Free Baker’s Law by Denise McDonald Page B

up her wine glass. She
     twirled it in her hand, not quite looking at him.
    She looked uncomfortable. Was it general nerves from being around a new person or
     was she feeling guilty about lying? Other than leaving, Jax couldn’t do anything about
     the first but he could pursue the second. “I told you about the other break-ins, right?”
    Her spine stiffened and she gave a quick nod. “You did. But as I said, the trouble
     at my shop was a misunderstanding. Not a break-in. No worries about us.”
    “Marissa.” Jax scooted forward in his spot and set his glass on the table. “You can’t
     honestly tell me—”
    “Look,
Chief,
I’m telling you, when I called the other night it was a mistake. I am ever so sorry
     to have bothered you with the call.” She set her glass down with a little too much
     force, then stood. “It’s getting late. If there’s nothing else…” She picked up the
     box of cupcakes, thrust them into his hands then walked toward the door. “Thank you
     for stopping by.”
    Jax had to pick his battles. He strode to the door. As he drew even with her he stopped
     and stared until she met his gaze. “I’m not going to let this go. There are other
     businesses at stake.”
    “I understand that. But it has nothing to do with mine or my employees. Good night,
     Chief.” She gently pushed him out the door.
    “We’ll see about that,” he said to the closed door.

Chapter Six
    Marissa woke with a start when the phone on the nightstand blared. She scooped it
     up. “‘Lo?”
    “I knew you’d oversleep. Go jump in the shower
now
and get ready as quickly as possible. I will see you at the club in thirty minutes
     or else…” Marlie hung up.
    The “or else” was enough to get Marissa moving. She didn’t even want to think what
     her sister might do if she wasn’t there on time. Marlie was as sweet as pie when she
     wasn’t working, but put a clipboard and an agenda in her hands and she’d scare a star
     off a general.
    Marissa jumped in and out of the shower in record time, then threw on a dress. It
     was pretty enough and probably still in style. Not a lot of dressy options in her
     closet. Pants were easier at work, and the last time she’d been on a date… She couldn’t
     even remember. She glanced at the clock over her TV as she gathered up her purse and
     car keys. Fifteen minutes to make the ten-minute drive to the club. Plenty of time.
    She took a slight detour on the way to the club so she could drive past her shop—just
     to make sure it was still in one piece. As she passed there was movement behind the
     counter. And there were no tables or chairs in the front of the shop. “What the…”
     Thankfully, there was no traffic as she made a quick U-turn in the middle of the four-lane
     street and pulled into the parking lot.
    “Hill?” She pushed through the front door.
    He popped up from behind the counter. “Oh, hey. I wasn’t expecting you yet.”
    “Clearly. What are you doing?” She fought the urge to tap her foot.
    A deep crimson spread across his cheeks. “Cleaning.”
    It was only then that she noticed the mop in his hand and a large bucket in the corner.
     “I, uh…” Marissa frowned as she eased up next to the counter. “Where’s all the furniture?”
    Hill shifted and a table squeaked. “Back here.” He wove his way through the mini-maze
     of tables and stools to come around the counter. “I thought it’d be easier.”
    “You didn’t have to.”
    “I wanted to. To thank you.” Hill ducked his head. “Not many people would go out of
     their way for a kid they don’t know.”
    “I didn’t do anything.” She rubbed at an imaginary mark with her thumb on the spotless
     countertop. “Did you clean out the cases too?”
    He shrugged. The glass fronts of the case shone even in the early morning light.
    Marissa’s throat tightened. A little piece of her had expected that he’d grab some
     of the smaller appliances and she’d never see him