Han looked at Gabriel. "And you my friend? Are you playing by the book?"
"The SIU would go into shock if I did. I'll have a beer, thanks."
Han nodded and walked away. She interlaced her fingers and leaned her chin on them. The ring of smoke around the blue of her eyes gleamed like ice in the candlelight. But there was nothing cold about the smile that teased her lips. A moment later, her bare foot slid up his shoe and under his pants leg. The skin to skin caress had his muscles — and other parts of his body — jumping in delight.
"Why don't you trust the general?" she asked.
When had her voice gained that sexy edge? "I just have a feeling about the man. He agreed to this meeting far too fast."
"Maybe he just wants to help."
Her foot was sliding up and down, up and down, and he was beginning to find it extremely hard to concentrate.
"The military is not known for its helpful nature," he said dryly. "He's got his own agenda for agreeing to this meeting."
"Then why come here? Why not somewhere more secure?"
"Han's is as secure as we'd ever get, and the general might just relax his guard here."
She nodded. Han walked in, and her foot stopped it's teasing. Gabriel wasn't sure whether to be relieved or annoyed.
"Thanks, Han," he said, once the big man had placed their drinks on the table.
"I have ordered a tray of savories for you both." A hint of amusement ran through Han's voice. "Complimentary, of course."
"Thanks," he said, and knew he'd get the third degree from his friend later. But what could he say? That his temporary partner was pushing boundaries in a way she'd never pushed before? That while he was attracted to her, he had no intention of heading down that path while she was his partner?
Han left. She raised her glass and slowly sipped. Moisture glistened like tears on her mouth. God, it would be so easy to reach across the table, to wrap his arm around her neck and his mouth around hers, and kiss those droplets away.
But he could not. Dared not.
She raised an eyebrow, and for a minute he wondered if she'd somehow caught his thoughts.
"So, what do we talk about until the general gets here?"
"How about the weather?" he said, keeping his voice bland.
She smiled that smile again, and heat twisted through his veins. "How about we talk about us?"
"There is no us," he said gently, even though he wished it could be otherwise. "Not while we're partners."
"Then you're not denying the attraction between us?"
"Only a fool would do that. And while I may be many things, a fool is not one of them."
Amusement warmed the silver in her eyes. "I'm tempted to disagree with that statement."
He smiled. "Undoubtedly."
"So, is this reluctance to get involved with a partner the reason why you're trying to ditch me? So you can feel free to play?"
He hesitated. "In truth, no. I have a habit of killing partners. I don't want you — or anyone else — to join the list."
She nodded. "Then this 'no involvement' rule is one you've had from the beginning?"
Again he hesitated. "Not really."
She raised her eyebrow. "Then you have been involved with a partner?"