Midnight Heat Read Free Page B

completely off guard. “What are you talking about?”
    “I’m talking about the story on the investigation,
my
investigation. Page four, first section,
Washington Post
, early edition.” He hadn’t raised his voice, but his dark tone fairly vibrated.
    “I don’t take the
Post
,” she stated, more calmly than he deserved. “And I have no idea what you are talking about.”
    “You’re telling me you aren’t the ‘inside source’ quoted in the piece?”
    “That’s exactly what I’m telling you. So go hunt down someone else, this time I’m blame-free.”
    The silence lasted only a second, but the sense of foreboding carried over the line with ease. “This time?”
    Adria shivered at his accusatory tone. “We all make mistakes, Mr. Colbourne, and I’ve got a list probably longer than most. But negligence isn’t on there.” She put special emphasis on that last part. “I was speaking in generalities.” Before he could remark, she added, “Instead of giving me a hard time because some reporter is dogging you, why aren’t you out there finding out what in the hell happened to that third plane?”
    “Funny you should mention that.”
    “And here I thought you didn’t have a sense of humor.” The retort was out before she could think to stop it.
    “Ms. Burke, I’d like to see you in my office this afternoon. Before five if possible.”
    Yes, master
. “Am I permitted to ask why?” She tried hard to keep the sarcasm out of her voice, knowing she’d baited him enough. Too much, considering the role he was playing in her bid to keep her career. Two days at home—gardening!—had taken a huge toll on her.
    “The newspaper article is only part of a bigger problem. I think it would be better discussed in person. Let me give you directions.”
    Adria swallowed the half-dozen questions that sprang immediately to mind, knowing there was no point in asking him now. “I know where your building is located, just tell me where in the building you are.” She went on, without letting him speak. “And it will be at least five. I’m all sweaty from … well, never mind. It’ll take me a while to get there. By the time I get out of here, traffic will be impossible.”
    Silence. And this time she couldn’t fathom why. But the reason didn’t feel like anger. So softly she barely heard it, he slowly expelled a long breath. She shivered again, but this time chill was not a factor. And the heat was strictly internal.
    It wasn’t as if he were asking for a date, she told herself, rubbing her arms. God knows the man always sounded absorbed and busy, not flirtatious. Tense, focused, determined, single-minded. Yes, she already knew Dane Colbournewas all of those things. Not in her wildest dreams could she picture a man so self-contained being playful.
    But the man had dark and seductive nailed right to the wall. Even if he didn’t know it.
    It was just as well this
was
business. She’d stick with her harmless fantasies. No one ever got hurt from exerting a little imagination.
    And yet, perversely, she couldn’t help but wonder what he did for pleasure. Or where. Maybe imagination wasn’t as harmless as she thought. Not when the fantasy involved Dane Colbourne.
    “I’ll be here,” he said finally. There was the slightest trace of fatigue in his voice, but even that vanished as he quickly issued succinct directions. “Did you get all that?”
    She’d gotten about half of it. He hadn’t waited for her to get a pen. No way was she asking him to repeat himself. “Yes,” she answered, then couldn’t help adding, “Is the dress code for this meeting formal? Or will casual be okay?”
    This time the silence extended long enough to give her plenty of time to kick herself for not learning to curb her impulses around him. Then a weird sound carried over the line, sort of throaty and a bit rusty.
    No. He couldn’t have actually laughed. A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. One emotionDane Colbourne didn’t