ENTANGLED PURSUITS (MEN OF ACTION Book 1)

by Brenda Jackson

  Taking the advice of another innocent man in prison, Sheppard Granger, who had become a father figure to him and to many other young men, he had decided to make something positive out of his life.

  And Andrew had.

  He had gotten his GED and completed two years of college while confined. Now he had a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and worked for the Alexandria, Virginia, Police Department. Considering his past, he was the last person anyone would expect to uphold the law. But he was, and it was a job he was proud of doing.

  He took another sip of his coffee as his gaze returned to the man sitting behind the desk in front of him, Police Chief Wilmot LaNeer. He liked LaNeer. He was the kind of police chief who left you alone if you did your job, and got all over your ass if you didn’t. Andrew knew he did his job very well...which made him wonder again why the chief wanted to see him. He took another sip of his coffee and figured he would find out soon enough, once the chief finished reviewing whatever file he was currently reading.

  In the meantime, Andrew allowed his thoughts to shift to the woman he’d met two nights ago. She had definitely been a looker in her skintight jeans and midriff top. He’d met her at the gun range, of all places. During their too-brief conversation, she’d told him she was living alone since her roommate had moved out, and she had decided to get a gun to protect herself.

  He’d been tempted to tell her that she had just given too much information to a man she had just met, but he didn’t want to scare her. So he’d gone along with the conversation, writing down her name, address and phone number on a piece of paper which he had tucked in his wallet. He would give her a call this weekend and hoped she would be as eager to jump into his bed as she’d been in divulging information about herself. After several rounds of hot, satisfying sex, he would explain to her that she was way too friendly for her own good. There were too many crazies out there.

  “Thanks for your patience, Detective Logan.”

  He glanced at his superior. “No problem, Chief.” He wished he could say that he had all the time in the world, but he didn’t. Not as long as there were plenty of cases still to solve. For the last couple of weeks, he’d been rotating partners. His partner of eight years, Norman Willis, had gotten married and moved to Wisconsin. That had been the second wedding he’d gone to this year. Eight months ago, he’d attended his good friend Stonewall Courson’s wedding. That one had been memorable, for many reasons. And then two months ago, on Christmas day, Norm had married and moved to his wife’s hometown, taking a job with the Wisconsin Police Department. Damn, but he missed Norm. He’d been a great partner and they’d worked well together and solved a lot of cases. Around the precinct, they’d become known as Sherlock and Watson.

  “I have some good news for you, Detective Logan. I am assigning you a permanent partner.”

  That was good news. “Which one of the guys do I get?” he asked. There were a number of great detectives working at headquarters. He just hoped the chief wasn’t going to partner him with a rookie.

  “No one from here, Detective. We hired someone from Florida with nearly eight years of detective experience and a very impressive work record. I think the two of you will work well together.”

  Andrew nodded. The new guy wasn’t a rookie and had just as many years as a detective as Drew did. That was good. “No reason we shouldn’t work well together. Who is he?”

  “Not a he, Detective. It’s a she, and you’ll meet her any minute now.”

  Andrew nodded again. A female partner? He had worked with a number of female uniformed cops on occasion and hadn’t ever noticed much of a difference. A female officer usually had the same qualities a male detective needed—a steady head and enough competence to hold their own and protect his back, the same way he would be protecting theirs.

  “Who is she?”

  Before the chief could answer, a feminine voice behind Andrew said, “Good morning, Chief LaNeer. I’m reporting for duty.”

  Andrew jerked around, recognizing that voice and nearly spilling his coffee in the process. His gaze leveled on her surprised one.

  “Toni?”

  “Drew?”

  “I take it the two of you know each other?” Chief LaNeer asked.

  Without taking his eyes off Toni, Andrew said, “Yes, we know each other.”

  “Good. An introduction isn’t needed then. Detective Antonia Oliver is your new partner, Detective Logan. You can help her get set up at her desk and make her feel welcome.”

