Tall, Dark & Lonely (Pyte/Sentinel #1)(55)

“And whose fault was that?”

His expression turned serious. “It's the man’s fault. He’s keeping me down.”

She looked heavenward. “Oh, heaven help us.”

Ephraim walked over and butted fists with Chris. “Fight the man,” Ephraim said.

“Damn straight.”

“Hey, don’t encourage him!” Madison snapped.

“I don’t need encouraging. I do well enough on my own.” He devoured another brownie.

Madison looked down at her cookie and back at Chris. “Why did he get a brownie and I only get a cookie?”

“Because I love him unconditionally and you’re making him sweat.” Chris stuffed the rest of the brownie in his mouth.

Ephraim reached over and smacked Chris upside the head. “What?” he mumbled around another brownie.

“Give the lady a brownie. A good one.”

Chris mumbled something else, but did as he was told. Madison took the peanut butter brownie Chris was eying. He huffed at her and returned to his seat. After taking a long sip of his cocoa he spoke.

“Before we were so rudely interrupted you were telling me why you were mad at Detective Williams,” Chris said in a conversational tone. Jill sobbed louder.

“What’s wrong with her?” Ephraim looked back. Jill was still sobbing into her arm. Her red hair was spread out across her small desk.

“Girl and boy date, think they’re in love then one day teenage boy falls for new girl in school with a big rack and her own car, boy dumps girl, girl dumps contents of tray on said boy’s head.” He made a dismissive gesture with his hands. “Typical high school drama, now let’s move on to the good stuff. What did you do?”

“What makes you think I did something?”

Chris snorted. “You’re the guy. Of course it’s your fault. Even when it’s not your fault, it’s your fault so dish.”

“Stop asking. He’s not going to tell you.” Madison fidgeted in her chair. He’s also not going to remember.

Chris looked expectantly at Ephraim. Ephraim reached up and loosened his tie and unbuttoned the first button of his shirt. Madison watched with anticipation. She had to shake herself. She was mad at him.

They’d been fighting for six days. Well, she had. He just smiled and listened to her ranting. Then when she was done he had the audacity to nod and apologize, each and every time. He only got upset when she refused to allow him to sleep in her bed. Cuddle her ass. He wanted more than that judging by the way his eyes devoured her.

So, she started to ignore him. He didn’t like that at first. Then he just shrugged and ignored her. Now, he had the nerve to show up while she was at work looking handsome and bringing her delicious cocoa and snacks. Damn that man.

“Well?” Chris prompted.

“Oh for god sake’s it’s nothing. He stepped up and helped her. He paid all her outstanding debt and she got mad at him because she doesn’t like owing anyone anything especially a man. He told her it’s a gift and not to worry about it and that she didn’t owe him anything. She’s hell bent on having a fight about it and he’s too thick to see that. It’s not complicated and it doesn’t compare to my problem, now give me a damn cookie I think I earned it,” Jill snapped.

Chris grinned like it was Christmas morning. “Yes, you did.” He brought her a cookie. “Very good, my young one. You’ve made Chris very happy with this little tidbit of information.”

“You have a very big mouth, Jill, did you know?” Ephraim asked.

“Yes,” she said unashamed.

Chris rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “Now, let’s see. You had a fight over money. I take it she doesn’t have much being a single woman who put herself through college and raised two kids for a few years, that’s understandable and even commendable. And then we have the dashing young police detective-“

“Please you’re making me blush,” Ephraim said dryly.

“Who lives in a boarding house, drives a state car, and has no real financial responsibilities, so I’m guessing he has a decent amount of money and he wanted to help you.”

“Chris,” she warned.

He ignored the warning. “Obviously something happened last week that put a great financial strain on you and he stepped up. He probably didn’t want to see you struggle anymore. It was a very nice gesture, one that can be seen in many different ways, but I doubt very much that he expected anything from you or did it to hold it over your head.” He ended with a shrug and another bite of cookie.

“Oh? And pray tell o’ wise one how you have come to this conclusion.”

He swallowed loudly. “Just common sense. He’s a good looking guy, not as good looking as me of course.”

“Of course,” Ephraim agreed. Chris winked at him. “He moved here three years ago and obviously has had money since then or before then. There are plenty of women in town, beautiful women I might add, who have expressed an interest in warming his bed.”

“Chris!”

He held up a hand. “All I’m saying is he’s not lacking in looks or offers. If he was the type of guy who was just interested in sex he could have gotten that from anyone. He’s not trying to control you and seems laid back. I’m just saying I don’t think he did it to hurt you. He should have talked to you about it I’m sure, but I have to say he meant no harm.”