Free Double Indemnity by Maggie Kavanagh

shivered, and not because of the coolness of the water, which had warmed considerably. Nathan’s predatory smile grew.
    â€œYou better swim fast.”
    Sam dove to get a head start, but Nathan had the advantage. Before he knew it, Sam was trapped in Nathan’s strong arms and dragged toward the deep end of the pool. They wrestled, laughing, until Nathan finally got the better of Sam and dunked his head. Sam grabbed Nathan around the waist to pull him under as well, but the water made everything slippery. Their bodies slid together, and Sam suddenly realized he’d wrapped his leg around Nathan to get a firmer hold and had wound up in a very compromising position. His cock was hardening against Nathan’s thigh. Nathan exhaled against his cheek.
    The struggle continued for a moment before Sam froze and, with a laugh to cover up his increasing embarrassment, pushed himself away. Nathan let him go without protest. Sam swam to the other end of the pool and then hoisted himself out, deciding to pretend nothing had happened.
    â€œThere’s water in my ear,” he explained, tilting his head to the right.
    â€œI’m sorry.” Nathan sounded contrite.
    â€œIt’s not a big deal.” Maybe Nathan hadn’t even noticed Sam’s response to the roughhousing. A guy could hope.
    â€œIt’s getting late.”
    â€œYeah,” Sam agreed. Better leave before things got even more awkward. “I… I’ve got plans tomorrow night, so I probably won’t come by.”
    Nathan glowered at him. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t need a babysitter, Sam. I’ll be fine.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    â€œOf course I’m sure. I’m always fine.”
    Nathan got out of the pool too and dried himself off. Sam pulled his shirt over his head and wrapped a towel around his wet shorts. “Do you mind if I borrow this?” It would help keep his truck seat from getting soaked, not to mention hide his misbehaving erection.
    â€œNot at all. Hey—”
    â€œWhat’s up?”
    â€œThank you for the company. I do appreciate the distraction, but it almost doesn’t feel right. Like I shouldn’t be distracted. I don’t deserve to be.”
    Sam nodded. He had a feeling there wouldn’t be any more late-night swims. “I understand what that’s like. But call me if you ever need to talk, okay?”
    â€œI will.”
    Â 
    Â 
    N ATHAN DIDN ’ T call the next day, or the next. Sam got an assignment from the Gazette . In honor of Mark Feldman’s work, the mayor had made a two-year pledge to get drugs off the streets of Stonebridge. Sam’s editor insinuated his article should take a positive spin on the plan, and Sam wondered, not for the first time, just how deep in the pockets of local government she was. He suspected the whole thing was nothing more than a publicity stunt.
    Still, the article would pay more than his usual fare, so he swallowed his distaste and went down to the station on his day off to find someone to talk to. Since Emma was gone, he would need a new connection, and he didn’t like exploiting his relationship with the chief.
    Petersen was loafing at the front desk with his hands resting on his paunch. His upper lip curled when he noticed Sam. “I knew I’d see you back here. Missing the interrogation room already?”
    â€œSpare me your prison-rape fantasies, Petersen. I’m here to talk to someone about the mayor’s plan.”
    Petersen crossed his arms. “And why should I help you?” Someone behind Sam cleared his throat. Sam turned around and got a face full of beefy and blond McCormick.
    Sam smiled. “McCormick isn’t it? I was wondering if I could ask you some questions.”
    McCormick looked from Petersen to Sam, as though unsure. “Uh.”
    â€œI’ll take that as a yes.” Sam grabbed out his notebook and pen. All he