Her Mother's Killer

by Schroeder, Melissa

  “Let’s just forget that ever happened.”

  He wanted to argue, because while he didn’t know what the hell to do about it at the moment, there was no way in holy hell he was going to forget about it. Hell, he could still taste her in his mouth. But he granted her wish and nodded, mentally telling himself that space might be all they needed. Then, if he still wanted her, he’d deal with that later.

  Chapter Four

  As she and Gwen stood talking to Mrs. Perry, Thea eyed her surroundings. It was innocent enough, or seemed that way. Kids, friends and family gathered in the backyard of the Perrys’ huge home. It should be relaxing but something in the area had her instincts on guard.

  Even after ordering herself to calm down, the hairs on the back of her neck stirred. This was the familiar sickly feeling that had her taking another long look around the group. There wasn’t a person here who wasn’t either related to or a good friend with the Perrys but something wasn’t right.

  Something bad was about to happen, that or someone was watching her. But the months leading up to her accident had left her confused, and a little out of practice in trusting her instincts. She’d felt that same tickling of the senses, a warning of a threat in the area. The fact Jason had never taken it seriously made her question herself. Even knowing he’d been wrong didn’t help.

  A gust of wind had her pulling her collar closer as a bead of sweat rolled down her back. Goosebumps rose across her flesh. The other women were preoccupied talking gossip about neighbors she didn’t know, so she felt free to look around again. She didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Kids of all ages ran freely around the yard, men stood, beers in their hands, discussing the latest Cowboy game. Duncan was playing with what she assumed was a nephew, holding the boy upside down as he giggled.

  It was normal, sedate even. Remembering the drink in her hand, she took a healthy sip of tea. The sweet beverage slid down her dry throat. There was nothing that should make her uneasy, but a shiver of awareness slipped beneath her skin. The memory was too close to before her wreck. Her belly cramped, her head pounded.

  She drew in a deep breath, trying to ease the tension. Using the techniques her therapist had taught her, she counted down from ten. By the time she reached one, the tension had begun to ease and her muscles relaxed. As she released her last breath, a hand clamped onto her shoulder. Terror surged, her nightmares became reality. She screamed.

  “Thea,” Chase said. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  When she glanced back over her shoulder, she found him standing close to her. The apologetic smile on his face did little to ease her worry. If she couldn’t keep herself together in a safe gathering, just how did she think she could accomplish her task?

  With a glance to the crowd, she realized her scream had attracted attention, and her face heated. She cleared her throat and smiled.

  “I was just woolgathering and you startled me.”

  Chase didn’t look convinced but he draped his arm over her shoulders, and then turned to face his mother and Gwen. Their speculative study did little to ease her tension but for other reasons. Gwen’s look told Thea she would have to answer questions about her friendship with the younger Perry brother later. Mrs. Perry’s was one of casual interest.

  Needing to gloss over the uncomfortable silence, Thea asked, “You know Gwen, don’t you, Chase?”

  He smiled at Gwen and Thea was surprised to see her friend actually blush. “Of course I know Gwen. How are you doing, Ms. Masters?”

  Gwen’s blush deepened but when she spoke, nothing showed in her even tone. “I’m fine. I didn’t realize you two knew each other.”

  Chase’s smiled broadened. “Not like the Perrys and the Warrens haven’t been friends for years, but I attended school in Georgia.”

  And as easy as that, he smoothed their concern. Thea saw it and knew he was good with charm, but she was still amazed. As they continued to chat about local gossip, the fear she’d felt slowly eased away. But it was replaced by something else, something just as uncomfortable. When she turned her head, she found out why. Duncan was idly watching her and Chase, his expression void of emotion. Although his stance was relaxed, he looked like a tiger watching his prey. She raised one eyebrow and his lips quirked.

  “Duncan told me he showed you the rental yesterday,” Selma said.

  Thea turned her attention back to his mother as heat crept up into her cheeks. Just thinking about what went on at the house yesterday had kept her up most of the night. She still felt itchy from the inside out, as if she would never find relief.

  “Yes. It’s wonderful.”

  “I told Thea I couldn’t believe she drooled over the stove.” Duncan’s deep voice sounded as if he were a few feet behind her. She twisted around and gave him an icy smile that had nothing to do with humor.

  “I didn’t drool.”

  His eyes widened. “Really? I seem to remember something like that.”

  “Admired. I was admiring the kitchen.”

  He quirked an eyebrow. “So that’s what they call it these days.”

  Irritated with him, she offered him her back and now found everyone—including Chase—watching the byplay with avid interest. When she glanced at Gwen, she inwardly cringed at the knowing look in her friend’s blue eyes.

  Wanting to deflect any speculation, she asked, “Do you mind if I use your bathroom, Selma?”

  “Not at all, hon. Go down the hall off the living room, first door on your left.”

  “I’ll lead the way,” Chase offered.

  “I think I can find my own way to the bathroom, but thanks.”

  As she walked away, she felt the interested gazes that followed, but one dark-eyed gaze in particular had her body shimmering with heat at their remembered embrace.

  * * * *

  Duncan wandered closer to the house, watching the back porch door, waiting for Thea to appear. He shook his head at his embarrassing behavior. All he’d done was kiss the woman, but he couldn’t stop the possessive streak that reared its head anytime a man got close to her. Even his brother.

  “Find something interesting there on the porch?” Chase asked.

  He glanced at his brother. “Nothing in particular.”

  Chase tilted his head to one side and studied him for a moment before he said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you behave this way.”

