Fighting Redemption: A Small Town Romantic Suspense (Texas SWAT Book 1)

by Sidney Bristol

“I know.” She sighed.

  Alex stared down at the top of her head. He wanted to touch her hair, run his fingers through it, but he hadn’t. She’d permitted him this one privilege of holding her, but that didn’t mean she’d allow him anything else. He couldn’t put his finger on the exact moment, but somewhere in the last two hours there’d been a shift between them. Jenna had relaxed, they’d cracked a few jokes, and the mood changed. It was easy.

  He had the oddest urge to kiss the top of her head. It wasn’t the first place he’d like to kiss, but right now it was a gesture that played on repeat in his mind. Running his fingers through her hair, kissing the top of her head and giving her a little squeeze.

  Tomorrow she would no doubt treat him like another of the guys who flirted shamelessly. Not that he’d join their ranks. They needed to maintain professionalism, but damn it, he wanted to be the one she smiled at, who made her cheeks turn pink.

  “Oh, no, no, no. That’s not how it works.” She flung her hand at the TV and propped her chin on his chest, driving the point into his muscle.

  He winced and stroked her back as Genghis peered up at them, eyeing the couch with sadness. Usually the big dog got the run of the place, but Jenna had displaced him. Good thing the dog seemed as smitten with her as he was.

  The show’s credits began to roll with a sneak peek at the next episode. The reruns would be on for the next couple of hours, should she feel like taking out her frustrations on the fictitious cops.

  Jenna sighed and muted the TV off. Inwardly he groaned. It was creeping past one in the morning, but he’d gladly stay here all night if she wanted him to.

  She sat up and glanced sideways at him.

  “Sorry, I’ve become a bit of an insomniac lately.”

  “The job doesn’t help,” he replied.

  “No, it doesn’t, but it’s better since I’ve been on day shift.” She stretched and the hem of her shirt came up just enough for him to glimpse a bit of skin. “I’ll get out of your way and at least try to sleep.”

  “You should get some rest.” It was the right thing to say even if he selfishly wanted to sit up with her.

  “I know, and now I’m keeping you up. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “You’re really great, ya know that?” Her smile was small, but it was all for him.

  “Nah, just right place right time. Anyone would have done it.”

  Jenna nodded and stepped over Genghis. He held his breath as she stepped into his guest room and disappeared. Tomorrow was going to be hell.

  He glanced at the little notebook he’d given her. Tomorrow would also begin his investigation started. Alex might not be a detective, but he had almost fifteen years on the job. If nothing else, he could prove there was a basis for an investigation. But not tonight.

  Alex stood and slapped his leg. Genghis jumped to his feet and bounded down the hall, through the kitchen and to the back door. He let the dog outside one last time before retreating to his room with the notebook to review it while the mental image of her place was still fresh in his mind. He flipped through a few pages, skimming her notes. Jenna’s handwriting was neat, precise, and she had a knack for compressing details into as few words as possible.

  Nothing grabbed his attention, so he stuck it with his gear and headed for the bathroom. The two bedroom, one bathroom rental was nice for just him and his dog, but with two people it was going to be a juggling act. Jenna’s door was still closed and the light on. He ducked into the bathroom and plucked his toothbrush from the cup.

  Damn, he could use a shave. His five o'clock shadow was coming in hard. It was no surprise Jenna had thought him an attacker earlier—he looked like one.

  As if his thoughts summoned her, Jenna stepped into the doorway and froze. She’d changed into purple pajama pants with little white flowers on them and a purple tank-top. She had a small bag clutched to her chest and her hair was piled on top of her head.

  “Oh, sorry, I’ll come back,” she said in a rush.

  “I can share.” He scooted sideways and grabbed the toothpaste. His stomach rolled. He was no better than her stalker. Not only had he held her, but now he wanted to glimpse some part of her normal life? He really had to get it together.

  “Okay.” She set the little tote on the counter and unzipped it. “Mittens has taken over the closet. Hope you don’t have anything in there you need.”

