One morning before work, Alan Travers accidentally bumps into Detective Jim Garrison at a cafe where both men stop for coffee. The handsome younger man interests Alan, but he misses his chance to get to know the detective better and wonders if he'll get another.<br><br>With the help of his nephew Bryce, Alan concocts a plan to try and get Jim's attention "accidentally on purpose." It works, but as things heat up between them, Alan worries what Jim will think if he finds out their getting together was no accident.<br><br>Then Bryce goes missing, and Alan's going to have to come clean. But is he the only one not being truthful?

Accidentally On Purpose

“Alan!” Jim cries. “What part of don’t touch anything was unclear?”


Alan shrugs, defensive. “It was before I called you! I didn’t knowthis would turn into a crime scene, now did I?”


Jim holds out his arms as if he can somehow contain the situation. “Alright, okay. Calm down.”


“I amcalm.” Alan bites off each word, telling himself not to take this out on Jim. It isn’t his fault Brooks is missing.


Jim places a hand on Alan’s arm, the touch comforting. “I know. Don’t worry, we’ll find him.”


“I just…” Alan draws in a shaky breath and closes his eyes, clenching them shut before opening them again. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t know who else to call. And bringing the others…”


“I called it in on my way over.” Jim slides his hand up Alan’s arm to the elbow, then higher, to the shoulder. “I told the detective on duty I’d pick this up for him. We’ll find Brooks. I promise.”


Alan leans into Jim’s touch. I sure hope so.


Chapter 42