The Private Eye

win.”
    “It's always so simple with Adam Carlisle's cases,” Josh agreed softly. “And he gets to step over the line occasionally to make certain justice gets done.”
    “He gets to play hero. Deep down, readers love real heroes and they love it when justice is done. More than that, I think readers need those kinds of stories. They satisfy something deep inside. You're writing straight to the heart of that market, Josh. You're going to be a success.”
    “You're not just saying that?”
    “Josh, I can't believe you've actually got any doubts. You’re always so sure of yourself.”
    His hand moved in a small gesture of dismissal. “like I said, so far, yours is the only opinion I've had—besides my own, of course.”
    “Tell me something. Is Adam Carlisle going to have a girlfriend who gets to help him solve the cases? I love mysteries that feature a strong relationship between the main character and someone else. I hate it when there's only a single male protagonist who goes around sleeping with all his female clients. I mean, that just really bugs me.”
    Josh turned to her, a gleam of amusement in his eyes.
    He unbuckled her seat belt and wrapped a hand around the nape of her neck. He pulled her close.
    “You said I was a lot like Adam Carlisle. In some ways you may be right. He does not sleep around with his female clients any more than I do.” He brushed his mouth tantalizingly across hers.
    “Glad to hear it,” Maggie breathed tremulously.
    “I believe I will think seriously about giving him a permanent female companion.” Josh tugged her closer. The white paper sack from the pharmacy crackled beneath his weight.
    “What was that?” Maggie asked, glancing down.
    “Nothing.” Josh urged her back into his arms.
    “Hang on. We're liable to crush whatever you've got in there.” Maggie picked up the paper bag and started to set it on the floor. It slipped from her hand. “Oops.”
    “I'll get it.” Josh moved swiftly to scoop up the contents of the sack—but not swiftly enough.
    Maggie saw the brightly colored box of condoms that had fallen out. “Josh. You didn't. Tell me you didn't just buy those in the Peregrine Point Pharmacy. How could you?”
    “It was easy. I just opened my wallet and took out some cash. Next thing you know, the entire box was mine.” Josh shoved the offending box into the sack and tossed it into the back seat. “What's the big deal? We are sleeping together, remember?”
    “One time.” Maggie's head came up sharply. “We slept together one time. Josh.”
    “So?”
    “So now everyone in Peregrine Point will know,” she shouted, “How many times do I have to tell you this is a very small town? How could you do this to me?”
    “I thought it added credence to the cover story,” Josh said innocently.
    “Cover story?” Maggie's mouth fell open. Fury welled up inside her. She reached for his throat with both hands.
    Josh caught her wrists and chuckled softly. “Maggie, Maggie, take it easy. I was just teasing you.” “This is my reputation you're playing with. I don't consider it a fit subject for teasing,” she snapped.
    He smiled soothingly. “Sweetheart, in a day or two everyone will hear we're engaged, and that should take care of the gossip.”
    “But we're not engaged. Not really.” She squeezed her hands into small fists. Frustration burned within her. “Damn, this is getting so complicated.”
    “Maggie, will you stop worrying? I've told you I’ll take care of everything.”
    “Oh, sure. I've got news for you. Josh. Your big plan to pretend we're actually engaged for a while and then just fade off into the sunset isn't going to work.” Maggie grabbed her purse, opened it and jerked out a tissue. She blew her nose, furious at the tears that were threatening to fall. She wouldn't cry a second time, she vowed silently.
    Without a word Josh pulled her close against his chest. He said nothing as she began to cry in earnest.
    “This is so humiliating.” Maggie sniffed and wiped her eyes on Josh's shirt. “I don't know why I'm acting like this. I think I've been under too much stress lately.”
    “Probably.” Josh continued to hold her dose. He didn't seem to mind the fact that she was dampening his shirt. “Maggie, it doesn't have to be a fake engagement.”
    “What?” She stirred against him, finding comfort in the warmth and strength of his arms.
    “I said, it doesn't have to be a fake engagement. We could make it a real