Beyond Risk

by Connie Mann

  She tried to keep from smiling, but finally gave up and joined in.

  She was so distracted by the pull his laughter stirred in her belly that she yelped in surprise when a big glob of frosting landed on her nose. Followed immediately by another blob on her right check. And then her left. She tried to fight back with her pastry tube, but his assault was relentless, swiping frosting off his own face and transferring it to hers.

  “Two can play this game, cher, and I’m betting I’ll win,” he warned, adding another layer to her chin.

  “Oh yeah?” She went on the offensive, and they went back and forth, smearing frosting on each other. Laughing and breathless, Charlee took a step back, stunned at the playfulness from such a serious man. She opened her mouth, trying to decide what to say, when his eyes met hers. Their laughter stilled as they studied each other. Behind the frosting and the laughter still dancing in his eyes, Charlee saw something more. Attraction, certainly. But something that went much deeper, that reached beyond friendship and caring and connected them in ways she was almost afraid to examine too closely.

  Almost.

  Charlee read the clear invitation in his eyes, and suddenly, her arms were around his neck, his wrapped around her back, and his hard mouth came down on hers. But where she expected aggression, he gave her featherlight kisses and licked the frosting from her lips, a smile on his own.

  A shiver shot straight to her core, and she clutched his shoulders as he pulled her flush against him. The bands of muscle under her hands tightened, and she could feel the effect she had on him, but his arms didn’t feel like a cage, the way Rick’s had. No, Hunter was different. Danger clung to him like a second skin, but it was never directed at her. He growled low in his throat as he nuzzled her neck, and Charlee shivered, burrowing closer.

  She shifted, giving him access to her neck, and ran her hands over his shoulders, down his arms, loving the way his hard grip made her feel safe even as his roaming hands and woodsy scent tempted her, invited her to move closer, to explore the fire that erupted whenever their skin touched.

  When he nudged her lips open, she opened her mouth, welcomed his tongue in to dance with hers, hearts pounding, the kiss sparking and bursting to life until all Charlee felt was heat—his, hers, theirs. Being in his arms was like nothing she’d ever experienced before. It felt…right.

  The thought startled her with the force of a slap, and her eyes popped open. No, this couldn’t feel right, could it? Her thoughts spun and twisted, mind and heart battling for control.

  Hunter must have sensed the change in her, because he eased back just far enough to look in her eyes. She saw her own desire reflected there, hot enough to sear them both, but he didn’t say anything, didn’t move. Simply waited for her to decide. Some cowardly part of her wished he’d pull her close, take the decision out of her hands by overwhelming her senses with the heat between them. But then the truth dawned. He wouldn’t push, wouldn’t let them get swept along by passion, not without giving her time to make a decision.

  He confirmed it when he rumbled, “Your choice, cher.” Then he smiled, that slow, sexy smile she felt all the way to her toes. “Want to shoot the rapids with me?”

  Charlee realized that was exactly how she felt right now. Like she was in her kayak, ready to push off into the raging current where the river would sweep her along on a rush of adrenaline and all she could do was hang on for the ride. Did she have the guts to plunge into the water?

  She studied him, stroked a shaky hand down his cheek, poised on the edge. “I don’t want it to change things between us,” she whispered.

  His smile got wider, and mischief danced in his eyes. “Oh, it’ll change things, cher. No question. Our friendship, no. Never. But in other ways…?” He waggled his brows suggestively, and she burst out laughing.

  And just like that, her indecision slipped away, and she smiled back. She could trust him. And she could trust their friendship.

  All the other questions swirling around them could wait.

  She cupped his cheeks, enjoying the feel of the stubble under her palms, and pulled him close. “Then show me what you’ve got, Lieutenant.”

  He threw his head back and laughed before he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her with an intensity that left her body quaking and seeking to get closer, deeper, more.

  They somehow maneuvered out of the kitchen and down the hall, shedding clothes along the way, all without ever letting go of each other, as the fire stoked higher.

