Gun Games - Faye Kellerman [60]
“It doesn’t appear that way,” Oliver said.
“We’re just starting to look into that,” Marge said. “And you haven’t had trouble with break-ins since about a year ago?”
“That is correct.” She took a final drag on her smoke and tamped it out. “You know, that whole thing worked even better than we could have imagined. Before the break-ins, I knew just a few people on my street. Then we had the meetings and got to know one another. By last summer, it was one block party after another. It’s nice. Sometimes you don’t realize how lonely you are.”
Again her eyes watered.
“That poor girl. God only knows how lonely she was.”
Chapter Nineteen
Of course, 10:30 Yasmine Time meant 11:00.
When Gabe answered the knock, he tried to hide his disappointment when he saw that she had brought a friend, whom she introduced as Ariella. He had pictured her like the Disney character with a mermaid’s body and long red hair. Instead, the girl was around five three and buxom with unruly black hair and flashing brown eyes. She looked around eighteen, while Yasmine looked around twelve.
He invited them in and the three of them stood awkwardly inside the Deckers’ tidy living room. Yasmine was wearing a full black skirt and a white top and looked as if she were going to play in a school orchestra, especially because she was gripping sheet music. Ariella was garbed in a tight red sweater dress that showed every curve. Yasmine had described her as a wild woman. Now Gabe knew why. He finally said, “Why don’t we go in the back where the piano is.”
Ariella said, “I’m not staying, I’m sure much to your relief.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Yeah, you didn’t see your face when you opened the door.” Her laugh was raucous. “I came to tell you that if you hurt my best friend, I’ll kill you.”
Yasmine giggled. “Stop it!”
Gabe held back a smile. “Your warning shot has been heard. I promise you I would rather die than to hurt a single hair on Yasmine’s head.”
“Okay. I just wanted to get that out.” Ariella was still looking stern when she returned her attention to her friend. “I’ll come pick you up at one-thirty.”
Gabe said, “That’s only two and a half hours!”
Yasmine said, “Don’t worry. She’s always late, too.” She kissed her friend. “Go already.”
“Ariella,” Gabe called out to her as she walked out the door. “Thank you.”
She winked at him and left.
Silence. Gabe closed the door and leaned against it. “You know, I think this is the first time in six weeks that we’ve known each other that we’re actually alone.” A blush came to Yasmine’s face. “Can I kiss you hello?”
“You have to ask?”
He took the sheet music from her and gently swept his lips against hers. It was instant electricity. He put his arms around her waist and drew her to his body while she threw her arms around his neck. They kissed passionately for a few minutes and then he abruptly drew away. His face was hot and his glasses had fogged up. He never minded specs, but it was annoying at certain times. He wiped his lenses on his T-shirt, trying to contain his obvious arousal, but it was there and that was that. At least she didn’t say anything.
“You know, I really do want to hear you sing.”
“Later.” She stepped forward and planted her lips against his.
Again they kissed. He said, “I think you’re trying to put this off.”
“You’re right.”
He broke it off and put his arm around her shoulders. “C’mon before I faint. I’ll show you my studio. My piano shares space with the lieutenant’s Porsche.”
Walking with difficulty, he led her outside and into the makeshift practice room. It was far safer to be with her there than in his bedroom. He handed her the sheet music and sat down at the piano bench. “Do you want to warm up?”
Yasmine smiled. “And here I thought we were warming up.”
“I am trying to be considerate and you’re making me die!”
“Okay . . . I’ll sing for you.” Yasmine sat down next to him and looked into those gorgeous green eyes. “You know, I’ve never heard you play other than at graduation.”
Gabe ran his hands