“
Sorry about that. For years, my sister has labored under the impression that she’s funny. My father and I have humored her in this.”
Rylann waved this off. “No apology necessary. She’s just protective of you. That’s what siblings do—at least, I assume it is.”
“No brothers or sisters for you?” Kyle asked.
Rylann shook her head. “My parents had me when they were older. I asked for a sister every birthday until I was thirteen, but it wasn’t in the cards.” She shrugged. “But at least I have Rae.”
“When did you two meet?”
“College. We were in the same sorority pledge class. Rae is…” Rylann cocked her head, trying to remember. “What’s that phrase men always use when describing their best friend? The thing about the hooker and the hotel room.”
“If I ever woke up with a dead hooker in my hotel room, he’d be the first person I’d call. A truer test of male friendship there could not be.”
Rylann smiled. “That’s cute. And a little scary, actually, that all you men have planned ahead for such an occasion.” She waved her hand. “Well, there you go. If I ever woke up with a dead hooker in my hotel room, Rae would be the first person I’d call.”
Kyle rested his arms on the table and leaned in closer. “Counselor, you’re so by the book, the first person you’d call if you woke up next to a dead hooker would be the FBI.”
“Actually, I’d call the cops. Most homicides aren’t federal crimes, so the FBI wouldn’t have jurisdiction.”
Kyle laughed. He reached out and tucked back a lock of hair that had fallen into her eyes. “You really are a law geek.”
At the same moment, they both realized what he was doing. They froze, eyes locked, his hand practically cupping the side of her cheek.
Then they heard someone clearing her throat.
Rylann and Kyle turned and saw Jordan standing at their table.
“Wine, anyone?” With her blue eyes dancing, she set two glasses in front of them. “I’ll leave you two to yourselves now.”
Rylann watched as Jordan strolled off. “I think you’re going to have some explaining to do after I leave,” she whispered to Kyle.
“Oh, without a doubt, she’s going to be all up in my business over this.
”
”