“Tell me if I’m asking too many questions, but who helps you read your mail?”
“Kora helps several times a week, but most of my correspondence is done online by automatic pay. Mason might have been involved in criminal activity, but the program he created and installed for me has really been a help with my business. I’ve been thinking…has he done computer work for other people? Maybe he’s hidden information on another computer.”
“I thought about that too, but he didn’t do computer work or own Delta. It’s a program that is offered through a company I found online and easily installed. He was good with technology, but more on scamming techniques.”
“I feel like an idiot.”
“Don’t. That was his business and you were an easy target.”
“Sheesh. Now you understand why I have the trust issue.”
“I think you’re pretty damn alert on things going on around you. I find it fascinating how you rely on your sense of smell and touch. I would be knocking everything over, but you are graceful. I have a feeling you could be in a room with a hundred people and find the person you’re looking for.”
“Everyone I know has a different scent. I would have never thought much about a person’s personal scent when I had sight and I’ve gotten pretty good about smells. Now, that’s not saying I haven’t been mixed up before. Once, Kora and I were at a gathering and she was wearing her signature perfume. It just so happened another guest wore the same one. That usually isn’t a problem because skin oils slightly change the underlying aroma, but I had been under the weather with a head cold a week before. I made a fool of myself when I told a stranger that she should stop eyeing the asses of all the single men in the room. I’m lucky I’m still invited to parties.”
“How about me? Do I have my own scent that sets me apart?”
“Yes.” She shifted, feeling her cheeks warm. Why did this subject feel so intimate? “You use a spice-scented soap that has tea tree oil. Not enough to be overbearing, but just a slight after thought that teases the nostrils. You don’t wear cologne and I believe that’s because when you’re sneaking up on someone, you don’t want the smell to give you away. Your utility belt is made of genuine leather because I can hear the chafing. You don’t have your gun on your hip right now. The way the metal rubs makes a distinct sound. When you’re saying something that’s awkward, you prelude the sentence with a clearing of your throat. You work a lot with your hands because you have calluses.” Realizing she’d lost track, she cleared her throat.
“Wow. I might just be a little self-conscious now.”
“Don’t be. I like you’re smell.” Gosh, what is wrong with me? What person said that to another? “I’ve decided I’d like to go to Jamie’s wedding, that is if your offer still stands.”
“Sure. When is it?”
“This weekend.”
“What should I wear?”
“Do you have a suit?”
“Yeah, I think I have one in my closet.”
She turned her head in his direction. “Can I touch you?”
His fork dinged off his plate. “Huh?”
“Although I think I have a fairly good idea what you look like, I’m not entirely sure. If you’re going to pretend to be my date for the evening I think I should at least know what you look like. I promise, it’ll be fairly painless.”
“Okay. Where do you want me?”
“Come closer and lean in.” He did and she lifted her hands. He caught her by surprise when he helped her by leading her fingers to his face. Swallowing against the constriction in her throat, she realized she’d never been this nervous touching someone’s face. Starting at his forehead, which was neither too small or too large, she smoothed the tips of her forefingers along the thin creases. In the way of a man’s forehead she’d guess it was just right. Gliding her fingers between his brows, she touched the bridge of his nose, feeling the bump. “When did you break your nose?”
“When I was in the Navy. During a routine exercise.”
The skin on his high cheekbones was smooth, but his jaw had a layer of whiskers and rasped her fingers. Her fingers continued exploring the new territory of masculine curves, and he didn’t stop her. This was more exciting than a new novel. Or a decadent dessert. On occasion, she and Kora would go to new restaurants just to try their desserts. Considering she could no longer watch movies, she had to find entertainment using her other senses.
