Hale Series Boxed Set

by Marie James

  I slide the key into the lock, open the door, and step across the threshold into the apartment.

  “Talk to you tomorrow, Kaleb.” I say before closing and locking the door. Unable to resist I raise my eye to watch him through the peep hole. I flush when I see him reach down and adjust the erection in his pants. I’d be shocked that he had that reaction to me if my body wasn’t as equally ready for him.

  The smile never leaves my face as I set to completing my preparations for the week. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

  Chapter 6

  Kaleb

  I took the stairs all the way down from Josie’s apartment. The situation in my pants required more than one adjustment and a ten minute cool off period before I was able to step out in public and be considered decent. Now it wouldn’t normally take ten minutes, but I couldn’t get images of her out of my head. The way she molded to my body, like she was built to be against me and the feel of her warm skin on mine left things ‘activated’ for longer than they normally would be.

  Something changed in her on the walk to the cafe. I felt it the minute I took her hand. She transformed from her normal timid self into an outgoing woman, who ended up being very talkative. She answered every question I had for her and I did the same in return. I’ve never met a woman like her before. Someone I could talk to without restraint. Someone who didn’t have me constantly glancing at my watch from boredom or making an excuse to leave.

  We talked for hours and it seemed like time stood still. We were the only people that existed in that cafe and I hated that time did actually continue and we had to leave so she could get ready for work. Hell I had things I should’ve been doing this afternoon but I’ll never regret those hours I got to spend with her. Watching her change and open up to me will be filed away as one of my all-time favorite memories.

  The real question is if she felt the same way and that will be determined if she calls me tomorrow when she gets off work. When she invited me into her apartment I wanted to accept for a brief second. I am a man after all, but she’s not the type of woman who would be okay with having a cup of coffee and then jumping in the sack, and if she did follow through, her level of regret could mean we’d never see each other again. I had more self-control declining her invitation than I would’ve imagined.

  Still. If I close my eyes long enough I can feel the softness and curve of her breast against my chest and the warmth of her brazen hand as it gripped my ass; it’s thoughts like these that kept me in that damn stairwell for so long.

  For the first time in as long as I can remember, I didn’t head to Eddie’s for a couple of beers, but rather went home. I’ve had an excellent day and don’t feel the need to unwind with alcohol.

  I lock up the car, grab my tactical bag from the trunk, and head into the house. Once I open the door I suddenly drop my tactical bag to the floor when I hear a thumping noise coming from deeper inside the house. I crouch low and prepare myself for the inevitable.

  Less than a few seconds later I’m struck in the chest with a tan and black blur causing me to sprawl on the floor. I cover my face to ward off the attack, my hands and neck taking the brunt of the attention. Lifting my hands a mere inch from my face I’m able to command, “Heel.”

  A tiny whimper is heard and the attack is over. Hearing the steady ‘thump, thump’ I lift my hands from my face and peer down at my feet. The five year old Belgian Malinois sits back on her haunches, mouth open, and tongue hanging to the side. I steady myself on my knees and hold my arms open for her. She whimpers, knowing she can’t move until I command her.

  “Come,” I finally order and she jumps in my arms. She’s overeager and always gets this way when she’s been caged up at home all day. I scratch her back and around her ears as she wiggles in my arms and periodically strikes me with her heavy, thick tail. I stand and give her the hand motion to halt and even through her excitement she stills and sits back on her haunches. Perfect.

  I begin walking towards the kitchen to feed her and cup my fingers allowing her to follow. She gobbles her food with purpose all the while her ears are standing erect and she’s paying attention to her surroundings. She’s one of the reasons I love my job so much. When she’s done I open the back door and allow her in the yard to take care of business and run a bit. I grab a beer and join her out back on the porch.

