Free My Immortal by Wendi Zwaduk Page A

orders on the shiny steel window ledge. Her stomach rumbled again.
    She sipped her water, knowing it wouldn’t fill her up. Soon, she and Storm could go home. Stevie bit the inside of her cheek. Was his house really her home? Did he want her around that long? The long-term relationship vibe was there, but what if he only wanted a few nights and wanted to play with her heart? She closed her eyes and forced her attention from the sinking feeling in her chest to the case at hand.
    Storm shifted and wrapped his arm around Stevie. Heat from his embrace enveloped her, drawing a soft sigh from deep in her throat.
    He drummed his fingers on the wooden booth seat and tapped his feet to a song only he knew. “I don’t feel right about this meeting, babe. Something’s off. It’s like we’re on the edge of something pivotal, but I haven’t a clue what. Maybe it’s time to get out of the private investigation game. Think we can exist on love for the rest of our lives? I could make a living out of loving you.”
    Stevie snorted and closed the manila folder full of pictures of Cherylyn and Bruce. Trust Storm to make a silly joke during a serious time. She kissed Storm’s cheek. “Whatever’s wrong, we’re in this together. I heard you talking in your sleep this afternoon. I’m not sure about the job, but nobody will take me from you.” When Storm acted edgy, she did too, so this time she tried to put on a brave face despite the way the scent of burnt toast made her stomach churn. “Spending day and night making love sounds like a hell of a time, but I doubt the money will hold out.” She turned as the waitress neared. “Food’s here.”
    The blonde server placed the plates on the table, but didn’t leave. Storm shovelled a spoonful of chilli into his mouth. Stevie rolled her eyes and elbowed him. As long as he had a full stomach, the rest of the world didn’t exist. She smiled. “We’re good, thanks.”
    Without warning, the waitress dropped into the opposite side of the booth. She shoved her pencil behind her ear. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
    Stevie and Storm exchanged confused glances. “Should we?” Stevie asked. The girl looked familiar, but then again, Stevie ran into myriad people while she and Storm worked an enquiry.
    “I’m new here, but not at the clubs. I’m the blonde who offered her body for one evening a couple of nights ago at the Chatty Catty.” The girl wound a lock of hair from her ponytail around her finger.
    Stevie nodded. Oh, yeah, the pushy chick with more clothes than brains. A pang of jealousy and protectiveness streaked through Stevie. She dug her nails into Storm’s thigh. What could this woman possibly want? To make yet another move on him?
    Storm cleared his throat and twined his fingers with Stevie’s. “And your name is?”
    “Leticia, but my friends call me Lettie.” The waitress tore a napkin into pieces.
    Storm dropped the spoon and pointed to himself. “I’m Storm Richardson and this is my partner, Stevie Persing.”
    Stevie bit her bottom lip to suppress a snappy comeback. She wanted to shout that she and Storm were involved… But for how long? She didn’t know and would make a point to ask him the next time she cornered him alone. No need for jealousy if they weren’t a couple.
    “Look, I don’t normally proposition men in line at the clubs.” Lettie balled the torn napkin and shoved a couple of flyaway strands of hair behind her ears. “It was a bad night and I feel awful about intruding.”
    “No harm done.” Storm bit into his club sandwich.
    Stevie forced a pleasant smile. No harm right now, but if the chick continued to hover, there might be words. She locked her jaw. Jealousy didn’t suit her. She glanced over at Storm. He continued to munch on his sandwich, oblivious to the waitress. If he didn’t care, then she wouldn’t either.
    When she took a second look at him, she notices a smattering of mayonnaise dotting the corner of Storm’s mouth.