Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,112

him, but I’m still a little baffled by his behavior the other day. It could be that he was just a little delirious from his fever, though. People say all kinds of crazy shit when they’re unwell.

We are at work in no time at all, and I quickly get myself settled at my desk. Tom’s hanging around Jake’s office with a man I have never seen before. I watch as they make their way in. It’s probably just another agent.

Biting my lip, I boot up my computer and sift through a few case files when I suddenly have the urge for coffee. As I rise out of my seat, I find Jake, Tom, and this new guy standing in front of me.

“Ana, this is our new detective, David Willis. He is just starting today, and Tom here will be showing him the ropes.”

He reaches a hand out to me, and I take it. He’s a little short—about my height—but well proportioned. He looks like he’s in his early thirties. He has his black hair slicked back with gel—a bit too much gel. It makes him look like a slimeball. If he is, then he’ll get on very well with Tom.

“I’m sorry. Your name is Ana—”

“Bennett,” I blurt. I smile, but then realize my mistake. Tom looks like he’s just heard the funniest joke ever, and Jake just stands there in shock at first until a big smile crosses his face. My cheeks burn with obvious embarrassment.

“I’m sorry. Actually, it’s Sinclair. Sorry about that. My name is Ana Sinclair. Excuse me. I have to make some coffee.” I rush off as quickly as my feet can carry me.

Shit, did I really just say that out loud?

As I get to the safe confines of the break room, I bang my head against the wall. What is Jake going to think of me now? And how the hell am I going to explain that?

I fumble about, trying to make my coffee, when Michael pops his head in. “I see you’ve met the new guy?” I jump at the sound of his voice, and he looks worried. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

I shake my head. “It’s okay. I’ve just been a little shaky lately. That’s all.” I’ve also just made the world’s worst blunder … but never mind that.

“That’s completely understandable. You’ve been through a lot lately. You know I’m here if you ever need anything, right?”

Michael has been so sweet lately. I wonder what’s gotten into him. “That’s kind of you. Thank you.”

I pour my coffee and am just about to leave when Tom comes in. “I wish I’d had my camera ready when you said that. The look on your face was priceless.”

I sneer at him. “Fuck off.”

“Ooh. Feeling touchy today, are we, Mrs. Bennett?” He walks out then, laughing his head off, and Michael looks at me in wonder.

“Did I miss something? You haven’t run off and gotten married since you were in yesterday, have you? Is that why you both left early?”

I put my hand up to stop him. “No. We’re not married. It’s just Tom pratting about.”

He frowns. “Pratting about?”

“Being an ass,” I explain.

Michael nods in understanding and follows me out of the room. He’s about to say something else when we both notice that Jake is standing right there—like the great Adonis that he is—looking straight at us. Michael quickly retreats, and Jake has that silly smirk back on his face. My own face flushes at his reaction.

“Are you embarrassed?” I drop my head down as he walks a little closer. “Ana, look at me.” I don’t at first. “Ana,” he warns.

I do as he commands, but I just want the floor to swallow me up. “Yes. I’m embarrassed as hell,” I finally say. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I’ve been saying that a lot lately, and although I know it’s a lame excuse, it’s all I have.”

The smirk on his face is still plastered there. He’s obviously enjoying my humiliation. “Don’t worry about it,” he says, pausing in thought before continuing with, “Ana-Lucia Bennett. It has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?”

I gasp in shock as he saunters past me, pleased as punch with my reaction. I almost drop my coffee.

I stumble back to my desk, not sure how my legs carry me there. I’m trying to wrap my head round why he’d say that. I don’t understand what it all means—if anything. My head’s exploding with all sorts