Street Safe Read Online Free PDF Page B

could happen.” She wiped down the padded table, washed her hands then covered it with a clean sheet.
    Silence met her declaration. She glanced up to see a frown on the lawman’s face. For a moment she studied him. She could see why Zee would get bent out of shape whenever the two were in the same vicinity. The man had a certain appeal. Maybe it was the way his eyes took in everything, or his boyish face made a little more masculine with its perpetual five o’clock shadow. Then again, it could be lust. The man was on the thin side, but all sinewy muscle. Or maybe it was the uniform.
    He laid a hand on her forearm. “Don’t brush this aside. If he did something...”
    Na’arah dragged a deep breath into her lungs. “He startled me more than anything and didn’t touch me other than to grab my shoulder. I fired him so that should be the end of it.”
    “And last night?”
    Heat flared in her cheeks. He knew about last night. She didn’t think Street would’ve told anyone already.
    “There you are.” A rich baritone sliced through her thoughts.
    Great. Just great. Now he was here to torment her in the flesh, as if last night wasn’t enough. Lust simmered and floated through her veins like a living breathing entity. When she finally made it to sleep, she dreamed of him, of his lips, his hands caressing her skin, igniting her passion, only to wake alone and unfulfilled. She drifted her gaze over Street. His face was unreadable, but his posture was tense and rigid.
    Miles turned. “Hey, Street. Wassup?”
    “Auggie’s in the hospital.”
    He nodded. “I’m aware, I haven’t been able to talk to him about what happened, but since he was found near Arah’s apartment building, I thought I’d ask her if she’d seen anything.”
    “Oh really?”
    The ice in Street’s voice was unmistakable and she flinched. Did he think she was responsible for what happened to Auggie?
    “What do you mean by that?” she demanded.
    Street looked her up and down, contempt in his gaze. “What do you think?”
    She returned his glare. “Have I offended you somehow? Or is this how you treat every woman you decide to date?”
    Equal parts hostility and attraction crackled between them. She couldn’t believe how turned on she was at the moment and she was totally pissed at his obvious arrogance.
    “Apparently my decision to see you again was rash. It won’t happen again.”
    She stumbled back as if he’d struck her. What had changed so drastically in the last few hours?
    “Could you tell me about this oil?” A soft voice said. Na’arah looked at the customer. “Is this something I can use on sensitive skin?”
    “I’ll talk to you later, Arah.” Miles propelled Street away from the booth.
    Na’arah nodded. She inhaled quickly to regain her composure and answer the woman’s question. Even as she assisted the woman in choosing another product, her mind wandered to Street and his sudden change in attitude.
    ****
    “You’ve been busy.” Zee plopped on the bench next to her sister and proffered a corn dog and chili cheese fries. “The fair has some of the best food around even though it costs an arm and two legs to eat.” She tossed a handful of popcorn in her mouth. “But it tastes so good. Must be the open air.”
    Na’arah picked at a cheese covered fry. Her shift had been busy, which was welcomed, but any time she had to pause for a massage, it gave her time to think. What went wrong?
    “You’re not even eating.” Zee nudged her. “What’s wrong? Did that jerk come back?”
    “No.”
    “Then what?”
    “I think Rue is mad at me.”
    Zee stared at her blankly.
    “The bartender from last night.”
    “Did you not pay the tab?” She chuckled. “Although I’m sure he’d take it in trade. Damn. That man is fine.”
    Jealousy lashed at her. “We had sex in his office.”
    “Shut up! For real?” Zee’s eyebrows disappeared into her bangs. “When did this happen?
    “Last night.”
    “So how was