I felt everyone’s gaze as I found my words.
"When will this happen?" I asked.
"It's up to Grub and you. Text him back. Ask if you can meet him tomorrow. Make sure the place is outdoors or somewhere we can easily rush in if needed."
I pulled out my phone.
"You don't have to do this," Kym said, worry etching her soft features. "You still have nightmares about . . ."
I held up my hand to stop her. "I joined Predator Patrol to keep men like this off the streets. I'd never forgive myself if innocent children were abused because I was too afraid."
Kym nodded. Mrs. Janowski's smile told me she stood behind my decision. I took a breath and texted Aaron . . . or Grub.
What's going on? How can I help?
We sat quietly, listening to the ticking grandfather clock. I jumped as my phone vibrated with the incoming text message.
I need 2 escape. Can u pick me up?
I read the message out loud.
"Ask him where," the detective instructed.
I typed in the message and clicked send.
Badger Creek Park at 8am 2morrow.
"He wants me to pick him up at Badger Creek Park at eight tomorrow morning."
"That’s near the building. Ask him how you'll recognize him."
I typed in the message and waited briefly for his response.
I'll find u.
U know what I look like?
Yes. Bye. And thank u.
"I'll have everyone ready on my end," Drier stated. "I'll call you tomorrow at seven to give you the instructions on where to meet us for the wire and briefing."
I nodded.
"There's no need to worry," he said gently. "We'll be watching and listening. There’ll be plain-clothes officers near you in the park."
I gave a watery smile. "Thank you. I'll be ready. I just need a few minutes to collect myself."
"Reed and I will get out of your hair. I’ll be in contact. T gave me your contact information."
"I'll walk you out," Mrs. Janowski offered, shuffling behind him to the door.
"Are you okay?" Kym asked, peering at me with pinched eyebrows. "I don't like this."
"I don't like it either," Ida announced as she shoved through the kitchen door. "It's just like cops to push all the risk on a civilian."
"You were in the kitchen this whole time?" I asked.
"The cops and I have an agreement; I avoid and they don't come looking."
"Don't mind Ida. She's just angry with law enforcement," Mrs. Janowski said.
"The cops went too far." Her arms crossed defiantly.
"That means she hasn’t paid her ticket," Mrs. Janowski explained.
"They speed trapped me on my own road."
"It's still a public road."
"I'm the only one living on it. I bet Hank had something to do with it. It smells like revenge and corruption."
"Drink your whiskey, Ida, and leave your flappin' tongue on the porch. We're here to help Mars."
"I'll give it a rest. But they haven’t heard the last of me."
"I thought you were avoiding them, not confronting them?" Mrs. Janowski smirked.
"Bah!" Ida waved her hand and sank into the couch.
"What we need is a good night’s sleep and reconvene here at six-thirty. We'll have clearer heads and can be ready for the detective's call at seven," T suggested.
"What do you think they'll make Mars do?"
"Be herself; ask questions. I’ll slip her a stun gun. She knows how to use those." A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"What if the cops don't act quickly enough and Mars is caught in a dangerous situation?" Evan asked.
"I'll handle it," T stated.
"How?"
"I'll handle it. Leave it at that." T stood to leave. "I'll see you all tomorrow morning at six-thirty."
I stood and found myself in a bear hug.
"Kym, I'll be okay. There's nothing to worry about," I said, calming my own nerves as well. "The cops will be there, and it will be at a public place."
She nodded but didn't let go. Kym's concern had me concerned. Never in the years I've known her has she been an overly emotional person. In the last few days, I've noticed a slight but growing change. Her moods more somber, her emotions more to the forefront.
"Kym, is there something going on? Do you want to talk?"
She shook her head though I detected a moment's hesitation.
"Why don't we have a girl’s night soon?" I suggested. "You steal Jim's wine and we'll have fun."
"That sounds perfect. I should probably go home. I left in such a hurry Jim’s probably wondering what happened." She tugged me into one last hug and hurried out the door as she called her goodbyes.
