Page 115 of Three Steps Behind

“Tonight?” Why would Miquel be with them tonight?

“The note will explain. I’ll be here to pick you up at seven.”

That had never happened before. “That’s kind of you, but I can drive.”

“Dalton insisted.” Miquel headed back toward the elevator.

She swallowed. What if Dalton was onto her? She’d be a dead woman—just another notch on his belt.

Once the elevator dinged down a floor, she turned back to her door, but a hand clamped on her shoulder. She started to scream, but another hand over her mouth silenced it.

“Shh,” Aubry whispered, tickling her ear. “It’s just me.”

He removed his hands and led her back into his apartment, shutting the door.

“What if Miquel comes back and I don’t answer my door? He doubted my story. I could read it on his face.”

“You can say you didn’t hear him knock because you were in the shower or you’d left and must have just missed each other in the elevators.”

She took a calming breath and relaxed her tense shoulders. “What do you want?” He hadn’t tugged her back in over nothing.

“I wanted to see what’s in the box and the note you got. Maybe it’ll affect our watch locations and schedules tonight.”

“Right.” She set the box on the table and untied the bow. Curiosity raked through her. She lifted the lid. “Oh, wow!”

He leaned over her shoulder. “What is it?”

She pulled out the blush-colored dress with fine diamonds dotting the embroidery. She held it up. It was exquisite.

“That’s . . . that’s a dress,” he stuttered momentarily. His gaze shifted over her and warmth filled his eyes.

Was Aubry Marshall attracted to her after all?

“You’ll look beautiful in it.” He coughed. “I mean . . . never mind.” He shifted his gaze away and stepped back.

Interesting.

“What does the note say?”

“Oh, right.” She peeked inside the box and ruffled the tissue around. “There you are.” She pulled out the cream, linen-finish envelope. Dalton certainly wasn’t sparing any expense.

She carefully laid the dress back in the box, then opened the envelope to reveal gold lining. She smiled.

“He impress you?”

She arched her brows. “He most certainly does not. I was just admiring the dress and stationery.”

“I see.” He nodded.

He was jealous, but she wouldn’t push. That would go nowhere. He’d already made that clear. Instead, she pulled out the letter, unfolded it, and scanned the text.

“Mind reading it out loud?”

“Oh, right. Sorry.” She started at the beginning.

“My dearest,

I’ve missed you so much.