Too Many Secrets

NINE

Kurt watched Brittany carefully. He knew her well enough to know her moods, and at times, he even knew what she was thinking. Right now he saw a mixture of frustration and awe on her pretty wide-eyed expression. He couldn't blame her for being upset. If roles were reversed, he'd be pissed at her for suggesting such a thing. But Britt could definitely pull this off. She had the right body—and looks—for a call girl. Not that he'd ever paid for one, but he'd seen movies. And being a police detective, he'd seen his share, as well.

If anyone could play this part, Britt could. She wouldn't take crap from Austin Reeder, either. Of course, Kurt wouldn't let the perp lay a hand on his partner. He'd told her once that he'd protect her, and he'd move Heaven and Hell to make sure she was taken care of.

She released a heavy breath and her body relaxed. He still held her hand, and even her tight grip had diminished.

"So," she said softly, "how are we going to do this? How are we going to keep me from really playing the part of a call girl?"

He smiled and squeezed her hand gently. "I've already figured this out. I'll get us the ear pieces, and we'll both wear them. That way, if I can hear the perp is getting out of control, I'll come rescue you."

A small grin touched her mouth. "Rescue me? Kurt, really...when do I need rescuing?"

"You know what I mean. I know you'll be able to take the perp down, because I've seen you do it many times. But I just want you to know I'll be there for back up."

"That's just fine, but you really didn't answer my question. What is going to keep me from performing? If Reeder thinks I'm a call girl, and tries to make the best out of me, then what excuse can I give him that will make him stop?"

Kurt scratched his chin, trying to think up some kind of excuse. Nothing came to mind. "I don't know. I'm not a woman. What excuses do you usually give men?"

"Augh!" Brittany rolled her eyes and pushed him aside as she stood. "Sometimes, Kurt, you make me want to punch you in the face."

He laughed and rose to his feet. "But you still love me, right?" He winked.

She shook her head and walked toward the back room.

"Hey? Where are you going?"

"I have to find clothes so I can look the part, don't I?"

"Come on. We don't want to be late for work."

As he walked behind her, he grinned. She was definitely a looker. Any man would be blind not to notice how sexy Britt was—even when she tried not to be. When he'd first been paired with her, he went to the captain to persuade him otherwise, because he didn't want to be attracted to his partner. That didn't make a good working environment. But the captain turned down Kurt's request. Over the months, he fought the attraction, and finally become comfortable with her.

It was still hard not to think of her in any s****l sense, but his job was important, and having a trusted partner was even more important. He didn't want to ruin that between them.

But now with her going under cover as a loose woman, he wasn't sure he liked it. Although he knew she could pull it off, he still worried that the perp might not be able to handle the natural urges a man gets. Kurt wouldn't hesitate in shooting the perp if that ever happened.

He just hoped Britt wouldn't be too convincing when she was with Reeder.

* * * *

Brittany adjusted the tight, black skirt around her thighs, and smoothed a hand down the snug fitting, stretchy blue shirt with elbow-length sleeves. She kept a few buttons of the shirt open at her throat, not caring if it didn't show enough cleavage. She knew her role, but she refused to look too slutty.

As she watched the floors move by on the elevator's wall panel, she touched her finger to the earpiece hidden in her ear. "I hope you can hear me," she said softly.

"I can." Kurt's voice came across loud and clear. "And just relax. You look gorgeous."

Inwardly, she groaned. She didn't need to hear that. "Thanks, Hamill. I'm happy you approve of my Halloween costume."

His laughter from the other end made her smile, but it didn't make her relax at all. What worried her more than coming face to face with Austin again, was knowing that Kurt could now hear their conversation. Her gut twisted. She hadn't told Kurt about the kiss she shared with the perp, and if she had it her way, Kurt would never find out. It was degrading enough that she'd lowered herself and allowed Austin to seduce her into a passionate kiss. She couldn't allow it to happen again.

The elevator doors opened and she stepped into the hallway, wearing her black, high heeled stilettos. Shoulders back, chin lifted, she walked toward the familiar door as her heart frantically beat against her ribs. Good grief, if the noise from her heartbeat was any louder, the first floor would be able to hear.

Her stomach twisted in knots, making its own pretzels. She tried to breathe slower in hopes that it would calm her down, but her fast pulse let her know nothing would be coming to a halt anytime soon. She may as well be running a 4k race. If her heart was going to get exercise, her legs should, as well.

Taking a deep breath for courage, she raised her hand and knocked. Then waited. There was nothing but silence from the other side of the door. She hesitated a couple more seconds before knocking again. Still nothing. Was he taking another shower? Well, she wasn't about to go inside this time just to find out. Not even if he slipped and fell on the wet floor.

"I don't think he's home," she said so Kurt could hear her.

"The hotel clerk told me Mr. Reeder would be in his suite this afternoon."

She shrugged. "Maybe he's resting, then."

"Knock harder."

Irritated, she did as Kurt requested and knocked harder. Still, there was no sound on the other side.

"I think the hotel clerk was wrong," she said.

"Me, too."

She moved back to the elevator and walked inside. She pressed the button of the floor she wanted. There was no use waiting around here. When the doors closed, she released a sigh of relief. And yet, inevitable, she would have to meet up with the perp sometime, and then she'd have to talk to him.

"He's not here, so I'm coming down."

Kurt grumbled. "We'll try again later."

"Yes, we will."

"I'm shutting down my earpiece now."

"Me, too." She reached to her ear just as the elevator doors opened on the seventh floor. She scooted to the corner, readying for others to join her on her ride down. But only a single man walked in. A very familiar, single man.

When Austin Reeder's gaze met hers, he gasped and froze in his step. She groaned in silence, leaving the earpiece where it was, just in case. What was he doing on the seventh floor instead of up in his own suite?

His eyes widened. "It's you!"

Apparently, her acting began now, not later. She licked her lips and moistened her suddenly dry throat with a hard swallow. "Yes, it's me."

"What...are you doing here?" he asked as he came inside and pressed the key to the second floor.

"I, um..." Are you kidding me? Tongue-tied again? This is definitely not like you, Russell! Get a grip! She cleared her throat. "I'm actually here to see you."

"Me?"

She couldn't tell for sure, but it appeared as though he held his breath. "Yes. I came to...apologize." She almost couldn't get that last word out. She really hated begging for forgiveness. Kurt knew she didn't like saying I'm sorry. Perhaps that's why he laughed while telling her about his great idea of what to say to the perp.

"You did? Why?"

"Well, you see—" The elevator dinged and the doors opened to the second floor.

Austin held the door open and motioned with his other hand. "Would you like to join me for a drink? There is a concierge lounge on this floor."

"Oh, yes. That would be nice." With any luck, there would be other people there, too.

Austin waited until she walked beside him, and then he led them down the hall. When they entered the room, she quickly scoped it out...and then groaned. They were the only ones here so far.