“All I need to do is lock up next door and I’ll be ready.”
“How about I meet you in front of your house with the truck all warm?”
Five minutes later, Zander was in front of her house, waiting in the truck, and soon after Wynn darted out of her front door and came rushing down the sidewalk. Once she slid into the truck, bringing with her the scent of heaven, she gave him a nervous smile. “Sorry. I couldn’t find my other glove. It’s cold out today.”
As they pulled away, she was staring out the window and he still sensed something was wrong. “Wynn?”
She brought her chin around and he noticed how her bottom lip quivered. “Yes?”
“Is something wrong? Are you upset with me?” He turned down the radio.
“Why would I be angry with you?”
He shrugged. “We were in the middle of…well…” How could he put it in a gentle way? “Things were getting pretty hot and heavy and then I got the call.”
One corner of her mouth danced with a smile. “I was disappointed, but not angry. I understand you have a job…an important job.”
“Cases like this can suck the life right out of a person.” He tightened his hold on the steering wheel.
“Any closer to finding the killer?”
He gave his head a shake. “There’s an element that we’re missing. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s there.”
“Maybe it’s like a puzzle. All the pieces fit together, but first they must be found. And how does a person find each piece? They first start with all the edges which builds the base. Then, they find all the obvious pieces and bring them together and what’s left are those bits that all appear to be the same, but they’re not. I know…that doesn’t make any sense.”
“No, it makes a lot of sense. If I compare these cases to a puzzle, we’re at the stage where the edges are in place, we’ve found all the obvious bits, but we’re missing a handful of pieces to complete it. Much like digging through a hay stack for a needle.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure things out. I’m sure it’s staring you in the face.”
He nodded. “You’re not having trouble with your asthma, are you?”
“Surprisingly, not much. The country is doing me justice.”
“More reason to stay and settle here in Crooked Creek.” Her face paled and he felt like he’d been socked in the gut. “Did I say something wrong?”
“I’m just tired. I had a rough night sleeping. How about you?”
“Huh?”
“Sleeping?”
He internally jerked himself out of a cloud. “Sorry. Can I ask you a question? Do you always carry your inhaler with you?”
She nodded. “Yes. Although I have a mild case, I wouldn’t leave home without it.”
“Would there ever be a reason why you wouldn’t?”
“Sure. If I forgot it. When I was younger I did a lot.” She pointed to a doorway as they drove into the parking lot of the hospital. “You can drop me off at the corner by the lab.”
“I’ll take you to the door, sweetheart. A gentleman never drops a woman off far from her destination. I can go in with you if you’d like,” he offered.
“There’s no reason for you to go with me. I’ll be done shortly.”
“I’ll park in the lot. Text me when you’re finished and I’ll pick you up at the door. Okay?”
“Thank you, Zander. It won’t take long.” She offered him a small smile and he watched her until she disappeared inside the double glass doors. He found a parking place and shut off the engine just as his phone rang. Grabbing it from the console, he saw that it was Rudy. “Hey.”
“I just received a few more results from the examiner’s testing. There’s a small connection—”
“Let me guess. Our last victim had asthma just like Sabrina.”
“Yeah. How’d you know?”
“Good guess.”
“And want to know something else…they both had a high dose of scopolamine in their blood.”
“Isn’t that a drug to help people with motion sickness?” Zander asked.
“That’s the prescribed usage, but back in ninety-five, dealers were putting scopolamine poisoning in heroine. It can slow their heart and breathing down significantly and—”
“Could kill an asthmatic fast because their breathing is already hindered.” He struck the heel of his palm against the steering wheel. “I bet if we went back and looked in the medical records of our overdose victims we’ll find that every single one of them had asthma and had large amounts of scopolamine in their blood at the time of death.”
“I’ll put one of my deputies on the case.”
“No, don’t.”
“Why the hell not?”
Zander rubbed his temple. “I don’t think we can trust very many on this, Rudy. My gut tells me our killer might be on the inside. If that’s the case, then they could fuck with evidence, if they haven’t already.”
Rudy’s long sigh rattled the phone. “Are you kidding me? I’ve hired these deputies. I trust them.”
“I know you do and that’s why I didn’t tell you before now, or that I brought Cullen in to look at the cases with me.”
“Fuck, buddy. Are you saying you don’t trust me?”
“No, man. I just know how protective you are over people you believe in.”
“I don’t like anyone going behind my back,” he practically growled the words. “Are you having Cullen investigate me too?”
“No. Think about it though, buddy. The killer hasn’t left one speck of evidence outside of what he’s planted. You and I both know that’s almost impossible, unless you know your way around a crime scene.”
There was a long silence. “I agree, but still, I’m pissed that you went behind my back. This is still my county, my case. Because I trust your instincts, I’ll keep my deputies off the investigation. If Lanie complains about me working all night, I’ll send her argument your way.”
CHAPTER 16
WYNN HAD HER head down, searching in her purse for her phone when she bumped into someone, causing the contents to drop and scatter onto the floor. “I’m sorry,” the masculine voice said.
