Blue Smoke

look.
    “Maybe he was having a heart attack.”
    “Mama.” With a laugh, Reena leaned over to kiss her cheek. “He was just weird.”
    “You keep your doors locked?”
    “Mama, I’m a cop. Speaking of which, I caught another case today. Couple of kids broke into their school, set fires in a couple of classrooms. Didn’t do a good job of it, lucky for them.”
    “Where are the parents?”
    “They’re not all you. Fire-setting like this is a big problem with kids. Nobody was hurt, which was a godsend, and the property damage was minimal. O’Donnell and I rounded them up, but one of them—I’ve got a bad feeling about him. I think the psych eval’s going to back me up. Ten years old, and he’s got that look in his eyes. Remember Joey Pastorelli? That look.”
    “Then it’s good you caught him.”
    “This time. Well, I’ve got to go spruce myself up for my date.”
    “Where are you going tonight?”
    “I don’t know. Luke’s being very mysterious about it. I’m ordered to wear something fantastic, which is why I was hitting the mall for a new dress and had my weird-guy sighting.”
    “Luke. Is he the one?”
    “He’s the one right now.” She rubbed a hand down her mother’s back. He wasn’t the long-haul guy, she knew that already. “You’ve got Bella and Fran tucked in and giving you grandbabies.”
    “I don’t say you have to be married and having babies. I just want you happy.”
    “Me, too. I am.”
    H e’d chosen upscale and French, so Reena was glad she’d sprung for the deep blue velvet. And the way his eyes had warmed when he saw her in it took the sting out of the price tag.
    But when he ordered a bottle of Dom Pérignon and caviar, she stared.

    “What is going on. What’s the occasion?”
    “I’m having dinner with a beautiful woman. My beautiful woman,” he added, taking her hand, kissing her fingers in a way that softened every muscle in her body. “You look amazing tonight, Cat.”
    “Thanks.” She’d certainly worked at it. “But there’s something going on. I can see it.”
    “You know me too well. Let’s wait for the champagne. If they ever get it to the table.”
    “No hurry. You can pass the time by telling me again how amazing I look.”
    “Every inch. I love when you wear your hair that way. All straight and sleek.”
    Which took endless time, made her arms ache from fighting the curls away with the round brush and the hair dryer. But since it was the look he favored, she didn’t mind indulging him now and then. He nodded to the waiter who brought the bottle to the table, revealed the label. And tapped his own glass to indicate he’d do the tasting.
    When it was approved, poured, Luke lifted his glass. “To my delicious, delectable Cat.”
    “I’m willing to be on the menu, when I’m served with this.” She tapped her glass to his, sipped. “Mmmm. Sure beats the hell out of the house sparkling at Sirico’s.”
    “The wine cellar there doesn’t exactly run deep. The one here’s extraordinary. An exceptional French like this doesn’t go with pepperoni pizza.”
    “I don’t know.” She chose to be amused. “I think it’d be a nice complement to both. Now, we’ve got our wine, had our toast. What’s going on?”
    “Nosy, aren’t you?” He tapped his finger to his nose. “I got a promotion. A big one.”
    “Luke! That’s great, that’s wonderful! Congratulations. Wow, here’s to you.” She lifted her glass again and drank.
    “Thanks.” He beamed at her. “I don’t mind saying I worked for it. The Laurder account was the last card in the deck. When I sewed thatup, I had it. Would have been smoother if you’d helped me schmooze them, but . . .”
    “You managed it yourself. I’m really proud of you.” She reached over to lay her hand on his. “So, do you get a new title, another office? Let me have all the details.”
    “Fat raise in salary.”
    “Goes without saying.” She set her glass down, and the waiter appeared like magic to top it off.
    “If you’re ready to order—”
    Reena’s hand squeezed Luke’s as his tensed. “Why don’t we? I’m starved, and then you can tell me every tiny detail while we eat.”
    “If that’s the way you want it.”
    She waited until they’d given their choices—and maybe it was a little pretentious for Luke to order in French. But it was cute, and he was entitled to a little leeway tonight.
    “When did it happen anyway?” she asked him.
    “Day before yesterday. I