Crossing the Line: Without a Trace series, a contemporary erotic romance novel Read Free

business.” He ticks them off on his fingers. “Is there anything you don’t do?”
    I think about it a moment. “We both stink at cleaning our apartment.”
    He laughs, a deep, resonant sound that I want to lean into. “I daresay that won’t be an issue when you make it big. You can hire someone to do that.”
    “I have it on my list as the first thing to do when we can afford it.”
    When we’re finished, we are both slow to leave, so we set a relaxing pace back to his apartment.
    “Where would you live if you could live anywhere?”
    “Austin, Texas,” I say without hesitation.
    He glances down at me. “I’m betting that’s home for you both? That accent is definitely not from the East Coast.
    “Born and raised.”
    “Why didn’t you go home after college? Why stay here?”
    I don’t want to get into my real reason with a guy I barely know, so I come up with the next best answer, which is also largely true. “Noah wanted to stay,” I say simply. “There was no way he could afford it on his own, and we had the idea for Elementary, so it made sense at the time.”
    He nods, but by the way his gaze meets mine as we near his building, he seems to know that’s not the whole answer. “Well, I’m glad you did. It looks like my birthday party is going to be amazing.”
    “It will be. No one’s seen this mystery yet, so you’re the very first one. And it’s the best one I’ve written.” All the actors told me when they read it that I’d outdone myself, and secretly, I agreed.
    At his door, he glances from the entrance to me. “Would you like to come in for coffee?”
    I can’t get to my watch between my sweater, coat, and gloves, but I know it’s late. “I should probably be getting back.”
    He nods, looking away. Then he meets my eyes with a charming grin. “I just got a new coffee maker from my aunt in Italy. I’m told it’s one of the best in the world. You might regret missing out on experiencing a cup.”
    A shy laugh escapes me, and I hear myself say, “I wouldn’t want that.”
    “Neither would I,” he agrees and holds the door.

CHAPTER 2
    COFFEE AND SUCH
    A fter the brutal cold of the night, his apartment feels welcoming and cozy. He takes my coat, his fingers brushing mine. The unexpected touch sends delicious shivers down my back. I don’t know what I’m doing here—he’s a client, and an important one. We’ve been trying hard to get into neighborhoods like his. Plus, he’s friendly and seems sincere—I don’t want to ruin anything for Elementary.
    But there’s something about him—and I don’t mean the fact that he’s stunning to look at—that makes me want to spend more time in his space. He’s different. Most of the guys I’ve met here have been professionals, driven and goal-oriented. And they seemed to treat their romantic lives the same way. Ian feels more…relaxed. Maybe a bit impetuous? I don’t know. But there’s something here I haven’t felt in a long time, and I’ve missed it.
    We make small talk about his firm while the coffee brews. He’s hoping to be made a partner in the next few years, and he mentions a case he just finished. He’s loosened his tie, shed his suit coat, and when we relax onto his leather couch with our respective mugs, the conversation slows as we enjoy the aroma and flavor of the drink.
    “My God, you weren’t kidding.” I sigh after I take another sip. “This is incredible.”
    “I’m not sure if it’s the machine or the beans she sent, but I haven’t been able to stay away from the damn thing since it arrived.”
    “I can see why.” I imbibe a bit more before setting my mug next to his on the coffee table. There are several feet between us on the couch, and even though we were probably seated closer together at the Japanese restaurant, this feels very intimate.
    “You said earlier that you never gave much thought to going to law school. Where did you think you’d end up?” The gas fireplace crackles,