Holding her breath, she brushed the tips of her short nails along the thick chord of his neck, stopping at the hammering beat of his pulse. Or was it her own? They seemed to beat in unison. Her nipples tingled and hardened, and she was a bit embarrassed to respond like she did. His breath hissed from his lungs and he grasped her wrists, his thumbs caressing her palms that seemed directly linked to her inner thighs. Never had she been so excited, so desperate, for a man. She wanted him to kiss her, but wasn’t brazen enough to ask.
~~~**~~~
Phoenix gnawed his teeth like he was chewing on beef jerky. Although Ria couldn’t see him, he felt like she could see straight into his soul which made him feel dangerously vulnerable. Did she know how hard his body grew? She was lovely, every part of her—from the tip of her head to her toes, although he hadn’t been lucky enough to see them. Her silken hair lay in loose waves around her cheeks, one tendril branched out and teased the corner of her mouth making his tongue jealous. He was mesmerized how her fuller bottom lip was a perfect color of pale rose and trembled ever so slightly. At the bow of her top lip there was a tiny freckle and a few scattered across her upturned nose. The delicate curve of her creamy white neck and collarbones with a deep hollow seemed to beckon him to sample a taste. The tops of her firm breasts that lifted with each shaky breath lured him. He could see the hard outline of her nipples under the thin shirt and it triggered a desperation in him that made breathing difficult.
Her gentle touch continued, caressing his face, exploring him with a gentle curiosity. He’d never had a touch so spellbinding, sending him through an ocean of desire. He wanted to kiss her. Oh hell, how he wanted to, but he was held by the invisible arms of uncertainty, something he couldn’t quite understand. When he’d been overwhelmed with such need, he usually tumbled over himself to relieve it, but Ria was different. She lured him so easily into her silken web, and he would go like a starving man to heaven’s buffet.
And because he wanted her so badly, enough that he’d crawl across a bed of nails to have her, he knew it was worth waiting for.
Pushing back his chair, the feet scraping the floor, he watched her hands drop to her lap. An expression of confusion marred her beautiful features, the wonderful curiosity gone. Hell, what could he say so she’d understand his turmoil? The last thing he wanted was to feel as if he took advantage of her.
“I-I thought you’d kiss me.” The soft whimper to her voice drove through him and he tore a hand through his hair.
“And I want to kiss you,” he admitted. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—lie to her.
“But?” One corner of her mouth dipped into a frown.
Closing his eyes, he steadied his breath, but all he could think about was how her lips would feel on his, how good she’d feel in his arms when he drew her close. Opening his eyes, he stared at her a good long second, willing himself to dig deep for chains of control. “I’m supposed to be taking care of you,” he poured out the words on an exhale. Instantly he knew he’d said something wrong because her mouth twisted. “Not the right answer?”
“I don’t need a sitter, Phoenix. I’ve had enough of those since the accident. My parents. My sister. A man who only stuck around out of obligation. I need someone who can see outside of my disability and realize I’m a woman with needs just like any other female.”
“Sweetheart—”
“Don’t sweetheart me, please. I don’t want to be coddled. If you don’t want to kiss me then don’t, but please don’t use excuses.”
He blew out a frustrated moan. “This is heading south.”<
br />
“You think?”
“Look, Ria. I understand you’ve had a man who convinced you that men can’t see beyond the fact that you’re blind, or they only see you as someone who needs taken care of, but—”
She stood, crossing her arms over her chest. “And you’ve had a woman who left you for another man. Can you tell me that a part of you doesn’t mistrust all women because of her?”
“Yeah, I do…or at least I did.”
The ringing of his phone interrupted what he’d wanted—no needed—to say to her. Irritated, he jerked the phone from his pocket. “I have to get this.” He stabbed the ‘talk’ button. “Cade here.”
“Yikes, sorry to bother you,” Deputy Holloway said.
“No, it’s okay. What’s up?”
“We found one of Tammy’s friends. You said you wanted to be updated if we got any new information.”
“I’ll be there ASAP.” He shut off his phone. “Can you be ready to leave in five, Ria?”
She nodded. “How about three?”