She looked up and saw Deputy Lansing. “Hi. What are you doing here?”
“Here, let me help you pick your things up.” He bent on his knee and picked up her change purse and phone. “I’m only part-time over at the Sheriff’s department so I work security here on my other days. Here, looks like this is yours.” He held out her inhaler.
“Thank you.” She took the nebulizer from him and dropped it into her purse.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes, I was just out here getting routine lab work.”
“Is the house coming along? I’ve meant to come out and see if you could use my help, but I’ve been busy.”
“I see your hand is healing.”
He blinked. “Yeah…it’s fine.” He rubbed the area where there was still a red wound, then pushed it into his front pocket. “Maybe I’ll see you soon?”
“Sounds great. I better be going. Zander is waiting for me.”
Once she was alone, she sent Zander a text. Just as he promised, he met her at the door. “You didn’t have to get out.”
“I don’t mind. I could use the fresh air,” he said.
Together they walked toward the truck. “Did you know Deputy Lansing works security here?”
“He does?” Zander looked back at the building.
“I just found out when I literally ran into him.”
Zander pulled off his hat, pushed his hand through his hair and resituated the hat back on his head. “I was thinking, would you like to go with me to mom and dad’s?”
“If you don’t think they’d mind.”
“They wouldn’t, trust me, but they’re not home. I was elected to help out by taking the boxes to the church for mom.”
Once he was in the driver’s seat, she said, “You’re a lucky man to have such a large, fun famil
y. I enjoyed myself at dinner the other night.”
“You haven’t gotten to know them yet.” He winked and closed the door.
“They’re amazing. Your mom is patient and understanding.”
“Why don’t you go back with me for dinner soon?”
“She clasped her hands into her lap. “Maybe.”
“You’re different today.”
“Different?” She turned to look at him.
Her expression reached in and grabbed him by the heart. He couldn’t quite read whether she was sad or hopeful. “Yeah, just different.”
“Maybe I’m realizing that each day needs to be lived to its fullest.”
He flipped on his turn signal and headed on the road that took him to his parents’ house. “You don’t talk about your parents often.”
She chuckled, propped her foot up and laid her chin on her knee. Her hair fell over her cheek and she pushed it over her shoulder. “They’re both quick stories. My parents moved to Florida after my dad retired. We haven’t talked much since Rory came into the picture. They didn’t like him.”
“Do you think of your future, Wynn? Do you have a ten-year plan?”
“I don’t have a one-day plan. How about you?”
He laughed. “Hell, that seems like forever from today. I guess I have a few expectations for myself.”
“That’s a generic answer. Come on, divulge your expectations,” she urged.
“Okay. If I can find a woman who can tolerate my career, then I’d like to settle down, have a few kids, grow old with the love of my life.”
She stirred in her seat. “Wow…”
“You didn’t expect that?”
“That’s deep.”
“Love is deep.” He gave her a side-glance. “Can you swim?”
“Laps, yes. Marathons, no.” She smiled.
“A few years back mom and dad built an indoor pool. They swear it helps with arthritis. I thought about taking in a swim while I’m there. You could join me. It’s heated.” He wagged his brows.
“I don’t have a bathing suit.”
He swiped his hand down his whiskered jaw and the rasping sound teased her inner thighs. “I’ll tell you a secret. When I’m alone, I don’t bother wearing trunks.”
“Are you telling me I should go swimming naked?” Why did her heart kick up in speed?
“I won’t tell if you don’t. I promise there are no hidden cameras.”
She laughed. “Are you just trying to get me out of my clothes?”
“I’m busted.” He laughed. “I thought we both needed to unwind.”
There was that grin again. The one that could make her forget that come next week, this could all come to an end.
~~~**~~~
Zander took care of the boxes of items and sent Wynn ahead to enjoy the pool. He heard the splashing of the water before he stepped into the area. He was glad she decided to utilize the pool. He watched her from the doorway as she frolicked in the water. She swam from one end to the other and he hoped the swim relaxed her. She hadn’t admitted that anything was wrong, but he could feel it—could feel the distance. Maybe she was rethinking where they were headed.
Hypnotized, he stared while she raised her body and leaned against the rim to float. He could only stare in admiration. A moan spiraled up his throat and he had to bite his lip to keep the sound from passing and alerting her that she wasn’t alone. The water rippled around her milky white breasts and thick nipples. They were erect and begged for attention…his attention. He envied how the water moved over the pillows, and he wished it were his hands.
Would she deny him if he undressed and joined her, pulled her close and suckled her into orgasm? He would take his time with pleasing her, savoring every soft, womanly curve like a man who’d been without food for weeks.
She moved her legs and the water splashed around her flat stomach and he caught a glimpse of a dark triangle. His mouth watered and his dick pressed against his zipper. Her entire body was weightless as she bobbed. Did she have any idea how beautiful she was? How he ached to hold her, make love to her until they both were sated and exhausted.
Then his world tilted when she rolled over, splashing her feet. Her bottom bounced in the water and he licked his lips, imagining running his tongue over the tight, rounded curves. He needed her—wanted her more than he wanted his next breath.