  ***

  I have more court proceedings today since the Grand Jury runs for the entire week. Mia was pretty upset when I left without her this morning. If a dog could have a sad face it was written all over hers when I pulled out of the driveway. She loves action and she’s been antsy since she hasn’t seen any in a few days. I love the ability to use and work with her, but when she’s put to use it means the situation is dire for me as well as the other officers on the force. I’ll take the calm any day.

  Court days are the most boring; the amount of down time and hurry up and wait allow my mind to drift. Of course my head always goes to Josie and after that kiss in the hall yesterday, I have a lot more for my mind to work with. I resist the urge to text her, knowing she’s at work; also I want to see if she will call me this evening.

  Finally my work at the courthouse is over and it ended up being a great day. It’s always a good day when you have a sweep of indictments on your cases; there’s nothing worse than a crook not getting an indictment and it usually happens over mishandling of information, or not getting enough information and details from the start. I pride myself on being thorough and have only had a few cases not gain an indictment in the year and half I’ve been a detective. My dad always drilled into my head the importance of paperwork and documentation and his eye for detail is also what made him an incredible cop.

  My cell phone screen informs me that it’s just after five-thirty and I frown since I’ve yet to hear from Josie. I’ll give her another hour before I call her. I did ask her to call me, just like I did each time I gave her a business card, but I won’t let her get away with not doing it again. No way will that one kiss yesterday be enough to satisfy the need I have for her.

  Heading out of the parking lot of the courthouse I turn the unmarked towards the precinct. There is always paperwork that can be done and I want to be close on the off chance that Josie will call and maybe want to go for another green tea or something.

  Just as I put the car in park in the patrol car parking lot of Precinct Four my cell phone begins to ring; Josie’s information lighting up the radio dash, my car having synced my phone.

  “Perez,” I answer the phone in my usual manner. Don’t ask me why I didn’t just say hello; my brain stops functioning where she’s concerned.

  “Hi, this is Josie,” she replies in a business-like manner. I wonder how many men she’s called before since I can still hear a hint of the shyness I was sure I rid her of yesterday.

  “Hey, Mariposa. How was your day?” I unbuckle my seat belt and slouch in my seat, getting comfortable.

  “Long,” she answers. “I didn’t sleep well last night,” she admits.

  “Bad dreams?” I would hope she wouldn’t have bad dreams after our kiss, my ego taking a hit.

  “No. I just couldn’t turn my brain off.”

  “What were you thinking about?” I inquire in a husky voice, my accent getting thicker due to increased arousal.

  I hear her giggle and not respond. I can imagine the color of her cheeks flushing a beautiful shade of pink. I decide to cut her some slack and not press the issue. The sound of shuffling and keys can be heard through my cars speakers coming from her end of the line.

  “You out for a walk?” I query.

  “Just getting in. Hit the gym after work.” That’s the reason she didn’t call right away. Knowing she works out and stays fit doesn’t help the below the belt issue that pops up just from hearing her voice.

  “How was your day?” Her voice is soft and I can tell she’s genuinely interested in my response and it isn’t just a pleasantry she’s throwing out there.

  “Borin
g. I had court all day again today.” I explain.

  “Have to bring more witnesses to the courthouse? Go for coffee after?” I tilt my head at the questions and wonder if she isn’t just a little bit jealous.

  “I did help one lady get to the courthouse today.” I tease her. “But she turned down my offer for coffee.”

  “Really?” She huffs mildly. “Couldn’t imagine a woman alive that would deny you.”

  Does that include you, Josie?

  “Well she’s eighty-five and said caffeine gives her the shakes so I didn’t press the issue.” Her laugh at my story is heaven and I close my eyes and let it sink into my bones; I can picture her head thrown back and eyes closed.

  A gasp and a high pitched shriek from her makes my eyes pop open and when I hear her phone fall and the line go dead I slam the car into gear and tear out of the parking lot breaking more laws than I’m willing to admit.

