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

“Would you be willing to order for me?”


The quizzical look on Duke’s face was actually adorable. “Really? Why?”


Scott smiled. “Because I have a feeling you know this menu better than I do. And because being this close you has me so distracted I can’t even think straight.”


The stain spread into a full-blown flush, though Duke didn’t hide it this time. “All right. Do you have any allergies, or anything you particularly dislike?”


Scott wasn’t entirely sure why, but he loved the way Duke asked the question. So matter-of-fact. Of course it was information he needed to have—a shellfish allergy could kill him and that would absolutely ruin their date. Still, Scott found it completely endearing.


“No, no allergies. And I’m not in a picky mood.”


Duke nodded and turned back to the menu with what looked like renewed vigor. When the waitress came by to take their orders, Scott deferred automatically to Owen.


Chapter 74