  Once they finally reached the bedroom, Hunter eased her back on the bed, slid her shorts from her legs. She was tempted to hide under the intensity of his gaze, but he said, “Let me see you, cher. Let me touch.”

  Charlee met his eyes and felt the same heart-pounding swoop of adrenaline as when she shot into the first rapid on a tough course. Poised halfway between the exhilaration of the ride and the terror of possible disaster, she let him look his fill. But the admiration in his eyes, the words he murmured in her ear, allowed her to let go of the fear and get swept away by the thrill of the ride. She opened her arms, and the last of their clothes seemed to melt away as their mouths met and their hands stroked and touched, giving and taking, learning each other.

  As the pace increased, their hearts pounded and their breaths came in gasps. The tension built and built until Charlee couldn’t take it another second. “Please,” she murmured as her head spun and her eyes slid closed.

  “Look at me, cher,” he commanded as he moved over her, melded them together.

  Charlee locked eyes with him as he gripped both her hands and began to move.

  Together, they raced through the raging currents and clung to each other as the tension built, tighter and tighter until they rocketed over the edge together. Afterward, breaths heaving, both smiling, they slowly, gradually, reached the calm waters on the other side.

  Chapter 17

  Charlee woke before dawn, her head nestled against Hunter’s shoulder and their legs tangled together. She felt a blush race over her skin as memories of the night washed over her, of the way she’d let go of control, but somehow, she couldn’t regret it. She’d been raised to believe casual sex was a cheap substitute for love and marriage. The few other encounters she’d had in her life, especially the one with Rick, had left her feeling sad and hollow afterward.

  Last night with Hunter had changed everything. He made love with the same single-minded attention to detail that he did everything else, but more surprising was the way it all felt…right. Like this was how it was supposed to be. Only a woman in love could feel this way, she decided. She froze, letting the knowledge flow over and around her. Her smile widened as the reality set in. She loved him. It was as simple and unbelievably complex as that.

  But then she sobered. She couldn’t tell him. Certainly not now. Number one, they had to find Brittany’s killer, and she had to know what had really happened last year. Nothing else could get in the way of that. And two, she figured her big, tough warrior wouldn’t want to talk about something like feelings. She almost snorted but didn’t want to wake him.

  Instead, she eased out of the bed, grabbed clothes, and headed for the shower. Afterward, she pulled on her favorite swishy skirt and matching top, pulled her hair up in a high ponytail, and smoothed on tinted moisturizer and a bit of blush. She had the coffee going and was packing up the cupcakes, humming under her breath, when Hunter emerged from the bathroom, a surly expression on his face.

  Charlee took in his freshly shaved chin, low-slung jeans and bare chest, and her mouth went dry. Oh my. “Good morning, Lieutenant,” she said primly.

  His gaze traveled over her, the smolder in his green eyes making her glad she’d primped a little. “We going somewhere?”

  “I need to drop these cupcakes off at the Corner Café.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “If we hurry, we’ll have time to grab breakfast there before church.”r />
  Hunter raised a brow. “We’re going to church?”

  Charlee nodded, desperate to get her mind back on the case and away from Hunter’s broad chest. She cleared her throat. “Tanner family tradition. Besides, it’s the best place I know to find out what’s happening around town. Between that and the café, hopefully, we’ll learn something useful.”

  Hunter poured coffee into a cup. “I like the way you think. Thanks for the coffee. Let me get dressed, and I’ll load the car.”

  Rattled by her wayward thoughts, she snapped, “No need. I’ve got it.”

  Hunter raised both hands. “Just offering to help, cher. Not impugning your independence.”

  She felt ridiculous, took a deep breath to settle her nerves. “I’ll meet you outside.”

  The café was doing a brisk business, but even so, Liz came around the counter and hugged Charlee like she’d just been dragged from a shipwreck. “Are you okay? How’s the head?”

  Charlee hugged her, then eased away. “I’m fine. Feeling better today than I have since…well, for a while.” She held out the cupcake carriers. “I brought more. Hunter’s getting the rest from the car.”

