The Calamity Janes: Gina and Emma. Sherryl Woods

sure you are, but how do I know that you won’t take every word I say and twist it? Let’s face it, you’re not out here because you want to get to know me. You’re here because you think I’m guilty of a crime.”

      “Not guilty, just involved,” Rafe corrected.

      “What’s the difference?”

      “I know you’re involved with Rinaldi, and I know that he’s done some shady financial deals.”

      “That’s guilt by association,” Gina pointed out. “Because Bobby’s guilty, then I must be, too. That’s what you’re saying.”

      Rafe shook his head. “No, I’m trying to keep an open mind where you’re concerned.”

      She regarded him doubtfully.

      “Okay, maybe when I first scheduled the deposition, I made some assumptions,” he conceded.

      “And now?”

      “I’m beginning to think my secretary might have been right, though if you ever tell her that, I’ll be forced to deny it.”

      “Your secretary?”

      “Lydia Allen. She’s a big fan of yours and your restaurant. From the beginning she told me I was crazy for suspecting you of anything.”

      Gina’s eyes brightened. “I know Lydia. I should have realized who she was when I first spoke to her about changing the deposition. She’s a regular at the restaurant. And she works for you? How fascinating. You must have some redeeming qualities, then, if you can keep a woman like that on your payroll.”

      Rafe winced. “She might not agree. In fact, she says she stays with me precisely because I need someone to keep me honest.”

      “You’re scared of her, aren’t you?” she said, clearly enjoying the discovery. “What is she? Five-two, a hundred and five pounds? And you’re scared of her. I love it.”

      “I am not scared of her,” he insisted.

      “Oh?”

      He grinned. “Actually, I’m terrified. She can make my life a living hell. In fact, she takes great pride in it.”

      Gina chuckled. “I’ll have to call Deidre and let her know that Lydia’s next meal is on the house.”

      “Which won’t do much to help your financial situation,” Rafe pointed out. “Nor will it do a thing to get you into my good graces.”

      Her gaze narrowed. “What would it take for me to get in your good graces?”

      “Some honest answers.”

      “I’ve never lied to you, Rafe.”

      “But you haven’t told me the whole truth, either.”

      “I will when the time comes.”

      His spirits, which had been astonishingly light during their bantering exchange, sank. “And that will be?”

      “When we do the deposition,” she said flatly, and turned her gaze to Tony, who was crossing the restaurant, a beaming smile on his face for Gina, a cooler acknowledgment for Rafe.

      Rafe couldn’t help the trace of envy that filled him as he listened to the warm exchange between these two old friends. He wasn’t used to feeling shut out, all but ignored, especially by a woman. Nor was he used to the distrust that Tony made no attempt to hide.

      After the man had gone to check on their meal, Gina regarded him apologetically. “Sorry about that. Tony’s very protective of me, and he knows about everything that happened with Bobby and that you’re here to keep an eye on me. He’s worried about what’s going on with the two of us.”

      “You mean romantically?”

      She had the audacity to laugh at that. “Hardly! No, he’s convinced you have ulterior motives, that you’re trying to wear me down so I’ll incriminate myself. He mentioned it after meeting you the other day.”

      “And what did you tell him?”

      “That you were a lawyer. That seemed to be explanation enough.”

      The stereotype rankled. “Your friend Emma is a lawyer. He doesn’t distrust her, does he?”

      “No, but Emma grew up here. That gives her an advantage.”

      A few minutes later Tony returned with steaming plates filled with aromatic pasta. He served them, cast yet another suspicious look at Rafe, then returned to the kitchen.

      “It’s no fun, is it?” Gina asked.

      “What?”

      “Being regarded with distrust.”

      “No,” Rafe agreed.

      She smiled happily at that. “Good. Then you know how I feel every time I catch you watching me.”

      “Yes, I suppose I do,” he agreed, then leaned across the table, his gaze locked with hers. “But just so you know, sometimes when I’m watching you, it’s because I find you both fascinating and stunning, and I can’t take my eyes off you.”

      She stared at him, openmouthed, as he sat back and lifted his glass in a silent toast, then grinned. “Gives you something to think about, doesn’t it?”

      “Rafe, I don’t think we ought to go there, do you?” she said, clearly flustered.

      “Probably not,” he agreed readily.

      Unfortunately, he was pretty sure it was too late to derail that particular train.