  • • •

  “Here you go—everything you need to get set up, Detective Oliver.”

  Toni glanced up at Drew. He had been as surprised to see her as she had been to see him, and it was obvious he was not happy about it. “Thanks.”

  Since they were at police headquarters, there was no reason he couldn’t have called her Toni. His professional use of her name spoke volumes. Great. When she’d taken this job, she figured their paths would eventually cross. But she hadn’t had a lot of choice about moving. It had to be done, and Alexandria was her only option. Still, she hadn’t expected to end up as Drew’s partner. How awkward. Especially since he still had a huge effect on her. Seeing him here, on the job, she had to admit that he was even more handsome than he’d been the last time she’d seen him at Joy and Stonewall’s wedding.

  He had grown a beard since the wedding. She liked it. His whiskey-brown-colored eyes were even more striking, his features more chiseled and his body made a woman yearn for something she was better off not having. It was obvious he still worked out a lot. Thinking back, she recalled accusing him once of being too much of a health nut. Her mistake.

  Making physical fitness a priority had definitely paid off for him, she thought, as her gaze landed on his shoulders. She remembered those shoulders well. Very, very well. She used to clutch those shoulders tight, digging her fingertips into his skin when he was on top of her, riding her hard. He had the most accurate precision when he’d thrust into her—always at the right angle, always hitting the perfect erotic spot.

  Andrew Logan had been a very physical man, filled with an over-abundance of stamina, vigor, and virility. There were times she could barely keep up with him and had immensely enjoyed those times when she’d tried. He’d never left her unsatisfied. In fact, by the time he was finished, she was usually barely able to move.

  “Why didn’t you mention at the wedding that you planned to move to Alexandria?” he asked her, breaking into her thoughts.

  She could remind him that at the wedding they’d had precious little to say to each other. “I made the decision to leave Miami a few months afterward.”

  “But why? And why here?”

  There was no way she would tell him the reason. At least, not now. “It’s complicated and I’d rather not get into it. Now if you will excuse me, I’d like to get my desk set up.”

  He stared at her for a minute as if he had something else to say, but then turned and walked away. That’s when she remembered what she needed to ask him. “Drew?”

  He turned, frowning, but she didn’t care. She refused to call him Detective Logan when she didn’t have to. “What?”

  “What happened to Norm?”

  She knew all about the guy who’d been his partner for years and how well they’d gotten along. She’d even met Norm when the man had dropped by Drew’s place unexpectedly one time she’d gone to Alexandria to visit Drew. She hoped nothing had happened to him.

  “Norm got married and moved to Wisconsin, where his wife’s family lives. He’s working for the police department there.”

  “Oh.”

  “Anything else you want to know?” he asked in a curt tone.

  “No. But I want to let you know I’m looking forward to working with you.”

  He held her gaze for a moment before saying, “Too bad I can’t say the same.” Then, he walked off.

  Toni released a deep breath. She honestly didn’t understand why he was so upset with her. They had agreed that eith
er one could end things, no questions asked. So, after ten months, she’d done just that. So why, almost five years later, did he still have a chip on his shoulder. Four years and eight months to be exact.

  Neither of them had wanted a serious relationship. He’d told her often enough that he was not a forever kind of guy, and she’d assured him she wasn’t looking for forever either. So they’d agreed to be exclusive sex buddies—nothing more. Only after a few months, something had happened on her end that evidently hadn’t happened on his.

  She had fallen in love with him.

  Breaking up with him had been the only thing she could do, the only thing she could think of to avoid getting her heart broken. She knew what loving someone who didn’t love you back could do to a person. Her mother, Nicole Bellamy, had been the poster child for that life choice. Getting rejected by the man she loved had destroyed Toni’s mom, and Toni had sworn to never let the same thing happen to her. She had not expected to fall in love—with Drew or anyone else—but it happened anyway.

