It’s been two days since we questioned Ms. Kroger and we’re still no closer to catching the killer than we were before. Jared’s still pushing my buttons any chance he gets and I’m fighting back with a fire of my own. It’s amazing how quickly we’ve fallen back into old habits. It feels like we’re in high school, dating all over again. The thought is both happy and depressing. It’s a bittersweet reminder of what could have been, of what he left behind. I can’t handle having him this close and keep my emotions from taking over much longer before I do something stupid.
This case is also wearing me down. I’m running out of ideas or fresh leads, which is why I’m stuck at my desk at eleven at night across from Jared, rummaging through the files once again.
He leans back in his chair and runs his fingers through his hair causing the muscles of his biceps to flex against his dark blue t-shirt. It takes everything in me not to stare and keep focused on the file in front of me, which is why I’ve read the same line five times with no idea what it even says. “We need a change of scenery. You hungry?”
“Sure.” I close my file and toss my gum in the trash before glancing up at him. “You?”
His tongue licks along his bottom lip, as he stares into my eyes. “I could eat.”
There’s no missing the heat behind his eyes or what he’s really implying. My cheeks burn and a warm ache builds below my waist, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he got to me. Without a word, I get up and head out to the car, knowing full well he’ll follow. We make it to the diner in record time and only fight once about him driving.
Inside, it’s a typical small town diner with red vinyl seats and white tables that give it a 1950s vibe. I slide into my usual booth, while Jared does the same across from me. The sounds of the dishes clattering and the smell of day-old grease wrap me in comfort like my favorite blanket.
Jared glances around the diner, taking it all in. His face is blank, giving nothing away. If he’s feeling nostalgic, he’s playing it off well. “I can’t believe this place is still here. Or that you still sit at our table.”
I shrug off his words and the memories they’re pushing to the front of my mind. We’re here to work, nothing more. “Why wouldn’t I come here? Mary Lou’s is the only diner in town. Not to mention they have the best peach cobbler.” His eyebrows rise at that and I realize what I just said. “You tell Ms. Kroger I said that and I’ll castrate you in your sleep.”
“My lips are sealed.” Jared’s lips twitch. He opens his mouth to say something else, but Mary Lou herself comes to our table.
“Look what the cat drug in! Jared Blue, is that you?” Mary Lou sets Jared’s coffee down and slides my sweet tea over to me. It’s been seven years and she still knows what we drink.
“Yes, ma’am. It is.” Jared nods his head and does his best to fly under the radar, but it’s Mary Lou. Her voice carries across the room no matter where she’s at, so it’s impossible to go unnoticed when she’s standing right in front of us.
“Last time I saw you, you were fixin’ to go to a fancy new job in the big city.” The corners of her brown eyes crease, as she stares at him.
“I was.” He clears his throat and squirms against his vinyl seat.
I’m not gonna lie—I’m enjoying watching him squirm.
“What brings you back here?” She scratches the top of her salt and pepper hair as she studies his every move.
Jared’s eyes dart up and hold mine. “I’ve since realized I’m more of a small town guy.”
“Bless your heart.” Mary Lou snickers, takes our orders, and heads back to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, I’m having heart failure. His words hit me someplace deep, someplace I thought was damaged beyond repair. The softness of his gaze is making my palms sweat. He meant what he said, but I’m not sure I’m ready to forgive him yet. He must sense my unease because he breaks our staredown and changes the subject.
“So, Petey’s interesting.”
“He’s the best.” A smile spreads across my face, as I flash back to the other day. I seriously love that damn bird.
He grunts and takes a sip of his coffee. “How are Tucker and Calvin?”
“They’re okay. Still working on the farm with my dad.” I play with the straw of my drink and cast a glance his way. “Why? You worried my big brothers are gonna come kick your ass again?”
“That doesn’t count.” He shifts in his seat. “I was a scrawny-ass thirteen-year-old. No way did I stand a chance against a couple of sophomores.”
“Mm-hm. What did y’all fight about that day anyway?” I take a sip of my sweet tea while I wait for him to answer, but he doesn’t. When I glance back up, his eyes are fixated on my lips and his mind is elsewhere.
“Here’s y’all’s plates. Careful now. They’re a bit hot.” Mary Lou’s voice startles me and I damn near choke on my drink. She sets my fried chicken and waffles in front of me and then sets down Jared’s shrimp and grits. When she doesn’t make to leave, Jared strikes up a conversation because that’s what you do in the South. Meanwhile, I’m starving and dig into my food like an animal.
“Business must be good.” Jared waves a finger around the busy restaurant and reaches for his fork.
Mary Lou smiles. “It is. Hired me a new bus boy last month. Y’all remember Denny Henderson?”
My eyes dart around and find him cleaning off a nearby table. His blond hair is hidden underneath a black hair net as he does. If she hadn’t mentioned him by name, then I would have never recognized him.
Jared’s fingers grip the handle of his fork so tightly, his knuckles turn white. “Sure do.”
“That boy’s a card short of a full deck, but he never complains.” She winks and walks off.
Jared looks ready to go kick his ass, so I grab a nearby file and change the subject. “We have to be missing something.”
Jared shoves a bite of grits in his mouth and chews on what I’ve just said. “Ms. Kroger said he dragged his foot when he walked. That’s very specific and something not too many people around here do. We find him, we find our killer.”
“Right. Because I never thought of that.” I’m doing my best to keep my temper in check, but I can’t believe the nerve of him. It’s not like I’m a moron or anything.
“Whoa. Calm down, Claire Bear.”
“I am calm.” I roll my eyes at the same time he laughs.
“Liar. I can see the fire burning behind your gaze from here.” He reaches over the table and grabs my hand. The warmth from his fingers feels so good I shiver. “I’m not implying you’re not good at your job. I just want to be sure we nail this asshole.” His thumb strokes the top of my knuckles, causing my lower belly to clench. I can’t keep my walls up when he’s soft like this. Our eyes stay locked on each other as my pulse quickens. The longer I stare at him, the more I get lost in our memories. I’ve suddenly lost my appetite for food.
There’s no missing the hunger behind his eyes as he pins me with a heated stare. For a moment in time, it’s just the two of us. There’s no baggage or broken hearts. It’s just a boy and a girl getting lost in each other.
A loud clatter of breaking dishes shatters our moment. I pull my arm away and we finish our food in awkward silence. Mary Lou comes with the check a few minutes later. I pull out my money and Jared waves me off.
“You can get it next time.”
“Thanks.” I ignore the tingles of excitement his words cause and nod my head.
“Come on. It’s late. I’ll take you home.” Jared stands, grabs my hand, and leads me out the door, never letting go of my hand the entire way to my house. I’m not sure where we stand, but one thing’s for sure—things have changed between us.