Chapter 1

Judy glanced at Doug's empty desk. Fuller had him on a case at a military school on the outskirts of town. Days ago, Doug called, promising the case would be wrapped by the end of the day. Their plans for the weekend would remain intact. Judy hung up, hopeful. Her hopes died a slow death when by the end of the week, Doug hadn't returned to the Chapel and his case was far from wrapped.

The way things were going between them, they gave 'taking things slowly' a whole new definition.

She pulled the tickets for the Cirque du Soleil from her drawer and contemplated ripping them in two.

"What's up?" Tom's butt claimed the edge of her desk. He plucked the tickets from her hands. "Whoa. Do you know how hard these are to get?"

"Yes, I do," she said. "Do you want 'em?"

His eyebrows shot up. "Are you kidding me? Why don't you want them?"

She shrugged. The blahs crashed over her. What was she thinking? Getting involved with a fellow officer? Kissing Doug Penhall was sweet and magical. They should have left it at that.

"Jude?" Tom tugged on the purple feather earring that dangled from her ear. "What's wrong? You've been a bump on a log for the past week."

Her brows drew together. "I didn't know you were the keeper of my mood."

"Actually, we're all keepers," he said, indicating the entire squad room. "It just so happens that I'm pulling a two week shift because of Penhall's case. When Ioki comes back from vacation, it will be his turn."

"Smart ass."

He twisted to look at his rear. When his eyes connected with hers, he grinned. "I thought I saw you checking it out. Suspicion confirmed."

Humor bubbled inside. She tried swallowing it down but her attempts proved futile. A series of chuckles erupted against her wishes, threatening the blahs.

"Whatever," she finally managed to choke out.

"Ah, I found it." His grin faded as he looked at her thoughtfully.

"Found what?" she asked.

"Your smile."

Her breath caught. The intensity of his stare unnerved her. She blinked. When she met his eyes again, they were guarded yet friendly.

He stood and set the tickets on her desk. "You shouldn't let those go to waste."

"I offered them to you."

"I don't want 'em." He sauntered to his desk.

She snatched up the tickets and followed him. "You have to take them."

His sudden turn trapped her between him and the wall. His body heat erected barriers, closing them in together. "I will on one condition."

"What condition?"

"That you'll go with me." He took the tickets and held them up. "Great seats. You paid for the tickets. You should enjoy them, too."

Mental news flash, Hoffs: she paid for a fun evening to share with Doug. Now, here's Hanson. What's wrong with this picture?

"Two friends hanging out," he said. "It's up to you."

"What about Amy?" she said in a quick burst. "You could take her. I wouldn't mind."

He turned away, pulled out his chair and sat. "Her sorority sisters are in town for the weekend. They're having some big reunion."

"You should go with her."

"I don't want to." He started shuffling through paperwork.

Judy stood still, watching him as he tackled the boring aspect of their job. Why was she acting this way? He was right. Why let the tickets go to waste?

"Okay. I'll meet you at the Pier--"

"I'll pick you up," he said without missing a beat. "Parking's a pain down there. No use in taking two cars."

"Okay. I'll be ready at six."

"I'll be there."

To be continued...