Page 22 (2/2)

He must detect the unusual note in my voice, because he sends me a narrow-eyed look over his shoulder “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” I say curtly, desperately needing the subject to drop At twenty-six, Ryan has already been promoted to detective, thanks to his skills of deduction If he knew exactly why …well, I have no idea what he would do

I just have to make sure he never finds out

“U it to one side “What about you? What’s on the agenda today?”

Soto break our unspoken rule and pepperthe Garvey case,” he finally says in a low voice “Going to question a potential witness in South Philly later Then…”

My lips quirk up “Paperwork?”

He sighs “Always”

Ryan turns fro my dish down in front ofa quiet chuckle from my roommate He sits across fro me in that quiet way of his

I glance down at the pancake and wrinkle my nose “Did you make this in the shape of a heart?”

He frowns “Must have been accidental”

“Good thing it’s not soesture,” I tease him “You kno I feel about February fourteenth”

“It was invented by the greeting card industry and places shale people”

“That’s right” I shiver “God, can you i served tonight in Philly? Prove your devotion to one another and get a free glass of chane No thank you” Why does Ryan’s s to have any pancakes?”

Shaking his head slowly, he leans back in his chair, stretching his long legs out in front of him It’s a move that should be faes asp, dropping my fork, left shaken by the sensation of…what? What was that?