Hotshot defense attorney James Scott always follows his gut -- even when it tells him an obviously guilty man is a victim himself. Homicide detective Owen Duke doesn't have time for gut feelings -- he lives by logic and evidence. And all the evidence tells him that Scott's client is guilty of the cold-blooded murder of a young ballerina.<br><br>Scott, a notorious media darling, is willing to risk his reputation and his career on the kid's innocence. But his undeniable charm is not enough to save his client's life. He needs Owen Duke, a man who stands for truth and justice, even if the detective hates Scott and his gut feelings.<br><br>What's supposed to be an open-and-shut case quickly becomes a quagmire of lies, murder, and rotting corruption. Suddenly, instead of being a thorn in Duke's side, James Scott is the only person in San Francisco the detective can trust. As the attraction between them deepens, they race to save an innocent man, but can they save their own hearts in the process?

Pas de Deux

His gaze swept back. “Tell me why you picked this place and I’ll stay. Because there are plenty of discreet locations in this city without coming someplace like…this.”


“Because there are two places in this area where I’m known, and where I’m comfortable. At this hour of the night, one is full of lawyers. This is the other one.”


Duke’s nostrils flared. After a moment, he slid into the booth across from Scott. “I’m sorry. I jumped to a wrong conclusion.”


Scott wanted to ask what that conclusion was. Had he really been that annoyed because he thought Scott wanted a date? Or was there something else? After all, Duke knew exactly what kind of bar this was. Perhaps he had been there before.


“It’s not a problem.” He sipped from his glass of water. “Have you been here before? If not, I’ll be happy to offer a few recommendations.”


“Not for a long time, but that’s all right. I’m just having coffee.”


“You don’t drink at all, do you?”


“Not when I’m on duty, I don’t.”


Chapter 15