  “Nothing important.”

  She pulled out a package of what looked like fancy towelettes and swiped them across her face. He slowed the speed of his brushing, fascinated even by Jenna washing her face.

  Tomorrow and the days following would be hard. For a few brief moments he’d let himself taste what having Jenna as his might be like. Truth was he enjoyed it too much. Damn, he had to rein it in. His thoughts and these little allowed behaviors were a break of trust.

  Jenna needed support, not someone with their own agenda. He had to pack his desires down tight and keep it professional. Because the last thing she needed was him.

  “Where’s the trashcan?” Jenna had let her arms drop as she glanced around.

  Fuck. She wasn’t wearing a bra. Her nipples had pebbled and the tank top wasn’t thick enough to hide them.

  He pointed to the ground next to the counter and stared at his own reflection as she scooted past him. Her hand slid across his back and her knee bumped his. He’d never thought of the rectangle bathroom as small, but the close confines were hell on his control.

  She tossed the towelette into the trash before slithering back to the spot she’d taken up as hers. An odd little vial and bottle were her next withdrawn items. She squirted liquid in the vial and once more he watched with rapt attention as she plucked a contact from her eye and placed it in a basket that lowered into the liquid.

  “I didn’t know you wore contacts,” he said. That wasn’t in her file.

  “What? Something you don’t know?” Jenna glanced at him and chuckled. “I’ve worn lenses most of my life. The optometrist gave my parents hell about putting an eleven-year-old in contacts but I broke so many glasses it was cheaper.”

  He turned on the tap and washed his mouth out. Much more brushing and he’d rub his gums raw. By the time he was done, Jenna had on a pair of thick, lime green frames. He actually liked the way they featured the green of her eyes, making them look even more exotic.

  “Don’t say it.” She wagged her fingers at him.

  “Say what?” He wiped droplets of water off with the back of his hand. There was a towel around here, but he couldn’t tear his gaze from her.

  “Four eyes, specky, poindexter.”

  He scowled. Sure, kids might be that mean but he was an adult.

  “You have pretty eyes. The glasses bring the green out more.”

  “Oh.” She blinked a couple of times. “Thanks. I picked them because they were bright and cheerful. My army issue ones were these awful, thick black things that were not made for a woman’s face.”

  He had to stop these observations, but something about the weight of the frames made her face look more refined and a bit more angular. It was her same face, but the glasses highlighted something besides her mouth, which had admittedly been his focus as of late. He just couldn’t get the idea of kissing her out of his head.

  She put her contacts away and produced a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. He could squeeze by her and give her the run of the bathroom which would be the most polite thing to do, but he found he’d lost the ability to move.

  “It’s a shame. I think I like you better in glasses.” He clamped his lips shut. What he liked didn’t matter.

  Jenna tilted her head to the side and smiled. He loved that look on her face, not that he had any business loving anything about her, but he couldn’t help it. She was Jenna.

  She washed out her mouth, and he shifted his weight from foot to foot. Maybe he should have excused himself.

  “Think they’d look good with my helmet?” She leaned a hip agains
t the bathroom counter. The front of her tank top was splashed with water, drawing his attention once more to her breasts—he was not supposed to be looking at.

  “They might stand out. I’d probably have to nix those as Team Leader.”

  “Oh, come on, if I look good in them they’re worth it, right?”

  “You look just fine in anything you wear.”

  Danger. Danger. Shut the fuck up.

  “You think so?” Jenna asked.

  “Sure.” Alex shrugged and eyed the hall behind her. He did not want to become yet another of the guys who flirted with her. This was not a line of talk that needed to continue.

  “You sure know the way to give a girl a compliment.”

  What was that supposed to mean? Had he fucked up? Said the wrong thing?

  Jenna studied him, her gaze roving over his face with an intensity he imagined only those who screwed up or those grievously injured got to see.

  What should he apologize for?

