The Lazarus Effect. HJ Golakai
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to say something.”
“Uh, no. Just a random thought.” She waved it away. “What’s strange?”
He regarded her for a long moment before continuing. “The story sounds familiar. I dunno, something you said in the beginning . . .”
“Well, you were in Cape Town two years ago. Jacqueline Paulsen’s disappearance didn’t make headlines, but it did get some media coverage. Maybe you read about it or heard some talk.”
“No, that’s not it. More recent . . . Anyway, it’s gone now. But it’ll come back to me.”
When he stood up, she felt an involuntary pang. He rarely left willingly, not before she threw him out in good spirit. Monro barked in shared disappointment as he ambled back and forth between them, loyalties torn. Eventually he settled on his haunches beside Vee, realising which side his bread was buttered on.
“When’re you planning to come get your dog?” she asked as they walked to the door.
“Next week,” Joshua lied promptly. “Saturday. Next week Saturday, bright and early.”
Vee chuckled, shaking her head. “Next week” was nearly a year-old excuse. A vicious attack during childhood had left her terrified of dogs until the gorgeous husky came along. Ignoring all her misgivings in his usual flippant way, Joshua had left the puppy behind for a few days, promising to return when he had a bigger place to comfortably keep an animal. He was still kicking back in the comfort of a lavish Sea Point apartment while Monro enjoyed summer afternoons tearing up the little front lawn.
“Your eyes look like a horror movie. Get some rest,” he ordered gently. “And don’t stay up all night chasing clues down that black hole between your ears. It’s late.”
He paused with her in the doorway, dawdling as if to add a parting thought. Close enough for her to take in his warmth and distinctly heady male scent, Vee expected it when instead of speaking he leaned in and planted a kiss near her mouth. She didn’t expect it when he pulled away with a sigh before kissing her again, full on. The brush of his lips was soft and incredibly warm, and she was taken aback by the heat that surged through her frame. She lingered for a moment before she pulled away, suppressing a visible shudder.
Joshua cleared his throat sheepishly. “And, um, eat something,” he added, walking away backwards. “Fatten up a bit. Your butt isn’t what it used to be.”
Vee latched the door and bit into a smile. Behind her, Monro gave two sharp barks and prodded her legs.
“Don’t you dare judge me,” she muttered as she trudged upstairs.
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