CHAPTER 9
THE MAN SAT behind the desk looking through a cloud of cigar smoke. “What did I tell you? No witnesses,” he growled.
“And I didn’t think we had any,” Snake bellowed.
“You were wrong.” The man dropped his beefy fist on top of the newspaper, knocking a pencil holder over.
“It’s no biggie. She didn’t see us.” Snake reached inside his pocket and pulled out an orange.
With a raw cackle, the man sat back in the chair and took a long drag from his expensive cigar. “Maybe I’ve hired the wrong man to do the job. I’ve paid you good money to take care of my problem, and so far this has become a circus.”
“We killed Cox and the bitch. That’s what you wanted. The list is gone. Now that he’s dead it won’t matter.”
Snuffing out the cigar in the crystal ashtray, he planted his palms on the desk, then stood up, nailing Snake with his pensive stare, refusing the crippling need to wrap his hands around the man’s scrawny, tattooed neck. “Listen, Snake, you were supposed to find and bring the list to me. Now it’s in the hands of that Sheriff. The blind girl is gone. And we’re fucked because everyone on that list is breathing down my neck because they have deputies asking questions. This is a shit mess and even I can’t make it magically disappear.” He slowly rounded the desk, picking off a piece of lint from his designer jacket. “My wife’s been nagging me to retire. Why the fuck don’t I? I like being in control. I’m greedy. Do you have any clue what it’s like to be the string master of an operation that works? Having a new pussy at my fingertips and providing that luxury to others? And I thought you were smarter, but I see you’re about as dumb as a kakapo. Let me fill you in. Cox didn’t have the brains of a bird, my friend. He would have been very useful to me if he’d been willing. His talent could have lined my pockets, but he was dangerous. The list doesn’t mean shit, but he’d played his hand well. How did Cade get his hands on it? I’ll tell you how. The sum’bitch Cox hid it on the blind girl’s computer. Did you even think about that as a possibility? Fuck no you didn’t because you have shit for brains.”
“How the fuck was I supposed to know?” Snake threw the orange peel into the trashcan.
“Where are the pictures? You were told to find the evidence and you failed.” He gripped the edge of the desk. “There are two important things here and you should pay close attention. I’ve been called a patient man, a hero in fact, but I’d like to consider myself more of a savior. A man who protects many from the restraints of the law. I understand that sometimes a man must make decisions that aren’t easy. To protect people, and his money, a man must be willing to sacrifice for the greater good. I thought we had that understanding. I don’t like messy. When things get messy I get angry and no one likes it when I’m unhappy. I can make or break your world including the life of that measly, punk brother of yours who should have his addicted ass in prison.” He reached across his desk, picked up a pencil and tapped it against his palm. “Men like you come and go. But the business I’ve created won’t.” He snapped the pencil in half. “Do you understand?”
A drop of sweat slid down Snake’s temple. “Loud and clear.” He popped a piece of fruit into his mouth. A drop of juice slid down his chin and he swiped it away with the back of his hand.
“Great.” The man patted Snake on the shoulder then wiped his hand down his pant leg in disgust. “Now get the hell out of here and find that blind girl. Clean up the mess you’ve made.”
~~~**~~~
“Thank you so much for coming to help me get ready for the wedding.”
Phyllis patted Ria’s hand. “I’m glad I could help.”
“Are you sure I look okay? Is the dress too much?” she asked for the third time.
“Honey, you look amazing. The red brings out your complexion and the fit is perfect. Trust me, Jamie will take one look at you and realize he made a huge mistake. Or, maybe it’s someone else you’re hoping to impress? A certain man with a gun.”
Ria smoothed her palms down her thighs. “I want to look good, simple. Not for anyone but me. Phoenix is only going with me because he thinks he must keep me safe. He believes I’m a damsel in distress.” She rolled her eyes.
“Hell, if I had a bodyguard that looked that good, I’d always be in distress.” She giggled. “Anyway, if that was the reason, I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to look good for the Sheriff.”
