Manipulator

Chapter One

B astard, Addison swore as she set her phone down. She leaned her head back against the wall.

Rough day? A friendly voice broke her sour mood.

She glanced up at Ben who stood framed by the large window overlooking the bay as the sun set over the water. His lopsided smile, scruffy face, and tousled brown hair made him look like a cross between a movie star and the boy next door. Her heart pounded as she struggled to find her voice.

Yeah, I guess you could say that.

Addison's gaze followed his hand as he slid a drink across the table.

What's this? Her fingers brushed the highball glass.

Something special. You looked like you could use a pick-me-up.

He slid into the booth across from her.

Addison grinned at him, the heat rising in her cheeks. Over the last two years, they'd formed a sort of professional friendship. She licked her lips when she glanced up at him. He looked handsome in his dark blue button down shirt and black vest. His dark tousled hair made her want to run her fingers through it.

Aren't you supposed to be working? She forced herself to change the direction of her thoughts. They could be dangerous if she pursued them further.

Who's going to complain? Ben glanced around the nearly empty bar. It's Tuesday night, besides, I have an in with the owner.

He winked.

Before she could make a ridiculous comment, Addison lifted the drink to her lips and sipped. The cool, crisp flavor of apple and whiskey mixed together on her tongue. It was the unexpected after bite of heat that caught her off guard. She coughed and set the glass down.

What's in that? she sputtered, fanning her burning lips.

Too much cayenne, huh? He shook his head. I should probably cut the pepper with cinnamon so it's not as abrasive.

The spice in her throat dulled while the warmth of the whiskey lingered. She pressed her hand to her chest.

It's really good, but that heat sneaks up on you. Addison took another gingerly sip. This time she expected it and was able to enjoy it fully.

I'll warn you next time.

His bashful grin made her heart flutter.

Addison nodded and set the glass down. I'm not normally one for surprises.

I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Ben said as he climbed out of the booth. Can I get you anything else?

She shook her head. No, I'm fine, but thank you.

Ben glanced at the front door then back at her. Are you sure you're okay?

Yeah, I'm good. Addison shrugged and plastered on a half-hearted smile.

If you come sit at the bar, I can keep you company. He grinned.

The innocent suggestion sent her mind into overdrive. She shook her head.

I'm supposed to meet my brother. Addison craned her neck to see the front door and frowned. But who the hell knows when he's going to show up?

Let me know if you need anything. Ben tapped his fingers on the table.

Addison stared at his hands, the long, agile fingers as they traced the grain of the wood. A sudden image of them slipping over her bare skin made her breath catch.

Sorry, did you say something?

Addison's gaze snapped up to Ben's. Oh my God, did I just moan out loud? A sudden wave of embarrassment washed over her. She picked up the glass and shook her head before draining the contents.

Ben's brow arched.

She met his amused expression. The warmth and spice settled in the pit of her stomach. The color of his eyes...did it just shift from green to blue?

Addison shook her head.

Another? He leaned closer to snatch the glass from the table.

I'm— Her words were lost as another voice chimed in.

I'll take a Coors Light.

Ben snapped back, turning his attention to the newcomer.

Addison wished the leather cushions would swallow her up.

Thanks, Ben.

He nodded and returned to the bar.

Addison turned her furious gaze onto her brother. You're a dick.

So I've been told. Jackson reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. I need you to look up this information for me.

She snatched the paper from his hand. What is this for?

A job.

He sniffed and nodded at Ben who set down a bottle of beer and then walked away. Jackson took a long pull then wiped his hand across his mouth.

What kind of job? Addison asked, her voice low.

You know I can't tell you that. He scoffed.

Then why are you asking me to do this? She held the paper aloft.

Cause you're a nerd, and if anyone can find this information, you can.

He pounded the rest of the beer and waved his hand at Ben.

I know you think I'm incapable of being useful, but I'm not going to look up anything until you give me an idea of what I'm looking for.

She glanced at the paper which held nothing but...wait, were those library index codes? Addison gritted her teeth.

What's really going on here?

Just go do some digging. That'll have more information for you to know what you're looking for.

I'm sick of you giving me shit like this, Jackson. I'm more than a goddamn research assistant, I'm your sister, and I have just as much right to be included in family jobs as you.

Her fury threatened to consume her. She'd had just about enough of this petty bullshit.

You're a poser, Addy. He chuckled as Ben approached with another beer.

Ben glanced at her. She smiled, trying to be cheerful and failing miserably. He nodded with a knowing look as though he wanted to say something but returned to his duties without interrupting.

Addison scowled at