She nodded. “I gathered that.” Though he’d been as secretive about it as a Russian spy with herpes.
“I’m sorry to say I haven’t had a bit of success.”
She bit back a disappointed huff. “So do you think it’s hopeless?”
He paused, his face thoughtful. “I have one more idea.”
“You do?”
He nodded as his gentle smile returned. “I’d like to discuss it with you tonight over dinner.” He gestured toward the bikes. “So where will it be, Miranda? Wyoming or the North Georgia mountains for the weekend with me?”
She stared at him.
“Would you prefer Myrtle Beach?”
She didn’t know what to say.
His Magnum-gray gaze shot straight through her with such emotion, her heart broke. “I love you, Miranda.”
Her breath caught. He’d said it. He said he loved her and she didn’t blow up or want to run away. This was progress.
She looked into that wonderful face and saw wisdom, courage, compassion. She closed her eyes, trying not to cry, not knowing what to say to him. Yes, she wanted to go away with him.
A lump caught in her throat and suddenly she knew for sure. She loved him, too. Truly loved him.
But she couldn’t say it. Not yet. How could she let him know before it was too late?
Then she knew that, too.
She opened her eyes. “We can’t go yet. I left your ring upstairs.”
His eyes twinkled with a knowing smile. “No, you didn’t.” He reached in his pocket and held it out to her.
The sneaky sleuth must have picked it up as they left the bedroom.
She took it from his hand, watched its brilliant blue sapphires and diamonds blaze with fire. It was a beautiful, sincere token of love. Of trust. “I’m not sure I can wear this yet.”
He cocked his head. “What if I buy you a chain so that you can wear it around your neck?”
“Like going steady?”
He shrugged. “Something like that.”
She bit her lip and wrinkled her nose. “That would be just too high school.”
“Well, then?”
Face your fears, Dr. Wingate said. It was now or never. Sucking in her breath, she slipped the ring on her finger. It seemed to glow even brighter.
Parker grinned with delight. “Easier than leaping from a ledge in a barn or taking a bullet in the arm, wasn’t it?”
“Just a little.” She stared down in wonder at the dazzling jewels gracing her hand. Then she wagged a finger at him. “But this doesn’t mean you own me.”
He laughed out loud. “No one could ever own you, Miranda.” He turned the key on the cycle, revved the motor, tempting her beyond endurance.
She picked up her duffle bag, opened the compartment under the seat of the red bike, and stuffed it inside. Then she hopped on, slapped on the helmet, and switched on the engine. It hummed like a tiger, thrilling her almost as much as the thought of a night with Parker in the North Georgia mountains.
She turned the throttle and cozied up beside him. “C’mon, Parker. I’ll race you to Peachtree.”
“No racing,” he laughed. After Parker donned his own helmet and lowered the garage door with the remote, they headed down the drive. “We both need to stay in one piece for what I have in mind tonight.”
Hmm. Until they got on the open road, she thought, slyly.
As they turned onto Sweet Hollow Lane, Miranda wondered, with a thrill, what exactly he had in mind. Her stomach quivered with anticipation. And as they glided under the big green oaks rustling in the summer breeze, she also couldn’t help wondering what adventures a life with Parker might bring her.
The only way to find out was to give it a try.
Giving the throttle some juice, she sped up and inched past him for just a moment. Then, relishing the feel of the wind against her face, she settled in at his side.
###
Dear Reader,
Wow, that was intense.
So Miranda came through and saved the day. And Parker. That willingness to risk her neck came in handy that time.
Looks like she’s still got her job at the Parker Agency. As well as Parker’s heart.
But what about Miranda’s daughter, Amy?
In the next book, Parker pursues his idea to find her long lost child. Unfortunately, it means Miranda has to return home and relive some painful memories.
And then she finds a body in a wall.
There’s a new killer on the loose, and he’s just discovered how much he enjoys murdering women.
Can Miranda and Parker stop him before it’s too late?
Or will she be his next victim?
You’ll want to find out, because this is a story you won’t be able to put down.
Get it now.
Forever Mine (A Miranda and Parker Mystery) #3
Thanks,
Linsey Lanier
Copyright © 2011 Linsey Lanier
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Thank you for respecting the author’s work and helping her earn a living.
Edited by
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Delicious Torment Page 34
