Closure (Partners in Crime Book 5)

Chapter 16

Blake watched the shock work its way across Nicole's face. "Nicole?"

"I don't know what to say."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

"Really?"

"Really." She bit her lip. "I don't know if I'm ready to open up."

Blake pulled her close, "I would never hurt you."

"I believe that. But part of me-"

"Isn't sure. Because Seth said the same thing." He finished for her.

"Yes."

"Nicole, look at me." He waited until she looked up and met his eyes. "I promise. You mean too much to me. I could never hurt you. Sometimes you just have to believe. Will you give me a chance?" His nerves rattled. What would she say?

She was quiet. Then, "I can give you a chance."

He smiled and put his hands on her waist. He picked her up and spun her in a circle. "You're about to see what being a queen is like."

He would have paid to see the smile on her face again.

Another two weeks passed and Blake was living the high life. He sent small bouquets of flowers to Nicole everyday and called her at night when he wasn't able to stop by. They were learning more about each other each day and the growing relationship was becoming stronger.

The only thing trying to deflate him was his case. Nicole had told him about seeing Raphael at the bank arson. They still hadn't gotten any evidence regarding the guns and nothing was happening. They were setting up a meeting with the governor to talk about his highly suspicious son. They didn't tell him that was the reason they were meeting, but that was the main reason. This weapon smuggling needed to stop right away and Blake was worried things were going to get out of hand.

"Blake." Matt stood in the doorway, battered up and bruised.

"Welcome back." Blake stood.

Matt nodded, "Thanks. But I brought someone that will make you happier than seeing me." Matt stepped aside to reveal a smiling Nicole.

"Hi." She was bundled up in a coat and hat, her nose was pink.

Blake gave her a hug, "Glad to see you."

She returned the hug, "Me too."

Matt leaned against the wall, "So. Governor said he could meet with us tonight."

"Tonight?" Blake asked.

"Yeah. Why?"

"I have a date."

Nicole grinned. "My bad."

Matt laughed, "Don't worry about it. I'm glad Blake has something interesting in his boring life."

"Hey now."

"Anyways. The governor wanted to meet over dinner. So bring your date. Formal attire."

Blake smiled down at Nicole, "That means a dress missy."

Nicole groaned.

Matt sighed. "He told me I needed a date too."

"Jenna." Nicole blurted without thinking.

Matt raised a brow.

"My partner. She'd love a date." Nicole explained. "She's pretty too. She was the paramedic who helped you at the fire."

Matt smiled lazily. "I remember. She was pretty."

So, Jenna was set up on a blind date.

~~~~~

Jenna and Nicole giggled in front of Nicole's mirror. "Does this eyeliner make my eyes look weird?" Jenna wondered.

"Of course not. Here, try this mascara." Nicole handed her a small tube.

Jenna took it with thanks and applied it. "Ooh."

"It makes your eyes pop." Nicole had applied minimal makeup. She usually would've done a ton on a date, but Blake's continual compliments to her appearance had made her more self confident.

"Dress time!" Jenna disappeared into the guest bedroom and Nicole slid into her room.

Five minutes later both women appeared outside in the hall, gasping at each other. Jenna had on a deep, navy blue, halter top, floor length gown with it pinched at the waist. There were sparkles all over it. She had small silver heels to go with it. She wore pearl earrings with a pearl bracelet. Her hair was pulled back into a flowery bun with wisps hanging out to frame her face.

Nicole had on a red chiffon dress, also floor length. It had a cut from the ankle to the knee on one side. It was off the shoulder, and also had a pinched waist. She wore matching red one inch heels. Part of her hair was clipped back with a diamond pin, and the rest laid in curls down her back. She had matching diamond earrings and a necklace to complete the set.

"You look like a princess!" Jenna practically squealed.

"Says you. You're a queen."

The doorbell rang at that very moment. Nicole went to answer it. Matt stood in the doorway. "Nice to see you. Where's Jenna?"

Nicole gave a dramatic gesture with her arm and Jenna stepped into the scene. "Hi." She waved shyly at Matt. "You look better than when I last saw you."

Matt didn't even answer. He gawked at Jenna. Then stood tall, straightened his suit and tie. "I sure hope I do." He offered his arm to Jenna and she took it.

Nicole waited for a moment, then Blake appeared, with his ruggedly good looks. He wore a black suit and tie with a white shirt underneath, similar to Matt. "You look..." Blake stared at her for a long moment, "Drop dead breathtakingly gorgeous."

Nicole spun for him to see the full effect. "Thank you." Blake helped Nicole outside and down the front steps.

They stepped into the car and drove to the governor's home. They had an hour-long ride, but it seemed short because of the chatter.

Matt and Jenna proved to be a pretty good match and Jenna was chatting up a storm. Matt couldn't help but engage and he had complimented her many times already.

Blake held Nicole's hand the entire trip.

When they reached Governor Harmond's home, Blake grabbed the briefcase with their information and the foursome headed inside.

The butler greeted them and took their coats. Then, they were led to a glorious dining room with a large chandelier in the middle.

They took their spots at the table. A few minutes later, the governor himself entered. Everyone stood back up and greetings were made. Nicole watched Blake's hand shake Raphael's with a firm grip.

Once seated the Governor spoke up. "It is a pleasure to have you four here tonight."

"Thank you sir." Matt said curtly.

"Oh please, call me Winston." The Governor smiled.

"How did you two men find such lovely ladies?" The Governor's wife, Lanie, asked. "Raphael needs to look in the same district as you."

Out of the corner of her eye, Nicole saw Jenna plaster a fake smile, so she followed suit. "Thank you ma'am."

Blake's hand found hers under the table when Raphael bore his eyes into Nicole.

"Hopefully you all enjoy salmon. That's what we'll be having." Winston told them.

Dinner went along smoothly. While dessert was waiting, Lanie stopped the conversation about politics, "So why did you want to come have dinner with us? I must say it has been a pleasant evening, but there must be some reason."

Matt exchanged a glance with Blake. "We have proof to believe your son is involved in smuggling weapons into the United States, as well as Colorado."