Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
RedHotSavvySleuth: He isn’t. But he’s pushing forward, following other leads. Talking to witnesses, victims who escaped, that sort of thing.
JasperThePrivateDick: Sounds like he’s as dedicated to solving this case as you are. Good. Those victims deserve someone in their corner. How are things between you two? Any more communication now that you’re working together?
Yes, he was fishing.
Haisley paused for a long time before responding.
RedHotSavvySleuth: Yes and no. Yesterday, I was irritated with all his flirty innuendos and smoldering looks, so I asked him to behave more professionally. Today, he was strictly business. It was actually too professional. 🙄 It’s like he did a complete 180 overnight and decided to treat me like any random coworker.
JasperThePrivate Dick: Isn’t that what you wanted, though? For him to respect your boundaries and keep things aboveboard?
Another lengthy pause. Nash could practically see Haisley worrying that plump bottom lip between her teeth as she mulled over her response.
RedHotSavvySleuth: I mean, yeah. I did. I do. It’s just… I don't know. It felt weird. Unsettling. Like I said, men are confusing. 😕
JasperThePrivateDick: Sounds like maybe you’re not entirely sure what you want from him.
RedHotSavvySleuth: I want to solve this case. I want to stop more women from being abducted and who knows what else. That’s what matters most.
Nash’s chest tightened at her evasion. She was dodging the real issue, the complicated emotions simmering between them. He couldn’t let that go.
JasperThePrivateDick: Of course. But don’t forget to consider what you want for yourself, too. Trust me, as someone who’s lost the woman he loved, if you still care about your ex, you shouldn’t take a single day with him for granted. Even if things are messy and confusing, it’s way better than being brokenhearted.
Nash held his breath, hoping he’d get through to her. Again, Haisley’s reply was slow to come.
RedHotSavvySleuth: Maybe you’re right. I’ll think about it. BTW, if you ever want to talk about your lost love, I’m a good ear. I won’t pry, but you’ve been such a good listener, I’m happy to return the favor.
Nash’s throat tightened. He couldn’t go there, not even in their anonymous online bubble. The wounds were still too raw, and Haisley was no one’s fool. She’d probably catch on before he was ready for the big reveal.
JasperThePrivateDick: I appreciate the offer, but it’s ancient history. Not nearly as interesting as the present. 😉 And it’s getting late for this old fart, so I should sign off. But think about what I said, okay? Take it from someone who learned the hard way. Don’t let fear and pride keep you from something real with your ex. Even if it’s complicated.
RedHotSavvySleuth: I’ll try. Thanks for listening. Have a good night. 💜
Nash exited the chat and powered down his laptop, his mind racing. Had he gotten through to Haisley? Planted a seed that would make her rethink keeping him at arm’s length?
Knowing how stubborn she was, maybe not. Time would tell. But the truth was, he couldn’t maintain his strictly professional charade for long, not when every cell in his body was screaming to haul her against him and kiss her until they were both senseless.
She was right about one thing, though. Complicated didn’t even begin to cover their relationship these days. He hoped that playing Jasper didn’t bite him in the ass, but he’d meant what he’d said. He didn’t want to waste a single day with Haisley—even if it meant breaking every rule in the book to prove she still wanted him just as badly.
Late the next afternoon, Nash strode into Haisley’s office, his heart doing that familiar little flip when she glanced up from her computer screen at him. Her eyes widened slightly, surprise and something else he couldn’t decipher flickering across her face before she schooled her features into a neutral expression.
“Nash. What’s up?”
He shrugged, aiming for a casual tone, even as his pulse kicked up a notch. “Thought I’d swing by and see if you were available to join me on a field trip to the mall.”
Haisley arched a brow, leaning back in her chair. “Weren’t you the one who demanded that I stay in the office, far from any potential danger?”
Nash bit back a smile. She never could resist pushing back, even against his protective instincts. “I did. And it pains me to admit that you were right about me being intimidating to teenagers. Abby wouldn’t talk to me or Ethan last night. She clammed up tighter than a nun’s—” He caught himself, clearing his throat when Angela, hovering nearby, raised her pierced, disapproving brow. Yeah, probably not an appropriate metaphor for the office. “You get the idea.”
Somehow, Haisley managed to keep her expression neutral, but he saw her repress a grin. “So you agree that I might have better luck getting a sixteen-year-old to talk?”
“I know you will.” The words came out with a soft certainty that made Haisley blink. “Will you come with me?”