Third Eye Watch (A Serena Shaw Mystery) by Nipa Shah

around looking for Sofia’s killers; Special Agent Raina here can tell you how the investigation is going and keep you abreast of developments in the future.” She looked at Sam, hoping her eyes conveyed the message that he needed to jump in.
     
    Sam nodded imperceptibly, picked up the thread of conversation, “Serena is correct, we are actively working to find your sister’s killer or killers. What is this about you looking for Sofia’s killers?”
     
    Lena and Fredrik left a few minutes later and Sam followed them outside where he urged them to not do anything foolish, and gave them his card with his cell phone number; telling them to call him anytime they felt the need.
     
    IT’S COMPLICATED
     
    Sam reentered the gallery, walking purposefully towards Serena, who sat behind her desk trying to look busy.
     
    “Hi,” he said, coming around the desk and standing in front of her.
     
    If he thinks I’m going to fall into his arms just because he says hi in that sexy voice, he’s got another think coming!
     
    Then she raised her head and thought sitting down had been a tactical mistake on her part because it gave him an unfair advantage as he stood looking down at her.
     
    She watched in panic as he turned away abruptly; then relaxed when she watched him drag a chair and sit down next to her; so close that his knees touched hers.
     
    She thought he looked tired. The stubble on his jaw gave the impression that he hadn't shaved in days, and his eyes looked shadowy with exhaustion. Even so, he looked dashing, in black jeans, a black polo t-shirt, and a tan sports coat under which she could see the straps of his holster.
     
    He leaned forward, and taking both her hands asked in a gruff voice, “Will you let me take you to dinner?”
     
    Yes, Yes, she wanted to scream. But then she remembered he had said he’d call and hadn’t. No, she had to be tough.
     
    “I already have dinner plans,” she lied.
     
    “Break them.”
     
    She wanted to. She wanted to feel his lips. She wanted him to hold her. She wanted to spend every minute of her day with him. She wanted him, period!
     
    “Please,” his sexy voice pleaded, as he leaned even closer.
     
    Serena resisted for barely a minute before she melted under the fierce tenderness she saw in his eyes. She nodded once. He watched her as he raised her hands to his lips, and kissed each finger lingeringly.
     
    She blushed, then pulled her hands from his grip, and stood up, clearing up her workspace. She grabbed the stacks of paper and threw them in a drawer.
     
    As they walked towards her car, he said, “Can we leave your car here? I’ll give you a ride back here in the morning”.
     
    Serena’s pulse hammered as her mind took flight.

Was Sam planning on staying the night? She couldn’t allow that. Or could she?
     
    They went to Touché, an Italian restaurant in Northville, an upscale neighborhood not too far from her gallery. It was early yet, and the restaurant wasn’t very busy, so they were seated immediately. Instead of sitting across from her, Sam slid into the booth next to her. Serena felt the warmth from his thigh penetrating her skin and spreading throughout her body.

Serena opened her menu but found the words didn’t make any sense. Unless this place actually served chicken flavored chocolate pie?
     
    She blinked, and looked up at Sam who asked, “What’s the matter? Don’t you see anything you like?”
     
    “No, it’s fine, I, um just….”.
     
    The waiter arrived, and she was saved from offering an explanation.
     
    Sam ordered a Heineken, and she chose a vodka martini. Their drinks came almost instantly, and she was glad for something to do. She knew he was watching her from under hooded eyes, but she glanced around the restaurant, strangely unwilling to meet his eyes.
     
    “Serena.” He said her name quietly and waited until she looked at him, then continued, “I’m sorry I didn’t call.” 
     
    “No problem.” Serena