  Jenna took two small steps and flattened her palm against his chest. He stared at her, unable to puzzle out the inner workings of her mind. She wasn’t a suspect, he had no idea what she’d do next, the rules of engagement were entirely different.

  She lifted up on tip-toe, her gaze on his mouth.

  No.

  All the reasons this shouldn’t happen shot through his brain faster than he could process them and make a choice.

  Jenna leaned against him, pressing her breasts to his chest and set her mouth to his.

  This was a bad idea. And yet, how many times had he imagined kissing Jenna?

  Despite knowing better, he placed his hands on her hips and let his head tilt to the left. Her lips moved, teasing him. The voice telling him, No, was swiftly drowned out.

  He pulled her closer until he could feel the heat from her body. The frames of her glasses hit his cheek. Her arms looped around his neck, one hand cupping his head as she arched her back. He parted his lips, tasting the mint of her toothpaste. She groaned as he swiped his tongue along the seam of her lips. Her mouth opened, yielding to him. He drank her in, wanting all of her at once. As he thrust his tongue into her mouth, she groaned again and her nails pressed gently into his skin.

  The sound of her desire was the sweetest thing he’d ever heard.

  Except, this wasn’t desire for him. It was a case of right place, right time, and if he didn’t stop this now, chances were she’d hate him tomorrow. As much as it killed him, Alex stepped back. Her lips were glossy and wet. She swayed slightly, pressing her hands against his shoulders.

  This fucking sucked.

  “Sorry, I shouldn’t...” He stammered a few more incoherent words. “It’s been a long night. Things will be clearer in the morning.”

  What the hell was that supposed to mean? He had no idea, and from the way her brows drew down and she blinked at him neither did she.

  5.

  JENNA STRODE DOWN THE bustling halls of the Emergency Department, a bounce to her step she hadn’t felt in a while. Despite the agonizing half hour it had taken her to doze off, she’d slept without budging until her alarm went off. It was a blessing. For a few hours she hadn’t obsessed over what was going on at her house. Instead, she had a new thought on refrain.

  Why had she kissed Alex? Why? Why? Why?

  She could hardly focus on anything, which was why she was taking a break to go visit a particular patient. Her work needed her full attention and she couldn’t deliver that if her focus kept slipping to the memories of Alex’s hot, hard body and the way—for the briefest moment—he’d actually kissed her back like he wanted her.

  She turned the corner and walking down the hall, wearing the blue uniform that looked as if it had been molded just for his body—was Alex Myers.

  Oh, no...

  Jenna glanced right, then left, but the only escape was back the way she’d come. Ransom was small enough they were going to see each other, eventually. Might as well get this over with.

  She felt the weight of his gaze and her stomach knotted up with a whole new kind of dread. They hadn’t said much to each other this morning. After an op and a late night, it had been a pretty rough wake-up call.

  She remained rooted to where she stood, watching Alex stride toward her. He passed the patient rooms and kept coming until he almost barreled over her. He stopped with less than a foot of space between them, his gaze boring into her skull.

  This was torture. Maybe she’d had a previous life and done something awful to deserve this, or perhaps fate was simply a cruel bitch.

  “I went over your notes,” he said, pitching his voice low.

  Right. Her stalker. How could she forget?

  “Yeah?”

  “I want to photograph everything so we can prove your belongings are disappearing.”

  “Oh. Right. You’d mentioned wanting to do that. I’m not off until six though.”

  “I can wait until then, or do it on my own.”

  And miss getting to ogle Alex in his uniform? Probably better if she didn’t torment herself.

  “About last night...” Alex opened and closed his mouth.

  “Let’s not talk about it. Please.” She held up her hands and side-stepped Alex.

  “I just think—” He kept his voice low, following close on her heels, but she wasn’t interested in what he thought.

  “Stop thinking.” She knocked on the patient door and tilted her head.

  “Come in,” a man called.

  “Trevor, hey.” Jenna pasted a bright smile on her face as she stepped into the small room with the other police officer and fellow SWAT member.

