Incriminated Read Free Page B

involved in more of the business than anyone is aware of. I didn't find out until all of the surveillance I was doing—I had considered turning it in then, but at the time I figured the death of her husband was more than enough for her to deal with. But now—with her threatening you," his eyes grew dark, his fists bundling up quickly. "I won't let her get away with that."
    I nodded weakly and looked at the floor, unsure of what to do at this point.
    "Well, thank you. Please let me know when everything is safe," I said quietly. Before I could offer to walk him out his hand was on my jaw, lifting my head. My eyes searched his in an attempt to answer my confusion, but instead I was met with warm soft lips against mine. I didn't answer right away—his lips firmly pressed against mine as if he was trying to force me to feel what he was feeling. His free arm snaked around me and pulled me into his body, his tongue coaxing my lips to part.
    The emotion hit me like a wrecking ball, pulling back all of our better memories in one huge crash. I let my eyes slide shut and told my brain to give it a rest. My lips pressed against his tentatively, and it was then that I felt a small drop of moisture against my skin. I opened my eyes and pulled away to see that tears were slipping out of his eyes.
    "I'm going to make you safe," he said softly before turning and walking out of my apartment, the door closing quietly behind him.
    I stood there, raising my hands to my lips to touch them softly.  Could this work?
    It wasn't lost on me how often I ended up in a situation that would have been aided by having a best friend. The fact that I never had anyone to give me a second opinion caused more problems than I'd like to admit.
    It wasn't that I had  no  friends; it was just that I didn't have any close ones. I had gone out for drinks with girls from work, had even seen a movie with one of them! However, it didn't change that I didn't feel the usual drive that the average person felt to share all of their feelings and secrets with someone else. I suppose that made me a private person, or maybe just a closet introvert.
    Hours had passed since Michael had been here this morning, but his kiss still remained firmly on my mind. I didn't have someone to tell me if I was being delightfully dense, or if I should be giving him another try. Heck, no one, aside from Michael himself even knew he existed in my life.
    I sighed and finished applying my make-up, giving myself a once over in the mirror. Regardless of the continued ridiculousness that tinged my life I still had to go to work; hell I welcomed the idea of being in a public place, surrounded by lots of people.
    I smoothed my hand over my casual spring dress, enjoying the way it firmly hugged by upper curves then sprawled out and hung around me. It was a soft shade of red, close to coral, and flattered my skin tone. My hair hung around me in waves, framing my face and dropping to the seam beneath my breast.
    I took a deep breath and put on my best smile, leaving the apartment moments after. Today would be my first full day as a hostess and I was excited. I was ready to feel normal, and accomplished.

four
     
    The first few hours of work went by in a blur of smiling, pulling chairs out, and friendly waves as patrons left. I took my break at the bar, enjoying an iced tea and an amazing Asian-inspired chicken salad. Once I finished I made my way back to my post, a little less surprised to see Michael there for a second time this week.
    "Table for one I'm guessing?" I said sternly, though I let a hint of a smile slip out after.
    He nodded, offering me a small grin himself. I led him to a high-top near the bar and set his menu down.
    "Yuengling?" I asked, remembering his beer of choice from before.
    "Actually, how about a Dr.Pepper?" His grin grew, earning him an eye roll from me. I went to the bar and fetched his drink, bringing it back shortly.
    "I just wanted to let you know; things are going well. I