Evan and I followed shortly after and walked across the street. I paused near the mailbox but continued to the front door. There were more important things than mail.
"Let me," Evan said, taking my keys he unlocked the door. "Upstairs and into bed. I'll be up in a minute to tuck you in."
My brow arched. "You're going to tuck me in?"
"Yes. Then I'm going to study for a couple of hours. I want to be with you tomorrow morning. I don't have to work until eleven so it works, but I still need study time." He turned me to the stairs and patted my behind.
"I'll be ready in a few minutes." I bounded up the stairs with a smile that nearly made me forget the coming day. Was he really going to tuck me in and then study?
I hurried through my bedtime routine, picking out my only pair of skimpy pajamas with the dual purpose of showing skin but not as obvious as lingerie, and they were in better condition than my staple comfy pajama selection.
I threw on the pajamas and dove under the covers at the same time I heard Evan's footsteps ascending the staircase.
"Are you ready?" He peeked in the door.
"Yes," I said though my thoughts were spinning through various scenarios.
"Are you comfortable? Proper tuck-ins require that the tuckee is comfortable and ready for bed," he said seriously which made me giggle.
"Yes, I'm comfortable."
"Are your pajamas straight? There's nothing worse than twisted pajamas." He smiled.
"Yes, they're straight. Would you care to check?"
"Hmm." His gaze rested on my top strap. "I think I'll have to take your word. I need to study and you need to sleep." He smiled gently, but it didn't help the wounding effect. Evan's eyes remained devastatingly cool and sexy, but he was reining and holding himself back.
A swift kiss on my cheek, a half-hearted goodnight, and he was out the door with a flick of the light switch.
What the hell? I cursed as his footsteps descended and faded away. I shook off the chilled feeling and wondered at Evan. This wasn't like Evan. He should’ve smooth talked his way into bed by now. Honestly, he wouldn't have to talk.
I crossed my arms with a huff. There was no sleeping until this was sorted out. Even the horrifying thoughts of meeting a sexual predator was shoved away.
This all began when I blurted I wasn't going to let him hurt me. Was he keeping me at arms length to protect me? I'm such an idiot. Our relationship has come to a point of no return. We either take a leap of faith and see where the road takes us or end things now and never have our friendship return to the way it was.
It was my turn to act. I had to somehow let him know I wanted to be with him, no matter the outcome. I flipped back the covers and tiptoed down the stairs. If he heard me, there'd be no backing out to run upstairs and cover my head with the blanket.
It was dark downstairs. No lights except for the illumination of street lights. Did Evan leave? No, I’d have heard his motorcycle. I stepped lightly into the living room and saw him. He rested on the couch, still as a portrait. It’s a portrait I wouldn’t mind looking at for the rest of my life, but there was something behind his stillness.
It was time. I made my choice. It’s Evan.
Chapter 12
"Studying wo
rks better with lights," I said, attempting humor.
"I'll turn them on in a little bit," was all he said. His eyes fixed silently on me.
“So,” I began not knowing what to say or how to start. I twisted my hands together as I bit my lip. He was the flirt, not me. He made moves while I dodged. There was no more dodging, but he could at least say something notoriously sexy instead steadily watching me flounder. “Will you tell me your specialty?”
His eyes sparked through the darkness but no other sign. I hesitated while he watched, unnerving me with every passing moment.
“Come here.” His voice was deep with the slight husky tone I knew well.
This was no time for hesitation, I scolded myself and walked slowly until I was only a foot away.
“Closer,” he ordered. My pulse surged. This was my Evan . . . I missed him. Did I just say my? That caused another surge.
I took another step until our knees brushed together.
“Closer.”
“Evan, my knees are touching yours. How much closer?”
A smirk was his only answer. His arms wrapped around, gathering me close. I found myself in his lap once again.
“You must like girls in your lap. I keep finding myself here. I’ve witnessed others in this same spot.”