  “Fabulous. How’s it going, having him stay at your place? He still sleeping on the couch?” She raised both eyebrows.

  Charlee felt a flush creep over her cheeks. “We’re friends, remember? He’s there as…protection, nothing more.”

  “So you keep saying, girlfriend. I’m waiting for you to convince yourself.” She looked over Charlee’s shoulder. “Good morning, handsome. You just set those treats right here.”

  Charlee jumped when a voice said, “Morning, Miss Charlee. You look beautiful today.”

  Startled, as always, at how close Sammy stood to people, she eased back a step and beamed up at him. “Good morning, Sammy. How are you? How’s the carnival going?”

  His grin stretched from ear to ear. “It’s been really fun. Lots of kids are winning, so I get to give out lots of prizes.” He eyed the cupcake carriers Liz was unpacking. “Did you bring more cupcakes?”

  “I did. Chocolate with chocolate frosting.”

  “I like those. Can I have some?”

  Liz turned around, two cupcakes on a napkin. “Of course you can, Sammy. Here you go.”

  He leaned forward and kissed Liz on the cheek, then started to kiss Charlee’s cheek, too, but a blush crept over his face, and he pulled back, unsure. “Um, thanks for making the cupcakes, Miss Charlee. Yours are the best.”

  Charlee laughed and reached up to kiss his cheek. “I’m glad you think so, Sammy. You have a good day.”

  Sammy smiled and waved as he walked out the door to the café just as her brother Pete came in. He was wearing dark jeans, collared shirt, and a tie, so he was obviously headed for church, too. He kissed Charlee’s cheek. “Hey, squirt. Ooh, more cupcakes.” He smiled at Liz. “I’ll take two and a cup of coffee.”

  Josh walked in then, also dressed for church, which shocked Charlee. He hadn’t been since Elaine had died. He ordered the same, and they took a small, round table in the back corner. Charlee bit back a smile when she realized all four of them sat with their backs to the wall and studied the patrons. Cops to the core.

  “Any new leads?” Pete asked after he’d devoured his first cupcake in two bites.

  “Nothing on my end,” Hunter said. “You find out anything new?”

  “No, and it’s bugging the hell out of me.”

  “I’m with you on that,” Josh said.

  They went over everything they knew so far again, but nothing jumped out at her or to them, either. The bell over the door chimed, and Josh looked up and choked on his coffee, sloshing half of it over the table. While he mopped up, Charlee studied the newcomer. “Isn’t that Delilah? The monkey researcher?” She’d rented a kayak from the Outpost a time or two and seemed very nice, though shy and quiet.

  Josh didn’t appear to have heard the question, as his eyes were glued to the lovely young woman with the short pixie haircut as though he’d just been sucker punched in the gut.

  “I’ll see you guys at church,” Josh muttered and headed in Delilah’s direction.

  They all exchanged raised eyebrows as he made some comment that made her laugh out loud. Now wasn’t that interesting? But a few minutes later, Charlee glanced at her watch and stood, that creepy feeling she was being watched stealing over her. “We need to go or we’ll be late.”

  Just as they were walking out, Pete’s cell rang. “I’ll meet you guys there. Great cupcakes, squirt.”

  Normally, sitting with her family in the historic clapboard church calmed Charlee. There was something about the connection to the past and the tradition of the old hymns that always soothed her heart. Especially seeing her mom back in their pew next to Dad, holding hands. She smiled when Josh squeezed in beside her just before the service started.

  But despite all her reasons to smile, nothing felt right. She glanced over her shoulder, trying to figure out who was watching her.

  “What’s wrong?” Hunter whispered.

  “I’m being watched.”

  “We’re sitting in the fourth row. You probably are.”

  Charlee rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”

  Hunter casually glanced around. “I do. Any guesses on who?”

  “No. Did you see Pete? He should have been here by now.”

  “Maybe he got held up with that phone call.”

  An older lady with a big straw hat turned around and glared. “Sorry,” Charlee whispered.

