Mary Baxter - Without You

“I can handle things.”

“I don’t doubt it, but I need the personal contact, especially right now. I don’t particularly want to be alone with my thoughts.”

“I understand. But it’s going to be all right. Hallie’s a fireball who burns anyone who gets in her way. She’ll have Gomez straightened out in no time.”

For the first time that evening, Jackson grinned. “That’s one reason why I went to her.”

“But it’s not the only reason?”

“Yes, it is,” Jackson said coldly.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to step out of bounds—”

Terrance left, leaving Jackson alone with his unsettling thoughts.

“No wonder you’re exhausted after the kids leave for the bus.”

Maria Gomez sank into the dining room chair across from her husband and smiled. “It’s about time you saw the morning fiasco.”

Detective Knox Gomez gave her a leering grin. “I was about to suggest we grab a quickie before I left for the station.”

Maria picked up a piece of cold toast from one of the kids’ plates and threw it at him, though a grin spread across her wide features. “In your dreams.”

“Why not? They’re free.” Gomez sobered. “We haven’t had much time alone lately.”

Maria’s dark, expressive eyes widened. “And whose fault is that? You’re never home anymore, Knox.”

“I know, and I’m not happy about it.”

“Then, do something about it. The kids miss you.”

“And I miss them.”

Maria had started to gather the breakfast plates left by the three children when Knox reached out a hand and stopped her. “That can wait. I’d like your attention for a while.”

Maria paused and narrowed her eyes. “I’d like that as well, only not in the morning when we both should be at work.”

“That’s what I’d like to talk to you about. I want you to quit your job and stay home.”

“You’re asking the impossible. We’re barely making ends meet now.”

“Maybe that’s about to change.”

Maria raised her eyebrows. “Oh?”

“Maybe we might even have another baby.”

That brought Maria to her feet. “You can forget that, Knox.”

He frowned. “You don’t have the final say, you know.”

“Since it’s the wear-and-tear on my body, I feel I have the majority vote.” She stared down at him. “If that’s what you want to talk about, I’m not interested.”

His lips tightened. “You’re not doing anything I wouldn’t approve of, are you?”

“Like taking birth control pills?”

His tanned skin flushed. “Yes.”

“No, but I’m not ruling them out.”

“Dammit, Maria, you’d better go talk to Father Sanchez.”

“You go talk to him.”

There was a heavy silence, then Gomez said, “Look, I’m sorry I got you upset. I didn’t mean to. I actually wanted to tell you about the case I’m working on.”

“Really?” Maria said, surprise in her voice as she sat back down. “That’s a first.”

“I’ve been assigned to investigate the murder of the woman found strangled in that hotel.”

“A feather in your cap, huh?”

“You bet. The primary suspect is a rich swinger named Jackson Cole.”

“The name doesn’t mean anything to me.”

“Cole owns one of those swanky clubs over on Beale Street. And because of who he is, the case is probably going to be high profile. In fact, it already is.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, if I crack it and prove this guy did it, then I’ll win favor in the chief’s eyes.”

“Which might translate into a promotion?” Maria’s voice was hopeful.

“It could, though that’s not a given. Still, it would certainly boost my standing in the department.”

“I know that’s important to you, but it’s more money we need—which is exactly why I can’t quit my job.”

Gomez got up and shifted his holster farther back on his belt, his features grim. “If I do solve this case, I’m going to ask for a raise.”

Maria crossed the room and pecked him on the cheek. “You go for it.”

After she left the dining room, Gomez released a deep sigh, hating how he felt like a failure. Of the wives of his Latino buddies, his was the only one who worked. But he’d married a more independent woman than his friends had. While he’d known that, he’d thought he could change her. Seven years of marriage and three kids later, he hadn’t made much progress. He hadn’t been home enough to accomplish that goal.

As a kid, he couldn’t get enough of playing cops and robbers with his friends. The game had turned into his dream. When that dream had come true, he’d worked like a dog to be the best officer he could, which meant taking any and all assignments.

Now, he had an opportunity to prove his worth, to show his superiors just how good he was. Like he’d told Maria, this big case was his chance to shine, and shine he would. He peered at the dishes on the table and for a moment thought about surprising Maria and cleaning up.

But the notion passed. Woman’s work. He had more important things to do. Slapping on his hat, he made his way to the door.

“You’d better look out, Jackson Cole,” he muttered. “I’m about to become your worst nightmare.”

The morning was gorgeous but rather chilly. Hallie had wanted to have coffee on her patio, but the brisk wind had sent her scurrying back inside.

With that in mind, she’d dressed accordingly, while still conscious of what the day would bring. In the end, she had probably gone a bit overboard in dressing as the true professional. However, her dark-green designer suit did nothing to subdue her thin, shapely figure, or diminish her creamy skin and the punky hairstyle that often aroused obvious disfavor with the judges. But she didn’t care. She wasn’t good at being anything or anyone other than herself.

Hallie stared at the mirror for the umpteenth time, deciding she looked as good as she was ever going to. She was about to turn away, only to pull up short. When was the last time she’d given herself such a going-over before leaving for the office? She answered her own question: a long time ago.

So what was different about today? A sigh parted her lips when that answer also came to mind. She was seeing Jackson. For a moment the old weakness invaded her body again, and she was powerless to move. Then she gave herself a savage shake.

Jackson was just another client. It was imperative she keep that in the forefront of her mind. But if she couldn’t handle the chemistry between them, if it really became a problem, then she would have no choice but to turn Jackson over to Nathan.

Thirty minutes later, she pulled into the parking garage at the firm and made her way up the elevator and into her office. Pearl wasn’t behind her desk, though she noticed a cup of coffee by her assistant’s phone. Most likely she was in the ladies’ room.

Hallie had intended for Pearl to get Nathan on the line, but since Pearl wasn’t nearby, she decided to make the call herself. She wanted to speak with him before Jackson made his appearance.

Preoccupied with thoughts of Jackson’s case, she hadn’t realized she wasn’t alone. Her first clue was the subtle smell of cologne. She froze mid-stride as her gaze swept the room. Like it had yesterday, her stomach dropped to her toes.

Jackson was standing in almost the same spot by the window. He turned and their eyes met and held. The exchange was smoldering. Another repeat of yesterday. Squaring her shoulders, Hallie moved forward, keeping her shock and dismay under wraps.

“This is getting to be a habit,” she said, dropping her purse and briefcase. “A bad one.”

“Sorry,” he said.

Hallie knew better. He wasn’t sorry in the least. Her anger flared, but she kept her feelings hidden. A better time for teaching Jackson his place would present itself. Until then, she’d maintain her professional cool. To let him know he’d disconcerted her wouldn’t be wise.