She was awarded a glimpse of that ever-charming grin of his, and smirked back as he commented on her behavior. Yes, she supposed her unruly teenage years had been adequate payback for being her father's plaything...a doll he could dress up and parade around whenever he thought it may suit his image. The rest of the time, she'd been left to her own devices. No wonder she'd been the way she was.
"It always seemed that way. A far cry from cityfolk, anyway." She had marveled at the locals here and their neighborly good cheer...in the city, you were lucky if you got eye contact. He asked if she liked the job, and she gave him a full smile. "Oh, love is probably the appropriate term. I do so enjoy a good challenge...and a challenge is what forensics offers, daily." Though she didn't like the way she'd gotten the job, she was damn proud of her climb to the top. She ran the lab now, and nothing but her competence was to thank for that.
Her drink was delivered, and she offered payment and a healthy tip. Two was the limit for her on this late afternoon, and she thought she just might have to try to nurse this one now that she was feeling comfortably relaxed. She hadn't quite decided if it was the Jack or Seth who'd smoothed the apprehension she'd felt earlier...probably a good mix of both.
Nevaeh was not the type to beat around the bush...and her forwardness had been an everlasting source of grief for her father. It had been one of the few things he hadn't been able to iron out of her public persona. He'd often said her behavior was rude and sometimes downright scandalous (if it involved a man, anyway). Nevaeh didn't care...if she wanted something, she made a move for it. Be it information or a partner...hell, even a promotion at work. Life was too short to mess around. She found that her unpredictability often got her honest answers, and hell, that was a good thing, wasn't it? She was helpless to stop the pleased little grin that formed on her lips when he admitted to being a terminal bachelor. Hmm. She did have a month off...perhaps she could afford to spend some time getting to know this fellow better. A lot better. "I believe it...the place seems very quiet." She seemed to remember a lot more hustle and bustle back in the day.
He redirected the question at her, and she gave a little shake of her head, dark hair shimmering under the neon lights of the bar. "Not me. You could say I decided to marry my job some time ago. You simply wouldn't believe how unbearably stuffy city men are...and let's face it, if a guy is prettier than I am, it's uncomfortable." She smirked, giving a light shrug of her slender shoulders. "Lawyers and politicians never were my thing, anyway. Guess I don't miss the dating world too much." She left a degree of suggestion in her voice as she let her gaze drop slightly, traveling over his arms and chest, over the hard angle of his stubbled chin, and then finally meeting his eyes once more.
Just then, her phone chirped in her purse. "Well damn." She muttered, rummaging for the device. She'd texted Memphis at the gas station outside of town to let him know she'd arrived, but he hadn't responded. She was willing to bet this was him now. She found the phone and opened the message. Didn't think you'd get here until tomorrow. Stan's got his hands full with your niece right now. Can you wait til morning to drop in? In the meantime, locate the sheriff. He knows what's going on. She scowled, shooting off a quick reply and then refocusing on her companion. "Sorry. Apparently my evening plans have changed. I was supposed to see my brother tonight, but it looks like that got postponed." Damn that Memphis! She was on vacation. The last thing she wanted was to spend more time in a department. "I don't suppose you might know a good hotel? And..um..where to find the sheriff?" She added that last part a little bleakly, not wanting him to think she was up to no good.
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