Val sat in the bar at the Buffalo Chop House. She swirled her glass of Malbec as she waited for Detective Gavin to arrive. She had to admit she was surprised by his choice of restaurant. A top steakhouse in Buffalo? His treat? Gavin either had good news and wanted to celebrate or… Val laughed. This was not a date. Though she had put on her best, and sexiest, black dress and four-inch black-and-white snakeskin pumps.

Thank God Jack was out of the house with Gwen doing some shopping when Val left for her meeting tonight. How would she have explained to Jack why she was going to see Detective Gavin, dressed like this? Now Val asked herself that question. Jesus, what in the hell was she doing? She was hiding her intentions from Jack and meeting a married man, in this outfit. No good comes from circumstances such as these. Val tugged at the skirt of her dress attempting to lengthen it and then adjusted the V of her slightly plunging neckline, hoping to close it.

Fidgeting on her high bar chair, Val’s thoughts circled to Jack again. She was fond of him but he didn’t arouse the kind of feelings in her that Gavin did. Maybe it was all because Gavin wasn’t attainable. Deep down inside, Val thought she could have Jack if she wanted him. You always want what you can’t have. Val took a big sip of her wine. Success with men wasn’t her strong suite. Follow your heart, she told herself, but maybe her heart was screwing with her. It always did. She brought the glass to her lips again. Regardless, she’d never go after a married man. Mitchell Gavin was off limits.

She nearly jumped when she set her glass down. Gavin was standing right beside her. “What are you drinking?”

“Malbec.” Val’s heart pounded and her face felt hot. She picked up the glass again and took another sip. Why was she so nervous?

“Any good?”

“Uh huh.” Val nodded.

Gavin motioned for the bartender and then pointed towards Val’s glass. “Ready for another?”

Crap, Val hadn’t even realized she had finished the contents. Her eyes lingered on Gavin as he ordered their drinks. He wore dark slacks, blazer, shirt and tie. Damn, he looks good tonight. “I really shouldn’t.” Val’s gaze traveled over Gavin again. Holy crap, she really shouldn’t.

“You’ll be okay. If you need a ride, I’ll take you home.”