The Burden of Desire

He looked up, and her traitorous heart kicked. “Hey.”

Sally cleared her throat. “The judge granted the motion, so Mitch Kruger will be released from prison.”

Ben nodded solemnly. “Okay. Thanks for keeping me informed.”

She ran her tongue into the corner of her mouth. “There are food trucks out by the park if you haven’t had lunch. I’ve already eaten, but I wanted to tell you.”

He glanced out the window and then gave her a vague smile. “Maybe later. Thanks.”

She felt as if she was having that dream where she was caught naked in public. A flush crept up her chest, and she turned to leave.

“Hey, Sally?”

She glanced back over her shoulder. “Yes?”

“I got permission from Jack to include you in this investigation. We’re good to go.” He gave her a half grin that made her think sexy things that she shouldn’t be thinking. “You’ll have to let me know your availability. I’ll find the perfect place.”

She glowered at him. So dinner with Ben was really going to happen? “Whatever,” she said. “But don’t expect me to have time for dessert.”

She didn’t wait for a response before turning and leaving the room. Dinner with Ben. After ten years, this was really happening.

She would have scolded herself for entering into such a corrupt bargain at a time of weakness, if she wasn’t so horrified by the shiver of excitement that the thought sent through her.