Nothing on the green earth could have kept him from going to her. With each step that took him closer, his heart beat faster. Sweat beaded his forehead, his heart clamored with a need so strong he could barely catch his breath. His hunger for her became a raging desire to taste her, ravage her. He was already stiffer than he’d ever been before. As he rounded the corner of the pool, she was pulling herself up the ladder and he came face-to-face with the loveliest, most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes upon.
“Zander…” she gasped and started to wrap her arms around her nudity.
He took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the underside of her wrist, where her pulse beat heavy. He looked at her, taking in her bright eyes made brighter with the back drop of her pale skin. “Don’t cover yourself. You’re so amazingly beautiful.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, her cheek, then quickly on the lips. “You tempt me beyond words. If you don’t want this, don’t want me, tell me now.”
CHAPTER 17
WYNN QUIVERED. ALTHOUGH she was completely naked and her skin damp, those weren’t the reasons why she felt weak. The touch of his lips were shocks of electrical jolts. His mouth moved along the line of her neck, pausing to dip his tongue in the well between her collarbones and lower to wrap his warm lips around one torrid nipple. Logic told her she should push him away. Could she give in to the desire knowing what tomorrow would bring? And yet, how could she walk away without experiencing what he had to offer? In twenty years she wouldn’t regret what she did, but rather what she didn’t do, and she didn’t want to live with any regret.
Everything within her screamed to give in to this whirlwind. Allow her body to feel again.
He brought his head up, seizing her in his warm, blue gaze. “Tell me, sweetheart. Do you want this?”
She couldn’t find the word ‘no’. Instead “Yes,” fell off her lips easily.
With a growl, he picked her up into his arms, holding her against his steely frame and he quickly carried her out of the pool room, up the back stairs off the kitchen. With each step he took, she could feel the strong, powerful muscles of his arms, shoulders, and chest clenching with each movement.
They stopped in the darkened hallway and he kicked open the door. Five steps took them to the bed and he deposited her gently on the center. “Where are we?” she asked.
“My childhood room. That bedspread has never been in contact with such a sweet, lovely body.” He flicked on the lamp and the golden light washed over them.
“Come here.” She raised her arms and he slipped into them. “Thank you.”
“For?” He brought his head up, meeting her gaze.
“Being here with me.” She cupped his cheek, enjoying the rasp of his whiskers against her sensitive palm. “Will you make love to me?”
“I’d like that very much.” He gently pressed her back into the mattress. He was a large man and he easily devoured her body, but she felt safe and secure. Zander kissed her neck, her chest, and the tops of her breasts. He brought his head up and she almost giggled at his warrior-like ferocious look. “Oh, sweetheart, am I going to make love to you. I just don’t know if I have the time to do what I wish to do to you.”
“Oh, is that so? Maybe we should put this off—” She started to roll off the bed, but he caught her, dragging her back into his arms.
He rubbed the tip of his nose along her cheek, inhaling deeply as if he wanted to fill his lungs with her scent. All she could do was surrender to him and let his warmth ease over her. But before she could relax completely, she needed to tell him something. “Zander?”
“Hmm?” He didn’t lift
his head, but kissed her breast, rolling his tongue over her engorged nipple.
“I don’t have anything to offer,” as she said the words her chest ached.
He chuckled, and his breath caressed her skin. “No worries, honey. I don’t need money. I have enough of my own.”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” He nibbled her nipple and she squealed, lifting her hips off the mattress only to settle back into the blanket. “I meant promises. I don’t know what tomorrow—or next week—will bring.”
He then lifted his head. “Darlin’, neither one of us know what the future will bring. Each day is a gift. It’s okay sometimes to allow fate to work and just go along with it.”
She wanted to blurt out what happened with Rory, but Zander was right. No one knew what lie ahead for them. She’d allowed Rory to ruin the last three years of her life and she refused to give him one more night. “It’s just…well…my future is uncertain, and any form of commitment is out of the question right now.” How could she explain without revealing too much? She couldn’t bear the thought of Zander’s life being in danger because of her.
“Are you saying you just want…”
Wynn cut his words off by pressing her mouth against his for a quick kiss. “Listen, what I’m saying is let’s just do this—you and me—without worrying about anything but the connection. Okay?”
“Just respect me in the morning, that’s all I ask.” He winked.
She laughed. “Of course, silly.” She kissed the tip of his nose and draped one leg around his hip and scooted her inner thighs across his bulging zipper. “How about we forget small talk and kiss more?”
“I think we’re on the same page.” He nuzzled her chin. “But just so we’re clear, when the time comes that once just isn’t enough for you, I’ll be happy to discuss a long-term plan.” His smile bamboozled its way straight to her heart.
This was exactly what she feared. How could she be in his arms once and not want more and more?
She’d worry about that later. Tonight, she wanted him, wanted to be wanted by him…and she didn’t think that was a problem. Fisting her hand in his hair, she pulled him in for a kiss.
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