Free Matters of the Blood by Maria Lima Page B

his physique, and then have me hopping into bed with him before the conversation was through. Beatriz Ruiz certainly had a fine appreciation for the male half of the species. Not that I was complaining, but no sense in getting even more embarrassed than I already was.
    "No problem.” She laughed into my ear. “See you when you get here, you lucky thing."
    "Stop it! And don't eat all the food,” I said as I disconnected.
    There was a moment of silence which was more uncomfortable than not. I didn't exactly know what he'd heard of Bea's side of the conversation if anything. Adam spoke first.
    "Everything okay with your friend?” I could swear I heard amusement.
    I nodded. “Yeah, she's just dandy; she started the party without me."
    He grinned, a flash of even white teeth that gleamed even in the faint light from the dash. “Sounds as if she's enjoying herself."
    "That she is.” I flicked on the headlights for a moment to see if the weather had improved any. It hadn't. I still couldn't see any further than a couple of feet past the hood.
    "I think we're going to be stuck here a while,” I said. I knew it wasn't exactly original, but I didn't know what else to say. I didn't know if I actually minded, but at some point, I still had another phone call to make—about that dead cat. It was a call I couldn't make with any chance of being overheard.
    Adam didn't reply, but I could hear him shifting in his seat. The Rover was a great car, but it wasn't exactly the most comfortable vehicle in the world. This model was designed to be a working truck, not luxury transportation. Plus, it was getting a little chilly. I was probably more comfortable in my wet jeans and towel draped over my shoulders than he was in his wet shorts. My leather jacket was in the back, but his shoulders were much broader than mine.
    "Are you warm enough? I might be able to dig up another towel or two.” I automatically reached out to feel his arm. He'd turned in his seat and my hand touched his upper thigh instead. I snatched it back. His skin was cool and smooth to the touch.
    "Sorry,” I mumbled, glad that the darkness hid the multiple shades of red that I could feel blossoming on my face. Damn, I didn't want this blushing thing to become a habit.
    "Don't be,” he said, his voice soft. “Relax, Keira."
    "I'm fine,” I answered automatically. “I've just had a bad day.” Or the mother of all bad days ... and I had a feeling it was going to get worse before it got better.
    "Do you want to talk about it?"
    I turned toward the passenger seat. I preferred to face someone when I talked to them, even though I could barely make out the shape of his body against the darker background of night.
    "Talk about it—why?"
    "Why not? We're not going anywhere. We might as well chat for a while."
    What I wanted to do was to change the subject. I didn't want to talk about me or my day. I'd never be able to explain any of it to him, so why even start.
    "Nothing much to tell,” I finally said. “Just one of those days.” One that didn't seem to end.
    "May I ask you a question?"
    "Ask."
    "You don't work at the funeral home, do you?"
    "That is such a big ‘no'. I went there to talk to my cousin, the owner. Not that he was even there."
    "Your cousin is the undertaker?” Adam sounded surprised.
    "Yes, unfortunately."
    "Unfortunately?"
    "Let's just say he's not my favorite cousin."
    He laughed softly. “Sounds as if he were part of your rough day."
    "Yeah, well,” I said. “I can deal with him."
    "I'm sure you can.” I could definitely hear amusement in his voice.
    "Hmmph.” I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not.
    "So when did you get into town? My friend saw you at the deli the other day."
    I could hear the smile in his voice. “A few days ago. Up until then, I made most of my arrangements via phone, but I wanted to introduce myself to the deli owner, Boris Nagy. He brings deliveries out to the ranch."
    "So he said."
    "He told you that?” He sounded