  Trevor stood next to the examination table, fiddling with his shirt collar. He grinned at them and the stitched up gash on his forehead wrinkled. He winced and brushed his fingers across his temple.

  “Oh, don’t touch it,” Jenna scolded.

  “I’m not. Damn things pull. Sergeant.” Trevor extended his hand to Alex and threw his left arm around Jenna’s shoulders, giving her a quick squeeze.

  Though most of the guys did flirt with her, it was harmless. Trevor was the exception—things between them were downright ridiculous. If she’d ever had a brother—it would have been Trevor. There’d never been sparks for either of them, and he’d been a good friend to her when she didn’t have many left.

  She did not miss the glare Alex speared Trevor with. What the hell?

  “Dropping by to rub my nose in it?” Trevor asked, glancing from Jenna to Alex.

  “I don’t even know what happened.” She pulled away and turned her back toward Alex. If he didn’t want to kiss her, that was fine, but having an opinion on who she was close with was none of his business.

  “Oh man. You’re going to love his.” Trevor rolled his eyes. “I got called out for a drunk and disorderly in the park. Guy was wasted, half naked on the tire swing and all the summer soccer moms were calling on their way to some tournament they’re having at the bottom of the hill. So I get out there and have to haul this guy off the swing. I don’t know, but he sort of fell off. The tire came up and hit me right here.” He pointed to the bottom of the gash. “Must have hit one of the rings because it tore me pretty good. Guy started screaming and freaking out. Guess he has a thing about blood. Partner couldn’t get him into the car until I promised not to get in with them, so here I am.”

  Jenna clapped her hand over her mouth. Trevor wasn’t going to live this one down.

  “Kiss it and make it better?” Trevor bent at the waist and pointed to the gash.

  “No way.” She laughed, but had no intention of kissing anything attached to Trevor. Ever.

  “Come on, it’ll feel better.”

  “Do you know how unsanitary that is?”

  “My momma used to kiss all my booboos and make them better. Just a little kiss, Doc?”

  “No.” She was laughing so hard her vision blurred.

  “She said no, Trevor, cut it out,” Alex snapped.

  Both Trevor and Jenna stopped
laughing and stared at Alex. Had Mittens peed in his cereal that morning? What right did he have to be pissy with her?

  “I think we should leave,” Jenna said slowly. She turned toward Trevor once more. “I bet they’ll be around to release you pretty soon. I’ll check on you later, okay?”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  Trevor’s gaze was still on Alex. He had on that puzzling it out expression complete with frown and brow wrinkle. With the stitches the look was particularly worrisome. Jenna needed out of there before Trevor started asking questions. She didn’t want to intermingle the professional and personal parts of her life, which meant she needed to lay some things straight for Alex. He thought he had some sort of right to be a possessive dick just because they’d kissed? Not going to fly.

  Jenna turned and Alex had two choices: let her walk straight into him, or leave ahead of her. He saved her the awkwardness of face-planting against his chest and exited in front of her.

  “Bye, Trevor.” She gave him a little wave before following close on Alex’s heels.

  Alex continued to ignore her. He treated her like a responsibility. He rejected her. And now he wanted to censure her?

  She couldn’t wait until there weren’t ears around to hear.

  He walked with long, purposeful strides toward a side entrance. She had to walk in double time to keep up, all the while glaring daggers at his back. He held the door for her and didn’t seem surprised she was still on his tail. Neither spoke all the way to his cruiser.

  By the time they reached the relative privacy of the small section of parking spots reserved for law enforcement, her anger was boiling over.

  “What the hell was that about?” she demanded.

  Alex wheeled, his expression equally as fierce.

  “We need some damn professionalism. Guys like Trevor are eroding the integrity of our team. All the flirting and joking. They need to treat you with some respect.”

  She stared at him.

  Respect? Integrity? Professionalism?

  Yeah. Fucking. Right.

  He couldn’t throw around big business words when this was about them. What had happened last night.

  “Since when did you become my fierce protector?” She crossed her arms over her chest. What the hell had gotten into Alex?