I said I would, he reminded her. He chuckled at her unbridled enthusiasm. One lean hand tilted up her chin so that he could search her eyes. Four years of hard work paid off, I see.
So it did. Im a graduate, she said, grinning.
Certifiable, he agreed. His gaze fell to her soft pink mouth and darkened. He wanted to bend those few inches and kiss her, but there were too many reasons why he shouldnt. His hand was on her upper arm and, because he was fighting his instincts so hard, his grip began to tighten.
She tugged against his hold. Youre crushing me, she protested gently.
Sorry. He let her go with an apologetic smile. That training at Quantico dies hard, he added on a light note, alluding to his service with the FBI.
No kiss, huh? she chided with a loud sigh, searching his dark eyes.
One eye narrowed amusedly. Youre an anthropology major. Tell me why I wont kiss you, he challenged.
Native Americans, she began smugly, especially Native American men, rarely show their feelings in public. Kissing me in a crowd would be as distasteful to you as undressing in front of it.
His eyes softened as they searched her face. Whoever taught you anthropology did a very good job.
She sighed. Too good. What am I going to use it for in Charleston? Ill end up teaching
No, you wont, he corrected. One of the reasons I came was to tell you about a job opportunity.
Her eyes widened, brightened. A job?
In D.C., he added. Interested?
Am I ever! A movement caught her eye. Oh, theres Aunt Derrie! she said, and called to her aunt. Aunt Derrie! Look, I graduated, I have proof! She held up her diploma as she ran to hug her aunt and then shake hands with U.S. Senator Clayton Seymour, whod been her aunts boss for years before they became engaged.
Were both very happy for you, Derrie said warmly. Hi, Cortez! she beamed. You know Clayton, dont you?
Not directly, Cortez said, but he shook hands anyway.
Claytons firm lips tugged into a smile. Ive heard a lot about you from my brother-in-law, Kane Lombard. He and my sister Nikki wanted to come today, but their twins were sick. He wont forget what he owes you. Kane always pays his debts.
I was doing my job, Cortez reminded him.
What happened to Haralson? Derrie asked curiously, referring to the petty criminal whod planted toxic waste and in one fell swoop almost cost Clayton Seymour his congressional seat and Kane Lombard his business.
Haralson got twenty years, he replied, sticking his hands deep in his pockets. He smiled coldly. Some cases I enjoy prosecuting more than others.
Prosecuting? Derrie asked. But you told me last year in Charleston that you were with the CIA.
I was with the CIA and the FBI, briefly, he told her. But for the past few years, Ive been a federal prosecutor.
Then how did you wind up tracking down people who plant toxic waste? she persisted.
Just lucky, I guess, he replied smoothly.
That means hes through talking about it, Phoebe murmured dryly. Give up, Aunt Derrie.
Clayton gave Phoebe a curious glance, which she intercepted with a smile. Cortez and I are friends, she told him. You can thank his investigative instincts for saving your congressional seat.
I certainly do, Clayton replied, relaxing. I almost made a hash of everything, he added, with a warm, tender glance toward Derrie, who beamed up
at him. If youre going to be in town tonight, wed love to have you join us for supper, he told Cortez. Were taking Phoebe out for a graduation celebration.
I wish I had time, he said quietly. I have to go back tonight.
Of course. Then well see you again sometime, in D.C., Derrie said, puzzled by the strong vibes she sensed between her niece and Cortez.
Ive got something to discuss with Phoebe, he said, turning to Derrie and Clayton. I need to borrow her for an hour or so.
Go right ahead, Derrie said. Well go back to the hotel and have coffee and pie and rest until about six. Then well pick you up for supper, Phoebe.
Thanks, she said. Oh, my cap and gown! She stripped it off, along with her hat, and handed them to Derrie.
Wait, Phoebe, werent the honor graduates invited to a luncheon at the deans house? Derrie protested suddenly.
Phoebe didnt hesitate. Theyll never miss me, she said, and waved as she joined Cortez.
An honor graduate, too, he mused as they walked back through the crowd toward his rental car. Why doesnt that surprise me?
Anthropology is my life, she said simply, pausing to exchange congratulations with one of her friends on the way. She was so happy that she was walking on air.
Nice touch, Phoebe, the girls companion murmured with a dry glance at Cortez as they moved along, bringing your anthropology homework along to graduation.
Bill! the girl cried, hitting him.
Phoebe had to stifle a giggle. Cortez wasnt smiling. On the other hand, he didnt explode, either. He gave Phoebe a stern look.
Sorry, she murmured. Its sort of a squirrelly day.
He shrugged. No need to apologize. I remember what its like on graduation day.
Your degree would be in law, right?
He nodded.
Did your family come to your graduation? she asked curiously.