  As she began setting up her desk, she couldn’t help thinking back to nearly six years ago, when she had first met Andrew Logan...and her life had changed forever.

  Six years ago

  ANTONIA OLIVER GLANCED AT Joy Ingram, who was sitting across the table from her. She and Joy had become friends at college—sharing a room and a major at Arizona State University—and they’d been close ever since. After college, they had gone their separate ways, both of them getting hired at the police departments in their hometowns—Toni in Miami and Joy in Baton Rouge. But at least once a year, they planned a girls’ trip as a way to keep in touch.

  This second week in June, they were in San Diego, attending a national law enforcement seminar that had been geared toward officers who’d made police detective within the last two years. She and Joy had the same professional goals—both wanted to work their way through the ranks and one day make chief of police.

  Their personal goals, on the other hand, were totally different. Toni was into non-committed relationships, while Joy preferred more serious relationships. Six months ago, she had become engaged, but from what Joy had told her friend, Toni had concluded that Joy’s fiancé was a real asshole.

  “Tell me again why you’re engaged to this dude?” Toni asked her friend. “Sounds like he’s more trouble than what he’s worth.”

  “He’s not so bad.”

  Toni rolled her eyes. “If you say so. But it seems to me you’re wearing yourself out trying to please him, while still working hard on your career goals. It doesn’t sound like he’s the least bit understanding about your workload, Joy.”

  “He’s promised to try to do better.”

  “That’s what you said the last time we talked.” She shook her head and let out a sigh. “Now you can see why I prefer non-committed relationships.”

  “That isn’t the reason you prefer non-committed relationships and we both know it, Toni.”

  Toni didn’t say anything because Joy was right. “Still, I’d kick your fiancé to the curb in a heartbeat.” When Joy went to say something, Toni raised her hand, then straightened up in her chair. “Sorry.” Then she nodded over her shoulder. “Don’t look now, but that piece of eye candy I told you about yesterday is headed this way. Please make sure he sees that ring on your finger so he knows you’re not available. I don’t want any competition.”

  Joy chuckled. “Girl, you’re crazy.”

  “Whatever.”

  A few seconds later a very deep, sexy voice said, “May I join you ladies?”

  “Sure,” Toni said, smiling up at the man. She’d caught a glimpse of him from a distance yesterday when she’d checked into the hotel, but Lordy, up close he was making her panties wet. “I’m Antonia Oliver,” she said, extending her hand. “And this is my friend, Joy Ingram.”

  A smile curved his lips. A pair of very luscious lips. “I’m Andrew Logan. Congratulations on making detective,” he said, sitting down in one of the vacant chairs.

  “Same to you,” Joy said.

  “Where are you ladies from?” he asked.

  “I’m representing the Miami Police Department,” Toni told him.

  “And I’m from Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, I need to split,” Joy said. “I promised my fiancé I’d give him a call before the start of our workshops today. It was nice meeting you, Andrew.”

  “Nice meeting you, too, Joy.”

  When Joy left, he smiled over at Toni. “So, Antonia...how about you tell me about yourself?”

  Toni took a sip of her tea and deliberately licked her lips. That gesture got a guy’s attention every time. When it came to sex, men were so easy. She wondered if he realized he was being seduced. “First of all, I prefer you call me Toni.” His scent was getting to her. Why did he have to smell so darn good?

  He nodded. “Okay, Toni. Please call me Drew.”

  “It’s a deal, Drew. Just what do you want to know about me?”

  “Anything you want to tell me.”

  “Well, let me see,” she said, licking her lips again and enjoying the sight of his gaze following the movement of her tongue. “I was born in Miami, then went to college in Arizona.”

  “How long were you a street cop?”

  “Too long. I also have a degree in psychology, so I became a hostage negotiator,” she said.

  “Ever had to use those skills?”