  She tried to focus on the sermon, but by the time they left, she felt more unsettled than ever.

  As they drove back to the cottage, she called Pete’s cell three times, and it always went right to voicemail, which was unlike him. He always took her calls.

  * * *

  For a cop, Pete Tanner was stupid. Which was what he’d been counting on. He’d left his truck unlocked while he was at the café, never giving it a thought. And when he’d told Pete he had information relating to the Brittany Harris murder, the idiot hadn’t hesitated to arrange a meeting.

  Now here he was, driving down the dirt road, swerving and fighting to keep the wheels straight. Good, the drug he’d poured into his travel mug was doing its job. It had been a risk, but a calculated one. Too much, and he might not get all the way out here to the Ocklawaha River. Not enough, and he might put up a fight.

  He chuckled to himself as he watched Pete stagger out of the truck. He waited as the other man made his way to the edge of the river, hands on hips, shaking his head as if to clear it.

  Silently, he snuck up behind Pete, the branch firmly clasped in his hands.

  Something must have alerted him, for Pete started to turn, hand reaching for the gun he wasn’t wearing. Probably left it in the truck, the fool.

  Before Pete could see his face, he swung out hard with the branch and knocked the other man out cold. He had a pretty nice swing, if he did say so himself.

  He waited a minute to see if he came to, kicked him in the ribs for good measure, then grabbed Pete by the arms and dragged him to the water’s edge. Once there, he rolled him over and pulled him into deep enough water that his head would end up submerged.

  Nothing would go wrong this time.

  He whistled a happy little tune as he walked back to where he’d hidden his truck. This time, Charlee would experience every minute of the soul-deep agony of losing someone you loved.

  * * *

  After a quick lunch, Charlee tried Pete’s cell again, and it went right to voicemail. Again. While she called Josh to see if he’d reached Pete, Hunter called the medical examiner’s office, on the off chance his contact was working today. “Hey, Doc, sorry to bother you on a Sunday, but I have to ask, did you find anything else that might help us figure out who killed Brittany Harris?”

  Page
s rustled in the background. “I was just going over the paperwork again, Lieutenant. I’ll send you my report. There was one thing you might find interesting. We found traces of some old bruising on Brittany’s skin.”

  “What kind of bruising? Like she fell, or someone beat her up?”

  “They were on her biceps, as though someone took hold of her upper arms and shook her, hard.”

  “They weren’t recent?”

  “I’d say ten days to two weeks old.”

  “Thanks, Doc. Anything else?”

  “Afraid not. Everything I found is pretty straightforward. Look for the email.”

  “Appreciate it.” Hunter disconnected and made another phone call. As he dialed, Charlee showed up in the doorway and leaned against it, a worried expression on her face, which meant they still hadn’t heard from Pete. He was about to hang up when the phone was answered.

  “Mrs. Harris. Good afternoon. This is Lieutenant Boudreau again with Florida Fish and Wildlife. I’m sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I could come by your home this afternoon. I have a few more questions.” He saw Charlee raise her eyebrows and turned his back so he could concentrate. “Ah, no, ma’am, I don’t guess San Francisco is anywhere near Orlando. Is Wyatt with you? Good.”

  He paused. “Mrs. Harris…sorry, Ms. Harris, I need to ask. What kind of relationship did you have with your daughter?”

  There was a stunned pause, then her adamant response. “We had a terrific relationship, Lieutenant.”

  “I’m very glad to hear it. I’m sure it definitely makes it easier for a parent if your teenager talks to you about everything.”

  Hunter grimaced as the woman burst into great big, gasping sobs. “Take your time, ma’am. I know this is difficult…” He waited until the sobbing slowed to a sniffle before he asked what he really wanted to know. “What about her relationship with your, ah, ex-husband? Would you also classify it as good?”

  “I should never have let him take Brittany on this crazy trip. But he begged me, said he needed that time with her, with both of them. If I had taken her with me, none of this would have happened.”