: Part 3
He recovered from the momentary surprise first and addressed me, using my full name in a way that I secretly liked. "Pennelope."
I decided to seize the opportunity and indulge in admiring him.
I replied, "Hey, Detective Lexson."
He gave a small, charming smile, and then he suggested, "You can call me Nate."
Feeling a bit flustered, I stammered, "Um... okay."
Detective Lexson's gaze swept over me, and then he turned his attention back to Lily, politely requesting, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Casey, but could you give Pennelope and me a moment?"
"Oh!" Lily exclaimed, her surprise evident as she also jumped. It was quite apparent that she, too, had been momentarily mesmerized by Detective Lexson's attractive presence. "Sure. Of course. I'll just..." She rushed to the fridge and qu
