you feel about me.
Nick.
Angie picked up the brochure. “Huh.”
“Yeah, that’s what I was going to say.”
“I guess he feels really bad. The membership must have cost—”
Brandee slapped her hands over her ears. “No, don’t tell me.”
“It doesn’t say how much he spent. I just know these things aren’t cheap. It says you get free admission whenever you want, members-only invitations to special events, discount parking, discount dining…”
“Yeah. It’s a really nice gift.”
“And you’ll like this part. The money goes toward maintaining and improving the museum.” Angie looked up at her roommate. “Are you going to accept it?”
“Well, it wouldn’t help the museum if I didn’t. Nothing says I have to use the benefits.”
“Sheesh. You’re still that angry?”
Brandee rose and wandered around the kitchen, straightening up. As she was wiping down the counters, Angie spoke again.
“Do you realize you clean when you’re avoiding something else?”
A corner of Brandee’s mouth turned up. It was really tempting to say something like, “The brownies aren’t doing it, so…” but she thought better of it in time. “No. I didn’t.”
“Well, you do. Not that it’s a bad thing, but lately the apartment has been really clean. I think you need to deal with Nick.”
Brandee tossed the sponge into the sink and folded her arms. “How can I ‘deal with him’ when I don’t know what I want to do with him?”
“Well, you could start by thanking him for the museum membership.”
Brandee sighed. “I thought you weren’t going to give me advice.”
“Well, you obviously need a little.”
“Okay. So, tell me. Should I forgive him or stay mad?”
Angie snorted. “I don’t think it works that way. Instead, maybe you should be asking yourself if you can forgive him or if you’re still mad.”
Brandee plopped into her chair again. “In other words, you think I’ve already made up my mind.”
“I think you already know in your heart. This isn’t one of those things the mind decides.”
Brandee covered her eyes in an attempt to shut out her mind, her roommate, and anything else but her heart. She had been avoiding her feelings because she knew her heart was the traitor in all of this. Stupid heart.
Chapter 13
Nick finally had a plan to catch the bank robber. It would stretch the department’s resources, but that was no longer his problem. Captain Hunter had agreed to meet him at Boston Uncommon as soon as it opened. He had hoped to get his former captain in there anyway. Hunter, being a peacekeeper, seemed to like the concept.
Fortunately, Brandee was scheduled to work, so he might be able to kill two birds with one brunch—so to speak. He hoped she didn’t still want to kill him.
He found a corner booth as far from the action as he could get. Brandee strolled into the bar, still tying her apron, then halted when she spotted him. He smiled.
She offered a weak smile in return and spoke quietly to Angie, who was cutting up limes behind the bar. Unfortunately, his hearing wasn’t quite acute enough in human form to gather what they were saying. Finally, Angie gave his lover a shove in his direction.
Brandee approached him slowly, betraying her uncertainty.
Maybe there’s a chance for us.
When she got close enough he said, “Hello, beautiful.” He’d let her take the conversation from there, hoping for the best.
“Um…thanks for the museum membership. That was very thoughtful of you.”
“You’re welcome.” Waiting for her next move was torture, but he really wanted to see where she would take this.
“I, um…”
She bit her lip and he couldn’t stand it anymore. “Can we try again, Brandee?”
“I guess. I just need you to swear you’ll be less possessive and never do anything like that again. Entering my apartment uninvited, I mean.”
Hallelujah! She forgives me. “I so swear.”
She nodded. “Okay. Can I get you something?”
“Yes, you can.” He rose and pulled her against his chest before she could protest. He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her tenderly. She seemed to melt into him. He wanted to howl with joy and relief, but he held himself in check.
The sound of someone clearing his throat nearby interrupted Nick’s internal celebration. He reluctantly broke the kiss and gazed over to find Captain Hunter, dressed in blue jeans and T-shirt, sporting a subtle smile. He seemed more amused than annoyed.
“Oh, uh, Ca—I mean, Hunter. I was just…”
Hunter grinned. “No explanation necessary. Is this still a good time to meet?”
“Yeah. Brandee, honey, would you please get me a cup of coffee and anything my friend wants?”
“Coffee for me