  I try to call her several times while driving like a bat out of hell to her apartment and it goes straight to voicemail every time. I finally give up after five times and focus on driving. I pull up to her apartment and park illegally at the front entrance. I’m cognizant enough to lock it up before hauling ass inside. I know I have several firearms including rifles in the trunk and even the Captain wouldn’t understand if they were taken in a moment of chaos.

  I opt for the stairs since I don’t have time for the elevator. The door to her apartment is standing wide open and I palm my glock on instinct as I slowly make my way into her apartment. The first thing I see is mail scattered on the floor and then Josie’s cell phone in pieces beside it. Just as I’m reaching into my pocket to call for back up I hear her whimper from the kitchen, but my first glance in there doesn’t reveal her.

  The second time I hear the whimper I angle my head around the counter and see her curled up into a ball against the refrigerator.

  “Josie?” I slide on my knees to her.

  Her eyes go wide when she sees the gun in my hand. I reach out and place a calming hand on her knee, but even in her fear I’m not ready to lower the gun until I clear the apartment and make sure there’s no danger to either one of us.

  “Josie?” I coax again. “Where is he?”

  She raises her eyes to mine and the sight of the tears streaking down her face nearly guts me. She’s as pale as a ghost and her entire body is trembling. “Wh…who?”

  “Whoever hurt you? Is there someone in the apartment?” I am on her side facing out towards the rest of the apartment. We’re cornered and this isn’t a very tactical position to hold if we are in fact not alone here.

  “No one’s here.” She states and looks a little confused.

  “Josie, you screamed and then the phone went dead. There’s mail all over the floor and your cell phone is smashed.” I shake my head and peer into her eyes. “What happened?”

  “The letter,” she says and points across the room to the pile of mail with a trembling hand.

  I clasp her hand in mine and bring it to my lips, my pulse pounding erratically in my ears. Since there isn’t an imminent threat I settle down beside her and pull her into my arms, hoping to calm her, knowing it will help settle my nerves as well. The adrenaline and fear finally began to dissipate.

  “What did the letter say?” It has to be pretty bad with how shaken up she is.

  Chapter 7

  Josie

  I sit in the huge, blue recliner in the living room and watch as Kaleb speaks with the two uniformed officers who responded after he called in the death threat. He’s been the consummate professional in dealing with the situation since they arrived. I wish we could go back half an hour, that way we’d still be in the kitchen and I’d be wrapped in his arms.

  The trembling has only subsided marginally even though I’m wrapped in a thick blanket. I close my eyes and try to give myself a pep talk. I need my nerves to calm and can think of no other way to force them to settle.

  “Hey,” I hear Kaleb’s voice as a hand is placed on my shoulder.

  I open my eyes and tilt my head back to look into his eyes. I can feel my trembling subside, just in the few seconds since he came to me. His proximity is all I need to feel safe again.

  “These guys are done and fixing to leave unless you have any questions for them.” I know he sees my eyes go wide.

  I have no clue what to ask and I feel put on the spot, like I should have something to say but my mind is drawing a blank.

  “Any questions you have I can answer later if you think of them.” He informs me. I nod my head and he stands and makes his way across the apartment to release the other officers.

  They gather the evidence bag that contains the death threat and the sight of it sets off the quivering again; I wrap the blanket around me tighter. I can hear whispering in the foyer and then the close of the front door. The fear that I’ve been left alone hits me like a bucket of cold water and just as I’m about to get up to leave, Kaleb comes back in the room.

  I release the breath I was holding since hearing the front door click shut.

  “What’s wrong, Josie.” He crouches down in front of me and places both of his large hands on my knees; his eyes lining up with mine.

  “I thought you left,” I manage to say with a shaky voice.

  He nods. “When does Alexa get home?”

  “Sh…she’s been staying with Garrett,” I answer with a stammer. “I’ve been staying here alone.”

  I see him clench his jaw, the muscle twitching under his stubble, obviously not happy that both of my roommates have bailed.

