Death and Relaxation (Ordinary Magic #1)(13)

“Holy crap! You finally brought me donuts!”

“Among other things.”

Jean stood and opened the box lids, grinning. “Aw…you remembered the maple cayenne sea-salt bars. You’re my hero.”

“Oh?” I stopped by the table with the coffee pot and poured a cup of overcooked coffee. “I heard Hogan was your hero.”

I watched her out of the corner of my eye.

She was stuffing the maple cayenne abomination in her mouth and paused, her thin body still as she stared at me.

The only thing that could freeze my sister like that was the truth.

Wow. So she did like him.

I turned, stirring the sugar cubes with a plastic spoon.

Jean was all grin around a mouthful of pastry. She swallowed and dropped back into her chair, waving her hand in front of her lips. Those bars were spicy. “Do not know what you’re talking about. He has a great ass though, and the arms on him? Big, thick. Rock solid. Sexy. Gives a girl unclean thoughts.”

“Ryder said you drooled when baker boy sauntered by you.”

“Damn right I did. Have you seen that man?”

“Once or twice.”

“Then you know I’m not the only girl in town who drools over him.” She shoved the rest of the pastry in her mouth and chewed, watching me. “So, Ryder, huh? I thought you were avoiding him.”

I stifled a groan. Why had I even brought him into the conversation? “Not avoiding. Just giving him space.”

“He’s been in town a year, Delaney. That’s plenty of space.”

I walked over to my desk, around the corner in a recess where I was out of direct line of sight but could still see the front door and most of the rest of the small office.

Unlike Jean’s desk, mine was clean and spare, with a computer, a document filer, and two phones taking up the surface. One phone was part of the switchboard and emergency call system. The other—old-style black brick of a thing with a rotary dial—was a direct line from a special room at the casino.

“And now we’re going to forget I mentioned him,” I said.

“Why would we do that?” Jean followed me to my desk. “Anything you’re avoiding that hard is like catnip to me. You know that.”

I did know that. I leaned forward, rubbed one hand over my eyes.

“What did Ryder have to do with Dan’s rhubarb? Please tell me Ryder was naked during at least part of your thorough examination.”

I held very still and took a deep breath. I was glad most of my face was covered by my hand, otherwise she’d see my expression and know that, yes, Ryder had been naked.

“Ryder was one of Chris Lagon’s alibis. That’s all.”

“That is so not all.”

“It really is. All. Any luck finding a new hire?”

She made a rude noise. “Changing the subject won’t work.”

“If that won’t, then maybe you should.”

“Should what?”

“Work.”

“I am working. Getting details on this alibi situation. What did Ryder say?”

“He saw Chris and Dan talking. Was there late enough to see Chris close the place.”

“All right. He’s an alibi. He didn’t…say anything about anything?”

I dropped my hand and studied her. “What are you getting at?”

“He told you I was staring at Hogan. How did that come up in the alibi conversation?”

“It was mentioned in passing.”

“Ask him out.”

I paused with my coffee cup halfway to my mouth. Ryder had said he’d run into Jean at the store. I was beginning to wonder if she’d orchestrated that chance meeting. She’d wanted Ryder and I to date since middle school. Had some sort of fairytale idea of a happily ever after between us. Plus, my little sister was sneaky. “How long have you been talking to Ryder behind my back?”

She ignored me. “If he’s not going to ask you, ask him. He likes you.”

“I know he likes me. I like him too. We’re friends. Friendly.”

“Be more than friends,” she said. “Take a chance. I know he’s been gone awhile, but he’s great. It will be great.”

“How about you stay out of my personal business?”

“Oh, like that will ever happen.” She leaned on the edge of my desk and polished off the rest of her donut. “You know he’s not dating,” she said around a mouthful.

“Not talking about this.” I put down my coffee and logged in to the computer.

She snagged my cup, took a gulp. “Ow. Hot.” She pressed her lips together and her eyes watered.

I just shook my head. Officer of the law couldn’t figure out that hot coffee wasn’t a good idea with spicy food. Brilliant.

“He’s not dating,” she continued, “ever since he’s gotten back. He’s had a few ex-girlfriends try. Remember Char?”

Char had been a gymnast in high school. Tiny, bendy. Popular and rich. She’d just missed out on qualifying for the Olympic team. She and I hadn’t ever been in the same circles. I was more of a softball, swim team, and volleyball girl.

She was more the kind of girl all the boys wanted to date. Including Ryder.

Jean kept talking as if I’d answered her. “Well, she tried to get back with him. He wouldn’t even give her the time of day. And you haven’t dated since Mr. Find-Myself—what an ass—bailed town.”