by Vella Day
“Let me help you clean up.” Despite his parents having divorced when he was rather young, someone had taught him how to be polite. She appreciated that about him.
Charlotte noticed that he didn’t address her comment about needing to leave, and that avoidance mechanism might be his way of regaining his balance.
After she dumped the empty containers into the trash and placed the dishes in the dishwasher, she faced him. “Did you give the books to Harmon?”
He clenched his fists for second. “Yes, I’m sorry I forgot to tell you. He plans to find a good home for them.”
“Perfect. I didn’t feel right about tossing them.”
“You’re a good person, Charlotte, and I really want to thank you for being so considerate of me and my family.” Trent grabbed her by the waist, drew her close, and when he dragged a knuckle down her cheek, her hormones shot to life. “A lot of people wouldn’t have given Harmon the time of day. Whether he committed his crime or not, the fact he spent three years in jail is going to make a lot of people uneasy being around him, but not you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned back, enjoying the way his expressive eyes spoke to her. “There’s a gentleness about Harmon that I immediately recognized. If he was caught up in his job, he’s served his time, and that’s good enough for me. I’m sure my father has done a lot of bad things in his life, but he’s a good man underneath.”
“That he is.”
Lust pooled in Trent’s eyes and a second later his mouth captured hers, causing pinpricks of delight to skitter over her skin. His touch, smell, and taste ignited every part of her body, and as much as she wanted to ravish him, she had to let him take the lead.
As his tongue plunged into her mouth, his hands slid under her shirt and cupped her breasts. If that wasn’t a signal that he wanted to make love with her, she didn’t know what was. The mere pressure from his palms rubbing across her nipples sent moisture straight between her thighs. She hadn’t meant the groan to escape, but she couldn’t help it. Trent was everything she wanted and more.
He broke the kiss, and his breath came out rapid. “I’m trying to behave because I don’t want you to think that I only want you for sex.”
Yes! As much as she wished to question what he did want her for, right now conversation was the last thing on her mind. “I know.”
If she said anything more, he might feel the need to explain. He could talk all he wanted after they made love. To show him she was fine with his expression of passion, she slipped his shirt from his pants and rapidly undid the buttons. God, she loved his chest and how the slight wisp of hair tickled her palms.
Trent lifted her blouse off and tossed it on the kitchen counter. When he unhooked the back of her bra, the relief was divine. As he dragged down the straps, excitement sizzled through her. She hooked her thumbs into his waistband and puffed out her chest, silently begging him to touch her.
His lids half closed as he dragged off her bra. “I can’t seem to stop myself.”
The second his mouth nabbed her nipple, she leaned against the counter and grabbed the edge. Lust swirled inside her, and the delicious ache sent electric pulses straight to her core. Worse than anything, she wanted to rip off his clothes, but she needed to refrain. This was Trent’s show.
“I love your tits.”
She worked hard not to laugh. “You’re such a guy.”
“Oh, yeah?” He punctuated his comment with a tug on each tip, and her breath caught. “Wait ’till I show you just how much of a guy I really am.”
“I’d love to see it.” She nodded to his cock.
He tapped her nose. “That’s off limits until I enjoy you first.”
While he caressed and licked each nipple, his tongue heightened her desire. Much more of this exquisite torture, and she’d have to take control and strip. To hurry the process, she kicked off her shoes.
Needing to touch him, she dragged her fingers over his head, loving the softness of his hair. While he kept it short, the top had grown in, and it was like playing with silk. Since he was working hard to undress her, it seemed only fair to help him out of his jeans. As soon as she undid the buttons, it was like the race was on to see who could undress the other faster. He lifted his head and kissed her hard, all the while dragging her jeans down her hips.
This time, Charlotte broke the kiss and burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
She shook her head. “You are.”
“I have no idea why you think so, but I’ll show you funny.”
In a flash, he lifted her up onto the kitchen counter. He then slipped off her jeans and panties and dropped them behind him before stepping out of his pants and briefs.
“You sure did show me, but I have to be honest, there’s nothing funny about that.” She nodded to his rigid cock.
Trent smiled, picked up his jeans, folded them in half, and then placed his pants behind her. “Lean back on these. It’ll be softer on your elbows.”
Could he be any more considerate? She did as he asked, and he then placed her feet on the counter. With her legs wide open, anticipation made her inner walls cramp. He then had the nerve to run his tongue along his lips, and she could almost feel the lick that was sure to come.
“I hope you have a lot of staying power, as I plan to enjoy you for a long time,” he said.
She laughed. “Me? I think you’re the one who can’t hold out.”
He lowered his chin, clearly ready to take on the dare. She probably shouldn’t have challenged him like that as she knew very well she’d be the first to cave, but there was nothing wrong with having multiple orgasms.
“As long as I don’t let you touch me, I’ll be good. Or so I hope,” he said, sounding wonderfully tentative.
Reaching underneath her, he clasped onto her thighs, his thumbs close to her opening. Trent leaned over and ran his tongue above her folds, but not giving her what she really wanted. The man sure did understand the art of building sexual tension.
