GENIE told Rafa to keep the engine running while she ran inside the house to pack a bag. Surveillance had no script. She might be sitting in a cold car one minute and then walking into a library the next, depending on the mark. She packed a heavy coat, a book bag, and her old college pullover.
Her phone chimed. Genie sprinted from her closet to her bed where she had placed her phone. A text message.
Hurry up.
Genie chuckled. She enjoyed herself during lunch. Aside from the uneasy moment between her and Rafa when they were alone, she wouldn’t hesitate to have lunch with them again. Genie paused, an additional shirt in hand. It had been a long time since she’d felt at ease around a man of whom she was so attracted to. Until his mother left the room. Then she didn’t know what to do, say, or even where to look. If Rafa hadn’t mentioned work, she would’ve sat there mute, staring at her plate. Thankfully, he had.
A distraction wasn't the plan. Genie let out a quick breath. She couldn’t wait until this case was over and Rafa was on a plane back to California. Genie stuffed the shirt in her bag and made her way to her front door.
“Genie?”
She jumped, placing a hand over her heart. Rafa stood in the doorway, his concerned gaze taking her in. “Rafael, you scared me.”
“Sorry, but we have to go.”
She smiled at the serious look he gave her. “I wasn’t five minutes.”
He didn’t pick up on her teasing mood. “The station just called. We have a message.”
Rafael (The Santiago Brothers Book One) Page 21