“Mars, you’re the only girl.”
I was waiting for him to say “here”. Yes, I was the only girl here to sit on his lap. I warmed when I realized his sentence ended.
“Now that we are, uh, situated, will you tell me the specialty you’ve chosen?”
“You remember what you have to do, right?”
I nodded.
He arched his brow. “Well?”
"But we already kissed."
"I kissed you. It's your turn."
He was deliberately making me make the first move. I probably deserved this.
I wanted to kiss him like in the movies; passionate, hard, full of desire. My awkwardness held me back.
My fingers drifted up his defined arms. The small movement allowed for more exploration; to boldly go where I only dreamed I’d go. I followed the lines of his arm to his shoulder and then to his jaw line where stubble slowed down my exploration. I stopped before his lips; his perfect firm lips promised pleasure in its most adventurous form. I had to touch his lips, I thought as my finger traveled along the soft edge. He swallowed hard, his breath rough.
“Mars . . .”
“Shhh,” I hushed. If it was my turn to make the first move, it’d be the way I felt most comfortable.
I gazed into his translucent blue eyes and lost myself for a moment. My hands weren’t lost; they knew where they wanted to be. My fingers raked through his hair as our eyes remained locked.
“Mars . . .”
My gaze drifted to his moving lips. I watched as he said my name. I’m not sure if I fully heard it.
I tilted my head down towards the lips I wanted to taste. I closed in to experience everything waiting for me.
“Wait,” he groaned.
I halted abruptly and sat straight.
“Did I do something wrong?” I attempted to stand but he held me tight.
“God, Mars, I’m so sorry. I’ll tell you the specialty. You don’t have to kiss me.”
“I don’t understand.” I wiggled to free myself.
“I don’t want you to kiss me for something so trivial. I don’t want to trick you into kissing me.”
“It’s not trivial, and I . . .” I stalled. Didn't he know I wanted to kiss him?
“Tell me," he urged. His eyes searching.
Just tell him. Tell him you want to kiss him. Tell him you’ll take him even if it means losing him.
“Evan, have I ever done anything I didn’t want to do?”
He studied my face, lingering on my lips. “Not that I know.”
“Then I’m sitting on your lap willingly. I touched you because I wanted to. What’s this about? I know you, Evan. You wouldn’t stop unless there's a reason.”
“I don’t think you’re ready,” he mumbled as though the words caught on his lips.
How in the world did I screw up a single kiss with Evan? I’ve only been sitting on his lap for a mere two minutes.
“I’m confused.”
“Mars, I heard you the other night.”
I racked my brain to think of what I could’ve possibly said. Oh!
“Do you mean when I said goodbye to my phone?”
A flicker crossed his face. Was it sadness, anger, perhaps annoyance?
“Evan, I deleted Brett’s number. I said my final farewell to someone who didn’t bother calling these last couple months.”
“Why say goodbye? Why not just delete the number?” His hand raked through his hair.
Is this jealousy? I’m so lost I feel like a spinning top that lost its balance.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited to kiss you?” I sighed. “Since the second I saw you. You’ve been the one never ready . . . unless I was willing to lose you over a one-night stand. Brett came along and I was caught in a storm; a storm that dissipated and moved on. I don’t know what to say to you to make you understand.”
He rubbed his temple. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to say anything. I’ve wanted to kiss you since the moment I saw you too. I was young and dumb; I’m probably still dumb.” He attempted a smirk. “I’ve waited for you as long as you’ve waited for me. I’ve waited so long that I don’t want to be the rebound guy. I want a chance with you . . . a real chance.”
I think my heart just stuttered. Is he telling me he wants a relationship? Evan West in a relationship? My heart stuttered again.
“Say something,” he urged. His eyes desperately searching mine.
“You could never be the rebound when it’s you I’ve . . .”
“Don’t stop.”
“Chosen.”
