Strip Search (Too Hot Too Handle, #3)

by Valentine, Aubree

  Strip Search

  Too Hot Too Handle, Volume 3

  Aubree Valentine

  Published by Aubree Valentine, 2018.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Strip Search (Too Hot Too Handle, #3)

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Epilogue

  Other Books by Aubree Valentine

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Strip Search

  Copyright © 2018 by Aubree Valentine

  All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this book may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any medium, whether electronic, internet or otherwise, without the expressed permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, locations, and names occurring in this book are the product of the author’s imagination, or are the property of their respective owners and are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, or persons (living or dead), is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  All trademarks and trade names are used in a fictitious manner and are in no way endorsed by or an endorsement of their respective owners.

  Contains sexual situations, violence, sensitive and offensive language and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up.

  Cover Design— Mignon Mykel with oh so novel;

  https://www.facebook.com/ohsonovel/

  Cover Photographer – CJC Photography;

  https://www.cjc-photography.com

  Cover Models– Brock Grady and Lauren Summer

  Editing—Jenny Dillion;

  https://www.facebook.com/ratherbereading143

  Prologue

  Cole

  Four Years Ago

  Strumming my fingers on my desk, I look through her resume again.

  Six months post-graduation with a master’s in criminology. No experience outside of her internship. Plus, a phone call from an old Marine buddy cashing in a favor for his baby sister.

  “I think she’s qualified,” Cody, my younger brother pipes in.

  “Of course, you do asshole. Hands off,” I warn him. She’s a gorgeous girl but, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Brown, four years my senior and the man I modeled my Marine career after, would have both our asses if we crossed the line with her. “Stop staring at her like a fucking creeper. Go out there and tell her to come on in.”

  She arrived twenty minutes early for her interview. Cody and I have been sitting here reviewing her paperwork while stealing glances at her through the glass conference room windows. I swear I wasn’t trying to make her nervous, but I am interested in seeing how well she holds herself together. Staying cool under pressure is a must in this job.

  As soon as she walks inside, I stand and offer my hand for her to shake. “Molly Brown, I’m Cole Davenport.” I point to my brother. “This nerd is my baby brother, Cody.”

  “Nice to meet you both. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.” Molly’s voice comes out like a rich velvet.

  Molly takes a seat as Cody, and I sit down across from her, and I notice the way she crosses her legs, her skirt riding up a little higher. The rise and fall of her chest and the slightest hint of cleavage beneath her modest top. Even in her professional best, she’s breathtakingly gorgeous.

  Yep. We’re as good as fucked with this one.

  She’s Paddy’s little sister. My subconscious yells. I try to distract my wayward thoughts by thumbing through her file again. “We’ve had a chance to review your resume. Aside from the lack of field experience, it’s pretty impressive.”

  I’ve reviewed it more than once since I got the call from Paddy and the application from her. So much so that I have it memorized. Top of her class, rave reviews from her peers, the program director, and her internship supervisor.

  “My one concern is...” Before I can finish my statement the office phone rings again. All the more reason why we could use someone to help out in here. Even if Molly is overqualified for the front desk.

  “I got it, go on without me. You know my decision,” Cody excuses himself, pulling the door shut behind him. Like this is even his choice to make. Cole Security is mine alone. I sign his paychecks.

  “Sorry about that. As I was saying, I’m a little concerned about the blank space on this page from after graduation until now.”

  “I’ll be honest with you. It was hard to find work back home. Small town. Lack of experience. Apparently working my ass off in school meant nothing.” She pauses realizing her slip up, she offers an apology.

  “If you’re going to work here, you’re going to hear a lot worse than ‘ass.’” I smile at her.

  “Right, potty-mouthed Marines. Got it.” She tucks a strand of her light brown hair behind her ear, and a slight blush fills her cheeks. “Anyway, I worked my way through college and really hoped my internship would result in a permanent position. As you can see, it did not. So, I did what any responsible twenty-six-year-old would do... I took a sabbatical.” Molly laughs nervously.

  I can’t fight the smile on my face. This girl is something else.

  “You know your brother called me, right?” I smirk.

  Molly rolls her eyes and sighs. “Yes. I figured he would fill you in. Knowing Paddy, he probably threatened you with bodily harm if you didn’t give me the job.”

  I let out a hearty chuckle. “That’s not the only threat we got. But yes. He did. Wouldn’t matter though. I planned to hire you anyway. That’s why we asked you to submit to the background checks and security clearances first. I hate that it’s not for a field ops position, yet...”

  “Doesn’t matter, I’ll take it,” she replies eagerly, not giving me a chance to finish my statement.

  “Do you want to review the pay and benefits first?” I challenge.

  “No offense, but anything is better than what I’ve got now, which is nothing.”

  “Molly, we’ve got to work on your negotiation skills.” I stand. “Welcome to the team.”

