Free Legal Heat by Sarah Castille Page B

the same time.
    “I’ve got my eye on someone but he’s got some serious issues,” Trixie said, looking back over her shoulder. “Lost his wife a few years ago in a skiing accident and just plays by the night now in the back room.”
    Before Katy could ask about the object of Trixie’s affections, she caught sight of Mark stalking toward them.
    God, what a sight .
    His black leather trousers and tight, black T-shirt highlighted every muscle and plane on his sculptured body. Could he look any more breathtaking or…dangerous?
    “Would you look at that,” Trixie whispered. “Someone has eyes only for you. Good thing my heart is already taken.”
    “That’s some dress, Trixie.” Mark stopped in front of them and gave Trixie a wink.
    Trixie giggled. “I like to keep my boys happy.”
    “I’ve been waiting for you, sugar.” Mark’s gaze swept over Katy’s body, blazing a heated trail along her skin. When his eyes fixed on her breasts, Katy flushed, embarrassed at the volume Trixie had magically created.
    “Very nice,” he rumbled.
    Very nice? Curtains were very nice. Hats were very nice. If she had to endure being tarted up to get into the club, albeit in very expensive and beautiful tart wear, he could at least think of a better adverb. She narrowed her eyes, but a subtle shake of Trixie’s head stopped her from letting him know exactly what she thought of “very nice”.
    “I need to talk to Valerie, and apparently I wasn’t allowed into the club wearing a suit. Isn’t that right, Trixie?” She looked to Trixie for confirmation only to see Trixie’s departing back.
    “I’ll tell Tony to give her a raise,” Mark murmured. His eyes, dark with desire, sent shivers dancing up her spine.
    “Do you know when Valerie’s coming in?”
    He caressed her cheek, scorching her skin with his touch.
    “Not until very late, I hope.”
    Katy’s throat tightened. “You promised to behave.”
    He leaned down and whispered against her neck, “I promised nothing.”
    Heart thundering against her ribs, she cupped his cheek with her hand and brushed her thumb over his prickly five o’clock shadow. The sharp, fresh scent of his cologne mixed with his familiar scent of sandalwood scent tingles through her veins. Boldly, she followed the line of his jaw to his ear and then traced gently along the shell. Anticipation ratcheted through her. How far would he let her go?
    Mark hissed in a breath and covered her hand with his own, drawing it away. “You also must behave, Ms. Sinclair. You may look, but don’t touch.”
    “You touched me. It’s only fair.”
    “There’s nothing fair about you in that dress.”
    He likes my dress. Katy tried to suppress a smile.
    “Well, look who is back.” Tony’s voice sliced through the heat sizzling between them.
    They exchanged greetings. Like Mark, Tony made no effort to hide his blatant appraisal of her attire. He motioned to her dress with a wicked grin. “This is why I have a dress code. Much better than the suit. Much.”
    “Did you want something or did you just come to ogle?” Mark narrowed his eyes and took a step closer to Katy.
    “I can’t get Valerie on the phone,” Tony said, his brow creasing in a frown. “I’m worried. I talked to her earlier today and she said she was coming in. She’s never missed a shift. Can you drive by her place and make sure she’s okay? We’re already short-staffed tonight and I can’t spare anyone to go and check on her.”
    Mark glanced over at Katy. “Do you want to come with me? If she’s there, you can get her to sign your statement.”
    Katy nodded. If she didn’t get the statement signed by Monday, she would have a hard time convincing a judge to reduce Jimmy’s bail and he would be stuck in jail until his trial.
    “I’ll have to change first.”
    “I like you the way you are.” Mark slid his hand around her waist and pulled her toward him. “Delectable.”
    He nuzzled her neck and fire leaped deep inside her.