Page 10 of Blood Money

“You and my son.” She relaxed her hands beneath his.

Gray began caressing her hands with his thumbs. “Speaking of which, I’d rather talk about you and Nicky.”

Alex stilled. She knew this would be part of any real relationship if she ever met the right man. She just hadn’t expected to be so afraid when the moment came. Take the plunge. If there was ever a man to risk everything for, it was Gray. “What would you like to know?”

“Tell me about Nicky,” he said. “Will I ever get to meet the man who is most important in your life?”

“Of course.” She smiled. “If you really want to.”

“I do.” Gray nodded. “As soon as you decide the time is right.”

“Thank you for being patient.” Blossoming warmth spread from Alex’s belly to her heart. “My son is six, and he’s the smartest, most wonderful little boy.”

“What’s he into? The Yankees? Animals? Books?” Gray continued drawing little circles on her hands with the pad of his thumbs, something that was distracting as hell.

Alex could barely concentrate. It was like being caught in an invisible net, one she was powerless to get free of. And she didn’t want to. “Yes to all three. His passions are reading, baseball, and puppies.”

Gray smiled. “Those were my exact favorite things when I was his age. So tell me about Nicky’s father. Were you married to him?”

Alex’s heart thumped wildly in her chest. She tugged one of her hands from Gray’s to brush an imaginary piece of lint from her sleeve. “What matters most is that he’s no longer part of our lives. He breezed into my life like a hurricane…and left just as quickly.”

When she looked up, Gray was staring at her, saying nothing. His eyes bore into her, and for one brief, panicky moment she understood what it must be like to be under his intense, investigative scrutiny. She quickly held out her glass for more wine, though if she wasn’t careful, she’d be buzzed before dinner even arrived.

“Alex,” Gray said as he took the glass from her hand and set it back on the table. “What is it that’s got you so uncomfortable?”

“Nothing. Really.” Except all the secrets in my life.

This time she took the initiative and reached for his hand. “I just need a little more time.”

“Take as much as you need.” He smiled warmly. “You’re worth it.”

As she gazed into the eyes of the man she sensed was her destiny, a clear and poignant sense of hope surrounded her like a protective blanket. But she couldn’t ignore the possibility that fate was playing a very cruel game with her.

Gray was a police detective. To entrust him with her heart—and her past—carried with it great risk. And there was so much at stake.

Get to know him first. If it works out, then tell him.

With that thought she dared to believe what her heart was telling her.

He just might be the one.

Chapter Three

After ordering their meals, Gray caught Alex eyeing the lone couple on the dance floor with a distinctly wistful expression on her face.

Dancing wasn’t exactly his thing. Football and baseball, definitely, but tripping the light fantastic he normally reserved for weddings when he had no choice.

“Would you like to dance?” Christ, he hoped she’d say no. Then again, for her he’d do just about anything, he realized.

No sooner had he made the offer than her eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. The smile she gave him would make his sacrifice well worth it.

He stood and held out his hand. She placed her hand in his, then he led her onto the dance floor and swung her gently into his arms. At first, their bodies were a few inches apart, maintaining the appropriate distance for two people who had never danced together before. Then several other couples joined them, and the space on the tiny floor became limited. Soon there was barely room to twirl, so Gray tucked her in closer, swaying and rocking in place to the gentle, lilting music.

Soft, silky blond hair tickled his chin, and it was all he could do not to nuzzle the shiny strands. And she smelled all pretty and sweet, like one of the flowers in his mother’s garden. He inhaled deeply, a movement that pressed his chest against hers, reminding him how incredible she really did look in that purple dress. It wasn’t low cut, but it did amazing things to her body.

The dress came to just above her knees, showcasing sleek, slender calves he wanted to run his hands over. The purple sheath was formfitting, hugging her breasts, her tiny waist, and the most perfectly rounded backside he’d ever seen. He hadn’t been kidding when he’d told her every man’s eyes in the restaurant were glued to her. Ironically, she was so demure and unassuming that she really didn’t seem to know how exquisite she was. A trait he found utterly charming.

“You’re a good dancer,” she said.