Ghostwalker 06 - Predatory Game

fun.”
    “Don’t give me that, Calhoun.” Saber raked a hand through her hair in total exasperation. “You were terrified she was going to throw herself at you and you know it. I could see it in your eyes.”
    He grinned at her. “Hallucinations again. I’d better call the doc in after all.”
    She rolled her eyes. “The last time your doctor was here, he insisted I get a flu shot right along with you, and look what happened. I’ve never been sick until now and what do I have—the flu.”

    Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    “Drink your juice.” This time he shoved the glass into her hand.
    She sent him a smoldering glare, but when he didn’t wither, she took a sip. “Actually, I don’t blame you a bit for wanting to change the subject. If I had such poor taste in my youth, I wouldn’t want to dwell on it either,” she sniffed.
    “So did you? Have bad taste I mean? In your youth?”
    Instantly a shutter slammed down, laughter fading from her dancing eyes and leaving them veiled, shadowed, even haunted. Saber shrugged the question away casually, too casually. “Good juice, Jesse.Is this fresh squeezed?”
    “Of course. What else would I do with you ill?” He ran his knuckles along her cheek in a rough caress.
    “How are you feeling this morning? I was worried last night.”
    “Better. I’ll go to work tonight,” she assured him.
    “Saber, don’t be ridiculous. You’re not well.” He laid a cool hand on her forehead. “You’re still running a fever.”
    “I’m better,” she insisted.
    “Uh-huh, I can tell.” He couldn’t help smiling. Sitting curled up in the oak chair, clad in his robe, black hair tousled, long lashes sweeping the curve of her cheek, Saber was irresistible. Jess had to touch her, wanted to hold her. His finger traced the back of her hand, just to keep the contact. “I am your boss, baby, and I say you don’t go to work tonight.”
    She tilted her chin. “Do I get it off with pay?”
    “You drive a hard bargain.”
    “I’ll get your coffee,” Saber volunteered.
    “Sit. I’ll get the coffee. You finish that juice and get back to bed.” Jess easily reached the coffeemaker sitting on the low counter.
    “So, all right, I’ll admit I’m hooked. Does Chaleen work for the CIA, or is she some agent for another government?”
    Jess concentrated his entire attention on pouring himself a cup of coffee.
    Saber ruffled his hair. “Never mind, dragon king. I don’t want you to have to lie to me.”
    His hand reached up to cover hers, fingers sliding sensuously between hers. Before she could pull away, he captured her hand, brought it to his chest. “I’m willing to trade, baby.”
    Saber could feel the steady beat of his heart. For some odd reason she had the urge to lay her head on his chest. She couldn’t look into his probing eyes. “I don’t have anything to trade.”
    His eyebrow shot up, but before he could respond, the shrill ringing of the telephone interrupted them.
    He grinned, white teeth flashing. “You have a guardian angel.”Jess reached a lazy hand out for the Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    receiver. “Yes?”
    Saber rolled her eyes at his unconventional greeting. A faint scowl flitted across his features, and for a brief moment his dark gaze rested on her small face.
    “She’s ill, Les, she’s not coming in tonight.” Deliberately, he ignored Saber’s frantic signals, holding the receiver away from her, fending her off with one hand.
    “I can go in if they need me,” she hissed. Her gaze slid over his rough good looks and narrowed speculatively. Was that a smear of bright red lipstick along the bluish shadow of his jaw? Her fist clenched. Had he allowed that witch to kiss him?
    “What kind of calls? Threats? What the hell does ‘not exactly’ mean?”Jess sounded impatient. “If someone is harassing the station, or Saber in particular, call the police.”
    “No.” Saber made another grab at the telephone, her face pale. “Jesse,” she wailed when he whirled his chair around, keeping his back to her, preventing her from getting to the receiver.
    “What exactly is he saying? Yes, that’s right. Call the security company, have them double the guard around the station.Brady’s security tonight? Have him give me a call. Sure, Les, thanks for calling.” He dropped the receiver in its cradle and turned his chair to face her.
    “That was