The In Death Collection Books 6-10 - J. D. Robb [162]
“You don’t need your shirt to read data,” he said reasonably and began sliding it off her shoulders.
“Look, pal, I’m still wearing my clutch piece, so—” She sprang to her feet, making him mutter an oath. “Shit, shit. There it is. Son of a bitch. There’s the link.”
Resigned, he tucked away thoughts of seducing her and turned his attention to the screen. “Where?”
“There. Three thousand to Personally Yours by electronic transaction, six weeks ago.”
Her eyes were hot now, not with passion but power, as she swung around to face him. “She and Hawley used the same dating service. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a connection. I need her matches,” she murmured, then catching Roarke’s inquiring look, she shook her head. “No, we’ll do it the right way. By the book. I’ll go in tomorrow and get them.”
“It wouldn’t take me long to access.”
“It’s not legal.” She struggled to keep her face stern when that grin of his beamed at her. “And it’s not your job. But I appreciate it.”
“How much?”
She stepped back, stood between his legs, and looked down at him. “Enough to let you finish taking care of me.” She sat, straddling him. “After I take care of you, that is.”
“How about . . . ” He fisted a hand in her hair and brought her mouth within a breath of his, “we take care of each other?”
“That’s a deal.”
chapter five
Settled in her home office with weak winter sunlight dribbling through the window wall at her back, Eve organized her data. She intended to feed a report to her commander by midmorning and had several blanks she wanted to fill in first.
“Computer engage. Detail data on dating service enterprise known as Personally Yours located on Fifth Avenue in New York.”
Working . . . Personally Yours, established 2052 in Fifth Avenue location, owned and operated by Rudy and Piper Hoffman.
“Stop, confirm. Business in question is owned by Rudy and Piper Hoffman?”
Affirmative. Rudy and Piper Hoffman, fraternal twins, age twenty-eight. Residence 500 Fifth Avenue. Continue scan on Personally Yours?
“No, search and report, full data on owners.”
Searching . . .
While her computer juggled its chips, she rose to get a cup of coffee. Fraternal twins, she thought as the AutoChef filled her request. Brother and sister. She’d tagged them as lovers. And now, thinking back, remembering the way they’d touched, moved together, the looks exchanged, she wondered if both she and the computer were right.
It was a thought that didn’t sit well in her gut.
A movement in the adjoining doorway caught the corner of her eye an instant before Roarke stepped into full view.
“Good morning. You’re up and about early.”
“I want to get my prelim report to Whitney first thing.” She took her coffee from the AutoChef, shook back her hair. “You want a cup of this?”
“Yes, I do.” He took hers, smiling when she frowned at him. “I’ll be in meetings most of the day.”
“What else is new,” she muttered and programmed the unit for a second cup of coffee.
“But you can reach me, if you need.”
She grunted, then glanced over as her computer signaled data search was complete. “Good. Okay, I’ve got—” She yelped in surprise as he grabbed the front of her shirt and tugged. “Hey, what— Hold data,” she called out and shoved at her husband.
“I like the way you smell in the morning.” He leaned in and sniffed at her hair as he spoke.
“It’s just soap.”
“I know.”
“Get ahold of yourself.” But damn it, he had her blood up and pumping fast. “I’ve got work,” she muttered even as her arms came around him.
“So do I. I miss you, Eve.” He set his cup aside so he could hold her, just hold her.
“I guess we’ve both been busy the last couple of weeks.” It felt so good to lean against him and just be. “I can’t back off this case now.”
“I don’t expect you to.” For the pleasure of it, he rubbed his cheek against hers. “I wouldn’t want you to.” But it was the last case, what it had done to her, that weighed on his mind and his heart. “I’m content to steal a moment here and there.” He eased back, brushed his lips over