  Chapter One

  Cole

  I take another long sip of my beer as I watch Molly out on the dance floor with Logan. She pulls her long hair back in one hand, fanning her face with the other while giggling at something he’s said. Her body never stops moving to the music and with each swag of her hips, my cock begs for attention. Since the minute she walked in tonight in the tiny, strapless, royal blue dress – I haven’t been able to take my eyes off her. Not even Jade, my kind and ever so patient date for the wedding this evening, can hold my attention. Which is really saying something, considering the two of us relieved some pent-up tension when I stopped by her house to pick her up.

  “Here, you look like you need another.” As if on cue, Jade nudges me as she takes her seat beside me at the table, handing me a fresh beer. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t just ask her to be your date,”

  “Last one,” I tell her before popping the top. I’ll be the one driving everyone else home tonight. “And, she’s off limits. I’ve told you that before.”

  I met Jade not long after Zoey and Smitty wo
rked out their shit and became exclusive. One of my last trips to a BDSM club. We left together that night and have been doing this little arrangement ever since. I’ve seen her through a handful of bad breakups, and she’s known about Molly for a while now too, which means she also knows exactly why I can’t cross that line with Molly.

  Jade sighs. “Yeah, you have. And yet, here you are, watching her every move.”

  I tear my gaze away from Molly and purposely turn myself, so Jade has my full attention. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I should be paying attention to you.”

  “Oh, do not turn on the charm now,” she throws her head back and laughs.

  “Charm? The same charm I used to wiggle you out of those barely-there panties earlier?” I wink.

  “I should probably take offense to the fact that every time she makes you hard, you come to me.”

  “Hey now, it’s not every time. And I do believe, you’ve done the same to me.” I know she has and it doesn’t bother me one bit. Probably because in the end, we’re both using each other.

  “Oh, I certainly have. That’s why this all works so well.” Jade takes a sip of her mixed drink and continues, “Having someone you can trust, that can fulfill your needs without all that commitment? It’s pretty perfect.”

  Lonely, need to get laid? Call on each other. Need a date for an event? Call on each other. Want someone to go to a movie or just the comfort of a warm body? You get the picture. There’s never been anything more than that, aside from a friendship. Jade’s right. It works out perfectly. All the fun without all the other work that goes into a relationship.

  “Oooh, don’t look now, but she’s headed our way with her dance partner.”

  I don’t even have a chance to look over my shoulder, I know the minute Molly sits down in her seat on the opposite side of me.

  “I’m going to go get a water,” I stand abruptly, trying to avoid her for a little longer. “Can I get anyone anything?”

  “I’ll go with you, I think I’m going to grab a beer,” Logan chimes in. “Molly, can I get you anything?”

  “I’m good. Thanks, Logan.” Her sweet voice makes me wish it was my name on her lips.

  Jade looks at me and snickers from behind her glass. “I’m good, too.”

  At the bar, I look over at Logan while we wait for our drinks. “She’s off limits,” I warn with a growl.

  “Relax. It was one dance. I’m not interested.” Logan doesn’t even flinch, I’ll give him that.

  “Does she know that? Because she seemed to be really enjoying herself out there.”

  “Listen, you did me a solid. I appreciate you hooking me up with Smitty and essentially helping me get a job on the police force down here. I’m also well aware of the unspoken bro-code rule. A word of advice though? I’m pretty sure, Molly would appreciate it if you stopped marking her like a dog whenever another guy so much as looks at her. Your date for the evening probably feels the same.”

  Ah, and now I see exactly why this kid drives Smitty crazy sometimes. “Pretty ballsy remarks, Marine.”

  “I’m nothing if not observant, Sir. As a fellow Marine, I respect you, you know that. But, I’m not one to beat around the bush.” He grabs his beer and tips the bartender, “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to enjoy my beer and have a good time. You should try to do the same, instead of brooding over Molly.”

  ~*~

  Molly

  I don’t know why I’m surprised that I’m ending the night at the table alone. Cody ran off with his date about an hour ago, and Cole disappeared a few minutes ago with Jade. I’m pretty sure those two are in the bathroom fucking if I had to guess. And while he agreed to be my ride home tonight, I’m not sure I want to be stuck in the car with the two of them after their fuck fest.

  “You’re still hanging around?” Logan’s voice startles me.

  I barely know the guy, but he seems pretty cool. Our paths have crossed a few times when all the guys have gotten together, and Kelsey or Zoey invite me as well. And he happened to be my saving grace tonight. Without his kindness, Rhys and Kelsey’s wedding could have been awkward and a little boring.

  “Yep. You know, who can turn down wedding cake? Am I right?” I laugh and set my fork down. I’m almost embarrassed by the fact that I’m sitting here alone, stuffing my face.

  “It was pretty good cake,” he smiles and takes a seat next to me. “I’m getting ready to head out but wanted to see if you needed a lift back to your place.”

  Oh god, is he...he can’t possibly be asking what I think he is.

  Shit. I’m so bad at this kind of thing.

