissure in her heart widened.

17

Cobb straightened his back at her words. He’d sat at the table, continuing to pore over the information while she was taking a shower, but the whole time all he could think about was how much he wanted to be with her. And now, she’d twisted things around in her mind to think that he only cared about her as part of his job.

His gaze swept over her, from her bare toes to her camisole that did nothing to hide that she was braless. Her wet hair appeared darker than normal, making her face appear even paler. So beautiful. “Josie, you didn’t let me finish.”

Her mouth snapped shut, and her blue eyes blinked, still staring at him.

He stood and walked directly to her, reaching out to take her hand. “Yes, this is my job. But you’re more than a mission to