Ria brought her hands up and touched her shoulders exposed in the cut of the dress, following the material to her cleavage to make sure she didn’t show too much. “Are you positive I’m not revealing too much?”
“Stop fidgeting and worrying. You are perfect. Now let me finish your makeup because we’re running out of time.”
Lifting her chin, Ria stayed very still while her friend applied the mascara. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“I do. One, you haven’t been near Jamie since you walked out of the condo. Two, whether you call it a date or not, this is one.”
“Wrong.”
“I’m right.”
“Pretend date.”
“Admit it, babe. You like Phoenix and who’d blame you?”
“Yes, but…”
“There is no but, my dear. You’ve been here in his cabin for three days and you’ve told me how nice and helpful he’s been. A man doesn’t invite a woman to stay with him unless he wants to be near her.”
“Okay, I see your point, but…well…”
“Spit it out.”
“He really is helping me, but we almost kissed. He pulled back though.” She played with the hem of her dress.
“Did he say why?”
“He said he wanted to kiss me…but there’s always a but. We haven’t talked about it since.”
“I don’t want to burst your bubble, but maybe he doesn’t want you to feel like he’s taking advantage. I mean, I’d cross some lines with him, but at least he’s aware of what’s appropriate. He has values and ethics. That shows character.”
Ria worked her bottom lip. “I can’t get beyond wondering though if it’s more.”
“Hon, don’t do that. Don’t jinx your chances of finding happiness by tainting it with the rotten history. Trust your gut, not your broken past.”
“You’re talking as if Phoenix and I are in a relationship. Have you forgotten that two men broke into my studio, killed my assistant and a client? This is not a romance made for storybooks.”
“No romance is a fairytale.”
“What if I trip and fall?”
“He’ll catch you.”
“What if I spill wine or food on my dress?”
“He’ll let you know.”
“What if…”
“Oh, come on, sweetie. We could do this all day. Relax. You’ve been on dates before,” Phyllis laughed.
“Yes, and look how they ended.”
“They were bozos. They couldn’t see the wonderful person you are. Okay. Makeup is in place. Clothes l
ook amazing. Heels are strapped. Ready to find your date?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“And before I forget. I grabbed your mail from the post office before I came up. I put the envelopes on your bed. Want me to read through them for you right now?”
“I’m too nervous to think about mail.”
A soft knock on the bedroom door made Ria jump.
“Ria? Are you finished?” Phoenix asked.
“Yes. Coming.” She walked over to the door and opened it, clutching the knob with her shaking fingers.
“Wow! You look amazing,” he said.
“Thank you. I had some help though.”
“My girl doesn’t need much help,” Phyllis said.
“I like that smell. Did you put on cologne?” Ria inhaled his sandalwood scent.
“I thought it wouldn’t hurt considering I won’t be dodging any criminals tonight. My mom always told me a steak needs a good wine like a suit should be paired with a nice cologne.”
Ria laughed. “Your mom is a smart woman.”
“I have to admit, the jacket’s a bit snug. I haven’t been dressed up in years.”
“Oh? I’m sure it still looks great.”
Phyllis cleared her throat. “He looks great. I should be going and let you two kids get moving.” She hugged Ria’s shoulders and whispered, “He is a hunk. You’re going to have the best-looking man in the place. Trust me, if I wasn’t eyeball deep in marriage with kids, you might have competition.”
Kora had already explained in detail what Phoenix looked like and she’d “seen” him with her hands so she already knew how handsome he was, but hearing her friend talk like they were teenagers again made Ria giddy inside. Although, when it came down to his looks, it didn’t matter as much as his character. He was kind, compassionate, easy to talk to, and a man who dedicated his time to helping others, even when he didn’t get much gratitude in return. This all told her what kind of a heart he had inside of that gorgeous body.
Protected by the Lawman Page 9