He softened, nearly melted. “I was so sure I waited too long and lost my chance. When Brett came into town, I thought it’d just be a fling and I’d get you back. The longer he stayed, the more you slipped away. I’m so sorry I didn’t call. I sensed you needed space after he left. Then I heard you say goodbye. I knew it was to him but it was sad. I don’t know what I’m trying to say. My heart stopped in that moment."
“I choose you.”
“Then choose me for real.”
I knew what he meant. I had to make the first move. It wasn’t so hard this time. My fingers curled in to hair and I pulled him into a deep kiss. Our lips touched with an electric current making me never want to break the connection. He gathered me close to remove all space between us. As our tongues met for the second time, it was the first awakening. My head swam.
There was no room for doubts or second guessing. Why would I want to? I have Evan.
"Mars . . ."
I kissed him as though my life depended upon it. He could talk later. My arms wrapped around tighter.
"Mars?"
"What? I'm trying to make up for six years of missed kisses and you keep stopping."
"We should stop."
Is he trying to kill me? Make me so crazy they admit me to an asylum?
"Why?" I tried not to pout but signals were crossing and leaving me with an unsavory feeling.
His hand swept my hair behind my ear. "You have a stressful morning ahead. You'll need sleep. I don't foresee that if we continue kissing. I refuse to cut corners our first one hundred times together.” He smiled. “I'm trying my best to restrain myself but I’ll be lost if I kiss you for a second more. We’ve wanted each other for such a long time. What's another day?"
"I doubt I'll sleep either way. I don't think I can fall asleep knowing what the morning holds. I'd rather be sleepless and kissing you than to lay in bed and wonder."
"Sugar, come to bed. I have the perfect sleep remedy."
He hasn't called me sugar for a few months. My skin tingled happily.
I followed upstairs and allowed him to tuck me in. He settled next to me and brushed my hair from my
face.
"I’ll tell you a story. I guarantee you'll be sleeping by the end."
"How can you make a guarantee like that?"
"It works on my nephew all the time."
"So instead of kissing me, you're tucking me in and telling me a story like I'm a kid?"
"Great, we're on the same page," he teased with a playful hair tug. "There’ll be plenty of kissing tomorrow night, sugar. There'll be nothing to stop me then." He placed a kiss on my forehead, tip of my nose, then my lips.
"Stop teasing and tell me the story. You're lucky we're friends otherwise I'd be mad."
"Close your eyes and relax," he said. His voice smooth and low, he started the story. "Once upon a time . . ."
"Wait!" My eyes popped open. "I kissed you and you haven't told me your specialty."
"I want to be a pediatrician."
I paused. "I'd never have guessed. However, now that I'm tucked in and you're telling me a bedtime story, I think you've found your calling. I hope tuck in and story time doesn't happen every night. Unless it’s a dirty bedtime story," I added.
He chuckled. "Believe me, this is the only bedtime story you're getting for a long, long time. I have years to make up. Close your eyes. You're making this very hard on me."
"Hard on you? What about me?"
"Close your eyes," he hushed.
I closed them and he resumed his story. I tried to concentrate on his words, but my mind wandered. Evan, a pediatrician. I wouldn't have guessed it. As I thought back at all the times he bandaged me, witnessed him taking care of others, it made sense. He hid his sensitive, protective side well, but it showed in his care of others. What better profession for him than the protection and healing of children?
I smiled.
Evan paused for a brief moment as though eavesdropping on my inner conversation. As he resumed, I listened to his steady voice. It was rich and smooth like melted chocolate.
Bleep, bleep, bleep . . .
I slammed the snooze button with my palm. A stirring next to me charged the air. Evan. The last thing I recalled was listening to his voice while he smoothed my hair. I must have fallen asleep like he guaranteed.
"Sugar, it's time to wake up," he mumbled into his pillow. "We have twenty minutes to be over to Mrs. J.'s."
Predator Patrol (Mars Cannon Novel #2) Page 10