Because Charlotte was leaning on her elbows, she was unable to touch him, but her time would come. When she finally grabbed hold, she’d make certain Trent would have no doubt that he’d met his match.
He reached up and flicked his thumb over her distended nipple, and spikes of passion spread across her breast, heating her up. He’d only begun his seduction, and yet she was already close to bursting. It wasn’t fair.
Trent opened her folds with his free hand and very gently rubbed his thumb across her clit, stimulating her, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted it harder and faster.
“What are you waiting for?” She wasn’t really trying to tell him what to do, but it probably sounded like it. Aw, hell. Just ask. “Lick me.”
He glanced up at her. “In due time. I need to get you ready.”
“I don’t think I could have any more desire for you than right now.” Charlotte believed in honesty because it lessened misunderstandings.
“I need you to be desperate.”
If she came before he planned, he’d know just how desperate she’d been. Charlotte scooted closer to the edge of the counter, wrapped her legs around his neck, and drew him near. Her butt lifted up enough so that her pussy was close to his mouth.
“That’s cheating.” Trent swiped his tongue across her wet slit, and she had to grip his jeans to keep from toppling over the erotic edge.
“No, it’s called getting what I want,” she panted.
Trent’s fingers alternated between her breasts, plucking, teasing, and basically shooting her need level into the stratosphere, while sucking on her clit. Pride prevented her from coming right away, but when he slipped a finger into her wet hole, she gave up the fight. Charlotte dropped onto her back to free her hands and grabbed his head. Pulses of desire beat against her from the inside out as her orgasm claimed her.
“Yes, yes.”
As amazing as that experience had been, she needed more. Much more.
“You rea
lly were ready.” Trent ducked from under her legs and slid her off the counter.
“It won’t take much to make me come again,” she said.
He cupped her face and kissed her, his cock pressing against her belly. Bliss and joy slammed into her as she dragged her palms up and down his corded back, loving the way their passion flared. She couldn’t get enough of him.
Trent lowered his hands to her hips, flipped her around, and dragged her hips away from the counter. “Hang on.”
Charlotte wiggled her rear. “Hurry.”
“God, you’re beautiful.”
He slipped one hand under her and cupped both of her breasts while he guided his cock between her thighs. He then drove straight into her, and her breath lodged in her throat. Despite being wet, the friction drove her wild. Trent dropped his chest onto her back and held on tight. For a few seconds, he remained still, as if he needed a moment to compose himself.
He lifted off her. “Oh, shit, I forgot a condom.”
“I’m on the pill,” she blurted.
“I’m clean, I swear.”
She trusted Trent more than anyone she’d ever known. “Take me.”
Trent kissed her neck then pounded into her. Her fingers tightened on the counter as waves of ecstasy set her on fire. He lightly pinched a nipple, sending sparks of need in every direction.
As much as she wanted to wait until Trent had been fulfilled, each thrust made it more difficult to remain in control. Her groans turned into near screams, and Trent’s moans became louder and louder each time he plunged into her. His fingers tightened on her breasts and his mouth roamed up her neck to her ear. When he dragged his teeth along the outer shell, chaos descended.
Trent drove into her one more time, and she tightened her muscles to keep him there.
“Charlotte!” Heated pulses shot out and filled her.
The stretching and expanding shoved her over the climactic edge, as waves of ecstasy washed over her. Her pulse soared, making it hard to even take a breath.
Trent dragged his hands down to her hips and leaned back. “Each time I make love with you, I’m amazed that it’s better than the last.”
Charlotte was totally blown away. She never expected that admission to come from him. He slipped out, found a towel in the drawer, and wet it. He turned her around and cleaned her up.
“I don’t know what comes over me, but every time I’m near you, I have to make love with you. I swear I didn’t come over here for that,” he said.
She cupped his face. “You are a sweet man, Trent Lawson. I’m flattered.”
His face slightly reddened as he grabbed his pants off the countertop. As if he’d received a call from the precinct, he dressed quickly. Not wanting to be the only one naked, Charlotte did the same thing.
There always seemed to be that one moment of awkwardness between them, and this was that time. She thought about asking him to stay the night, but she believed it was a little too soon. Men like Trent needed to be the one to make that decision, and crowding him would only push him away.
“So what’s next on your agenda?” Charlotte asked, as she zipped up her pants.
“You mean about the case?”
“Yes.” Though if he wanted to talk about the two of them, she wouldn’t have minded.
“I need to interview Mrs. Goddard’s brother to see if your theory has any validity, but even if he denies Bill Goddard abused his wife, it could just mean that Elaine Goddard kept that information from him.”
She had to agree it was a long shot. “If you learn anything you’re allowed to share, I’d love to hear it.”
He clasped her shoulders and smiled. “You can count on it.”
Chapter Eighteen
Trent could have waited until Monday to catch up with Richard Delaney, but after hearing Charlotte’s theory about Mrs. Goddard’s possible abuse, he was anxious to speak with the man. It was a good motive for murder. While Delaney had not returned any of his calls, Trent decided to drive by his house in the hopes of catching up with him Saturday morning.