  “Just once. The guy was a seventeen-year-old kid who’d hijacked a car with a baby inside. I honestly don’t think he knew what he’d gotten himself into...and he definitely didn’t want our SWAT team to take him out. So he gave up without much persuasion.” The way I plan to do if you keep looking at me like that.

  “I see.”

  “What about you, Drew? You didn’t say what police force you represent.”

  “Alexandria, Virginia.”

  “Nice place. I’ve visited there a couple of times. How long were you a street cop?”

  “A couple of years.” He paused, then added, “And I’m thirty-two, by the way.”

  “Umm, that’s a good age.”

  He lifted a brow. “For what?”

  “Anything.”

  Their gazes held for a moment, and she was certain he could feel the sexual chemistry flowing between them. It was powerful—almost overwhelming—and she had to break eye contact. She’d never felt such strong, carnal vibes from a man before.

  “And how old are you, Toni?”

  “Twenty-five.”

  “Umm, I think that’s a good age, too,” he said in a husky voice.

  “And what do you think it’s a good age for, Drew?”

  “Everything.”

  She smiled, knowing they were on the same page. Glancing at her watch, she said, “Sorry, but I need to leave. My first workshop starts in a few minutes.” She didn’t intend to admit that she needed to drop by her hotel room first and change her panties. Because they were wet. And it was all his fault.

  “I’d like to see you again, Toni.”

  Bait taken. Now she couldn’t seem too eager to reel him in. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again before the week is out,” she said, standing and pulling her tote bag onto her shoulder. She placed her meal ticket on the table beside the one Joy had left.

  “I don’t want to risk missing you. Have dinner with me. Tonight.”

  She met his gaze, pretending to give his invitation some thought, and then she said, “Sure. My last workshop ends at four.”

  “Mine does, as well. You want to meet in the hotel’s lobby at seven? That will give you a chance to decompress.”

  “Good idea. Thanks for being so thoughtful. And for the invitation to dinner.”

  Another smile touched his lips. “The pleasure is all mine.”

  She returned his smile. “I’ll see you later.” Then, she walked off. Feeling the heat of his gaze on her ass, she deliberately put a little more sway into her walk.

  • • •

  Toni drew in a deep breath later t
hat evening when she stepped off the elevator and saw Andrew Logan waiting for her. The moment their gazes connected, her body heated, and at that moment, she literally ached for his touch. Amazing. No man had ever affected her this deeply, this quickly. She’d made it a point to keep her distance, and not get caught up with any man, no matter how good he looked. Then again, Andrew Logan looked really good. Like her, he had changed out of his business attire and was dressed in more casual wear. He had put on a pair of jeans and a shirt, and she was wearing a short dress with a pair of stilettos. She knew her legs were one of her best assets, and she had no problem flaunting them.

  It was a gorgeous evening in June. The temperature was similar to what she was used to in Florida, but thankfully with no humidity. When she came to a stop in front of him, she couldn’t miss the look of male appreciation in the depth of his eyes. “Hello, Drew.”

  “Toni. You look nice. Beautiful dress.”

  “Thanks. You’re looking nice, too.”

  “Ready to go?”

  “Yes,” she said, falling into step beside him. “Where are we going?”

  “I ran into Joy after one of my forensic workshops and told her I’d asked you out. When I asked for ideas about the kind of food you liked, she said you were a seafood girl and I couldn’t go wrong as long as I found a restaurant with seafood on the menu.”

  Toni smiled. “That’s true.”

  “I asked the guy at the concierge’s desk about the seafood restaurants in the area, and he said a place called Obi’s was the best. It’s also within walking distance. However, if you don’t feel like walking in heels, I can call a cab.”

  She waved off his concerns. “Please. I’m used to walking in heels. Just lead the way.”

  He did, surprising her when he took hold of her hand. The moment their hands touched, her body practically convulsed with sexual energy. And the look he gave her let her know the experience hadn’t been one-sided. She knew before the night was over they would have to do something about it.