“If I do, I won’t tell you about it.”

“Fair enough.”

The waitress appeared. They ordered burgers and fries, along with Diet Coke, because balance was important.

“I hate that I was stupid,” Lexi said when they were alone. “I hate that the most. I know better.” She sighed. “Okay, I’m officially not going to whine for the rest of lunch. What’s going on with you?”

“Your sister is a pain in the ass,” Dana grumbled. “Skye is having one of her fancy parties up at the house tonight to raise money for her foundation and expects me to attend. She knows I loathe that kind of stuff.” She rolled her eyes. “I have a friend who has a foundation. It’s like living in an alternative universe.”

“At least you can tell her no,” Lexi reminded her. “I’ll be required to attend. Not that I’m complaining. Maybe someone will drop a really expensive diamond necklace and I can pawn it.”

Dana raised her eyebrows. Lexi’s gaze dropped to the deputy badge again.

“Sorry,” she murmured. “You didn’t hear me say that.”

“Fortunately I don’t believe you’d do it. Look at the bright side. There will be a bunch of boring rich guys there. Maybe you can talk one of them into giving you a loan.”

“I’m not sure I’d want to give them what they would require for that kind of money.”

“There is that.”

Lexi brightened. “Come with me. It’ll be fun. You can mock everyone. You enjoy that.”

“No, thanks,” Dana said. “I have a date.”

“With Martin?” It was all Lexi could do not to roll her eyes.

“Why do you say it like that?”

“Because Martin is just like all the guys you date. He’s too nice and you boss him around.”

“I do not.”

“You do. You find these sweet, unassuming men who adore you and are terrified in equal measure. You completely control the relationship, then complain you’re bored. You need to find someone who will be more of a challenge.”