Luck was on his side. Someone’s car was in the drive and he hoped it belonged to Delaney. Trent parked his Jeep on the street and headed up to the front door. He still hadn’t figured out exactly how we wanted to broach the topic of Elaine’s bruises, but when he did, he doubted he’d get a very welcoming response.
Trent rang the bell, and it seemed forever before someone answered. It was Delaney.
“Detective Lawson, I’ve been meaning to return your call. I’m sorry, but I’ve been very busy.” The man’s chin tucked in and his shoulders straightened, as if he was preparing to do battle.
Delaney didn’t seem remotely contrite. Most people he interviewed were able to come up with a better excuse than that. “Do you have a moment? I just need to ask you a few questions about your brother-in-law.” Trent watched for signs of nervousness, but Richard Delaney didn’t display any obvious signs of guilt—no twitches, sudden perspiration, or eye contact avoidance.
“Come in.” While the man didn’t act uneasy, Trent doubted Delaney was happy he was there.
He showed him into the living room and pointed to a rather uncomfortable looking straight-backed chair while Delaney sank into the sofa.
Trent pulled out his notepad and flipped through some blank pages. “I believe Detective Benson asked you about Bill’s death.”
“Yes, and like I told him, I didn’t kill the son of a bitch.”
Okay, the hostility had not been in Cade’s report. “We’re not accusing you of anything, Mr. Delaney. I believe you told Detective Benson you were home alone the night your brother-in-law was murdered.”
“Yes, and since I was alone, I can’t prove I didn’t drive over to Bill’s house and kill him.”
“You seem to have a lot of anger toward the victim. Why’s that?”
“No use hiding it. I figured you guys would have spoken to my ex-wife and found out how much I disliked the man. When you find the real killer, let me shake his hand.”
While Trent didn’t have many murder investigations under his belt, he could honestly say none of the men who’d been guilty ever claimed they wanted the victim dead. As for speaking with Delaney’s ex-wife, Trent hadn’t considered doing so. “Care to elaborate?”
“I think it’s obvious. Bill’s firm blabbed my company’s secret. I lost my job and my wife because of it.” Delaney tapped his chest. “And did my S.O.B brother-in-law lend me hand? Fuck no.”
Trent didn’t need to mention that Delaney’s big mouth that created the problem. At least he wasn’t bad mouthing Harmon.
Trent had uncovered all of the information about Delaney’s dismissal shortly after Harmon had been sent to prison. “Who else beside yourself wanted Bill dead?”
“Anyone with common sense.”
So much for learning names. “I want to ask you about the night of the Christmas party when Jayson Kendall told you about my brother and your sister kissing. Did you tell Bill about her indiscretion?”
Delaney looked off to the side, probably debating what to tell. “Why would I? I loved my sister. Besides, Elaine said Bill suspected her of being unfaithful.”
Now that was news.
Delaney continued. “Your brother wasn’t the first man she’d kissed, and he probably won’t be the last.”
Relief washed through him. Trent took some notes, but they were minimal because he was confident he wouldn’t forget one word. “I take it your sister was unhappy in her marriage?”
Delaney’s fists clenched. “Yes. Bill was incapable of affection. The man was a sociopath.”
Many in his field were. It was probably best that Harmon wasn’t in that business any longer. While Trent doubted he’d get an answer, he needed to see the man’s reaction when he asked if Bill ever harmed Elaine. “Were you aware that Bill abused your sister?”
His head jerked back. “No, but I suspected it because she was always applying makeup a little too heavily, especially around her nec
k, and upper arms, but how did you know?”
“It’s my job to know.” He certainly wasn’t going to tell Delaney about Charlotte’s observation. “Did you ask her about it?”
“Fuck, yeah I did, but she always denied it. She knew if I found out that I’d do something about it.”
Trent wasn’t certain how much he wanted to push this line of questioning. Too much, and Delaney might approach his sister. If she had killed her husband, Trent didn’t want to tip his hand.
Trent stood. “Thank you for your time. If you think of anything, please let me know.”
He left and headed home to think. This case was getting more complicated by the minute. As he neared his house, his cell rang.
It was Vic. “You got something for me?”
“Possibly. Guess who stopped by to visit Elaine Goddard this morning?”
Considering Vic was being paid to follow John Samuels, the man who’d moved up to Bill’s position, and not Elaine, the answer was easy. “Samuels?”
“Yup.”
“Anything interesting happen?” Trent asked.
“I wasn’t standing outside the house with my face pressed to the window, but Samuels was in the house for about an hour and a half.”
Trent tried to think of a reason he’d be in there that long. “He probably was asking her about some of her husband’s clients.”
“Did you get the impression that Elaine Goddard was privy to what Bill did?”
“No.”
“So what makes you think it was an innocent interaction?”
He thought back to what Delaney had just told him about Mrs. Goddard’s interest in other men. “Are you thinking there was something going on between them?”
“It’s possible, which was why I called Charlotte and asked her where the master bedroom was located.”
Trent could fill in the blank. “Don’t tell me you saw them head in that direction.”
“Bingo.”
His mind raced as he pulled to a stop at a red light. Trent hadn’t seen that coming. “Let’s suppose they were having an affair. Her brother told me that Bill suspected Elaine of having a few. Would it be enough to kill Bill over it?”