  “Logan, I appreciate your kindness tonight but, I’m not looking for a hook-up.”

  He lets out a chuckle, “Molly, no offense, I’m not looking for a hook up either. I’m simply trying to be a gentleman and make sure that the pretty lady who kept me away from the thirsty single ladies all night, has a way home before I go. That’s all.”

  Interesting. As ridiculous as it sounds, I’m a little mortified and suddenly feeling a bit unattractive as well. Stupid, considering I turned him down in the first place.

  “Sorry. I’m really sorry for assuming.” I fumble over my words in embarrassment.

  “No apologies needed. Now, is that a yes or a no?” He teases.

  I consider telling him, no, but when Cole remerges with a disheveled Jade on his arms, I change my mind. “You know what, a ride back to my place would be great. Thank you for offering.”

  Cole eyes both of us as we head for the exit, brushing past the two of them.

  “Going somewhere?” He grumbles.

  “Home. I’m feeling pretty tired and Logan offered, so I’m going to head out. Wouldn’t want to stop you from having fun and all that,” I say, a little too dramatically.

  Logan coughs out a laugh beside me. “I promise to take care of her.”

  “Watch yourself. Both of you,” Cole warns.

  Ever the gentleman, Logan helps me into his truck once we reach the parking lot. I nearly jump out of my skin when he climbs inside and starts it up. The sounds of Luke Bryan blast through the speakers loud enough to nearly bust my eardrums and I can’t help the fit of giggles that ensues.

  “Really? I hadn’t pictured you as a Luke Bryan fan.” I fight back another laugh.

  He quickly turns the radio down, “Ha, ha. It’s the local country station. I prefer my music loud, but I certainly was not rocking out to Luke. Sorry to disappoint you.”

  “So, my condo, is off Route 27, Waterbrook.”

  “I know right where that’s at,” he makes a left out of the parking lot and heads toward the main road.

  Silence fills the cab of the truck briefly before he pipes up again.

  “So, does Cole know you’ve got feelings for him?”

  “What? Are you serious right now?” I’m stunned and can’t help but wonder how this guy has figured it out so quickly when Cole seems nothing but oblivious.

  “Don’t worry, Molly. I won’t tell anyone your secret.” He smirks.

  The venue for Rhys and Kelsey’s wedding wasn’t far from my place so the drive is a short one. When Logan pulls into the parking lot, I’m not expecting him to actually park and shut off his truck – let alone walk me to my door.

  “You don’t have to do this.” I try to stop him.

  “Not a chance I’d let you, or any other lady, walk to her door alone.” He follows a few steps behind and keeps his distance as I unlock my door.

  Once I’ve got my front door open, I turn around and face him. “Thank you for everything tonight. It was nice not feeling so alone.”

  “You’re welcome,” he gives me a shy smile.

  There’s a tiny pang in my chest because he has been so kind, and any woman would be lucky to have him. That woman isn’t me though.

  Chapter Two

  Molly

  Cole Security - the place I’ve called home for the last four years.

  As I pull into the parking lot this morning,
I take a look at the building before me. When I started, our office was part of a strip mall. Two years ago, Cole bought this building, four stories tall, and expanded his operations to include his own monitoring center for his clients who have a home or office security system from him. Employee count more than tripled, and Cole started taking on more private sector work.

  And I’m still here.

  Receptionist, client liaison, research assistant, and backup support for the whole team. It was when we moved her that Cole and his little brother Cody started training me for field work, but I’ve yet to be called on to handle anything outside of the office. Something that I’ve craved more, with each passing day.

  I would be lying if I said that I haven’t been looking elsewhere. The dream has always been to work with the FBI, DEA, or some other bigger organization at the federal level. This job was only supposed to be a stop along my way.

  Don’t get me wrong, these guys are great. Cole knows his stuff, and I have learned a lot from being here. But I want more, I want to know the thrill of working on a case, tracking down a criminal and putting him behind bars. Bringing justice to the community.

  That’s not the only thing that has me itching to get out of here. Something else has changed too.

  My feelings for Cole.

  At first, it was no big deal. He was my boss, and I was his employee. The lines started to blur around the time Cole, and Cody helped me move out of my first apartment and into the condo I bought, three years ago, when I decided that no matter what, I would make Tallahassee my home base.

  That night, after we’d brought in the last of my things and most of my furniture was put back together, we ordered pizzas and tossed back a few beers. When the boys left, Cole pulled me in for a hug and congratulated me on becoming a homeowner. It was with that hug that I felt a shift, the attraction between us sparked.

  A knock on my car window pulls me back to the present. Looking up, Cole’s ice blue eyes are staring right at me.

  He’s dressed in his usual faded jeans and a plain blue t-shirt that just so happens to showcase his very solid torso and strong arms. I can tell he rode the Harley to work today, based on his disarrayed hair that he likely tried to fix with his fingers when he arrived. He’s every woman's fantasy come to life, especially mine.