  “I’m hungry,” he says and stands. “How do you feel about Chinese?”

  I honestly couldn’t imagine eating anything right now since my stomach is doing flips, but knowing it means he will stay longer thrills me.

  “I love Chinese.” I whisper

  “Anything in particular?” He asks, looking something up on his phone.

  “Honey sesame chicken with fried rice.” He chuckles and smiles.

  “You’re a woman after my own heart,” he says and puts the phone to his ear to place a double order.

  “You have no idea,” I whisper under my breath.

  ***

  Even with how upset I was from this afternoon, being around Kaleb has settled my traumatized nerves. Dinner never sounded so good by the time the delivery driver knocked on the door, and not one to eat out very often I devoured almost my entire order of chicken and half of my rice. Kaleb finished everything I wasn’t able to. I can tell he’s incredibly fit so I determine that he either works out like a mad man or doesn’t eat like this often either.

  I smile at him as he slides the chopsticks out of his mouth after his last bite.

  “Good?” He nods his head.

  “Excellent! It just means I’ll be in the gym for three hours instead of two tomorrow.” He laughs.

  “I was just thinking the same thing.” He tilts his head at me.

  “You look wonderful, Josie. You have no reason to be at the gym two hours a day.” I shrug my shoulders.

  “Nothing better to do. My life’s not really that exciting.” I shudder and wrap my arms around myself, remembering just how much excitement I got today. Hoping my life will go back to uneventful really soon.

  We clear away the trash from our meal and make our way to the living room. Kaleb holds my hand and walks to the couch, sits down, and tucks me into his side.

  “You’ve had quite the hectic day today.” He states.

  “I just wish I could forget the whole thing,” I mutter into his chest and close my eyes, breathing in the spicy scent of his cologne.

  I feel a warm finger under my chin as he raises my head to look at him. His eyes dart from my eyes to my lips. The attention has me running my tongue over my own lips.

  “I can help you forget, Mariposa,” he whispers as he leans in and presses a delicate kiss against my lips. “If you’ll let me.”

  I moan as he kisses me in earnest; his tongue persuading mine into action.
My body is humming and the sudden urge to grind against him hits me and I can feel his erection against my hip since I’m practically sitting in his lap. He has one large hand behind my head controlling the depth of his mouth on mine and the other is wrapped around my back.

  My hands are clinging to the front of his shirt as I nip his lower lip. I raise my flowy skirt enough so I can position one leg on either side of his and my body starts trembling again. Only this time it is need and desire that has my nerves on end.

  He pulls his mouth from mine and the hand on my head slowly tilts my head just as his hot mouth skims down my neck.

  “Oh God.” I groan as his actions send waves of cold chills over every inch of my skin.

  His nipping and licking has my whole body on edge. I do my best not to give into the urge to rock my hips and grind my center over his erection. The silent begging of my core is almost too much to ignore.

  Kaleb’s hand is flexing against my hip and I can tell he’s struggling with need as well. We’re moving too fast and I know that we are but I’ve never felt this way with a man before. I haven’t been put in this situation very many times in my lifetime, but Kaleb Perez is practically irresistible.

  “Josie, wait,” I hear Kaleb whisper and my hands register the weight of his.

  I look down and gasp at the realization that I’ve unbuttoned his shirt almost completely.

  I’m panting as I pull my hands from his shirt.

  “Sorry,” I whisper, my feelings slightly hurt.

  “Don’t be,” he says and brings both of his hands to cup my face. “You’re so beautiful.” He whispers as his fingers stroke my cheeks.

  “You’re pretty hot yourself.” My eyes go wide at my admission and his face lights up with a smile.

  He sweeps his thumb over my bottom lip before he pulls my head back, slanting his mouth over mine for another kiss. Our dueling tongues and the feeling of his hot skin against my chest send my senses into overdrive. The ability to resist rocking my hips against his flew out the window when he told me I was beautiful.