  Duncan returned his attention to the porch. “What way?”

  Chase laughed. “I think I would call it smitten.”

  Duncan frowned but still didn’t look at his brother. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “You fairly growled when you saw me touching Thea the other night, and then again today, I could tell you weren’t happy.”

  “And?”

  “You’re smitten.”

  He glanced at his brother again. “Almost forty-year-old men don’t get smitten.”

  “What would you call it when a man gives the look of death to any male who even glances in the direction of a woman?” Duncan opened his mouth but his brother wasn’t done. “And, seriously, she’s been here three days. You have seen her every day. You go hunting her up.”

  Duncan wanted to deny it, but he would sound like an idiot. He was the one who suggested he show Thea the house, who offered to go to Gwen’s. And it was his idea to invite them. So he did the only thing he could. He shoved his brother and said, “Fuck off.”

  He decided he’d waited long enough for Thea and started up to the house. He ignored the interested stares and his brother’s laughter. Within moments, he stepped into the house. A few more people were gathered around the TV waiting for the next football game to start. Duncan paid them no attention and kept walking, determined to get to his destination. He turned the corner and started down the hall as Thea stepped out of the bathroom. Her eyes widened when she saw him.

  “Duncan—”

  He ignored her, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her around another corner f
or privacy. She practically sputtered and tried to dig in her heels, but he didn’t slow down.

  “Duncan Michael Perry!”

  He stopped once he knew they were far enough away from the other guests. “What?”

  She settled her hands on her hips. “What? Just what?”

  He crossed his hands over his chest to keep from touching her. But it was hard to resist her. Her face was still flushed from the cool air outside and her irritation. He wondered what she would look like when she came.

  “Duncan.”

  She never lost her Texas twang, and it deepened when she was mad. He could just imagine her moaning his name, the way her flesh would feel against his.

  “Duncan!”

  He shook his head trying to get rid of the image, but it just wouldn’t budge. All he could think about was having her under him.

  “Stop.”

  He focused on her mouth, the lush ripeness of her lips as her tongue darted out over the plump bottom.

  “Stop what?” he asked.

  He leaned closer, drew in the sweet essence of her.

  “We agreed this wasn’t a good idea.”

  He shook his head. “You said, not me.”

  She placed her hand on his chest and he looked down at it, then back up at her. He saw it there, the passion he felt burning in his veins, speeding through his blood like fire. He knew she felt it. Her eyes darkened, her breathing increased. The noise of the TV and the guests faded in the background.

  He leaned forward. She offered him no other resistance as he rubbed his mouth over hers, the barest of touch.

  “We shouldn’t.”

  Her voice barely registered it was so low, the denial so weak. Her breath heated his lips, her tongue dipping into his mouth.

  “But we will.”

  Without waiting for her response, he dipped his head and took possession of her mouth.

  Every thought in Thea’s head dissolved the moment Duncan pressed her back against the wall. Sparks of energy danced along her nerve endings, her nipples tightened, her body heated. He slanted his mouth over hers, moving his hands to cup her face.

  Oh, God, she wanted this, needed this. Her head was spinning as blood rushed to her groin. She shifted closer, needing to feel him, to feel his warmth, to lose herself. Her dampened panties pressed against her clit and sent another zing of heat speeding through her veins. She slipped her hands up and over his shoulders, molding her hands to the back of his head.

  She throbbed. Every pore, every hormone, every fiber of her being. Tension gathered in her stomach, then slipped lower. Everything thing in her told her right now, right there. But a moment later, Duncan pulled away, just slightly.

  “We probably shouldn’t be doing this in the hall.” His voice was hoarse, the passion he’d built vibrated in his voice.

  “Hmm, no.”

  Still he didn’t move. Instead he placed his hands on the wall and pressed his groin harder against hers. Every nerve in her body sizzled and she hummed.

  He sighed, the sound filled with regret. “We have to talk about this. It’s…odd.”

  She frowned. “What do you mean odd?”

  He closed his eyes and seemed to mentally gather himself and gingerly stepped away. The moment he did, the cold air that replaced his warmth caused her to shiver.

  “You’re the first woman I’ve kissed whose shoes I tied when she was a girl.”

  She crossed her arms over her breasts, which was a mistake. Her nipples were hard, sensitive, and brushing against them sent a tremor of need through her again.

  “I’m almost thirty.”

  “And you’re Jed’s sister.”

  “What the hell does that have to do with it?”

  “It’s…well, guys just don’t do it.”

  With an irritated huff, she pushed past him. “Fine, then stay away from me. I don’t need this crap right now.”

  She didn’t get more than three steps away from him before fingers of steel wrapped around her upper arm and pulled her back. He crowded her up against the wall again.

  “I didn’t say I didn’t want you.”

  “You just don’t like wanting me.”

  He brushed the backs of his knuckles over her cheek. “No, actually, I’m getting to like that quite a bit.” The heat in his voice shivered over her. “I’m just not sure what it means, or if we should act on it.”

  “What’s there to think about? It’s sex.”

  Duncan chuckled. “This would complicate things. Your brother, my family…this town.”

  She hated that he was right, but damn it, he was. They had a connection, one that wasn’t always easy to deal with. Throw in his job as a town leader, and the fact everyone paid attention to everyone else in Crocker…even a one-night stand would make the gossip rounds. She blew out a breath.

  “Fine. You don’t want to even try—”

  He pressed his groin against hers again, his shaft still hard. Thea shivered.

  “Trying is not in question. I just think…” He cocked his head to the side listening to something in the other room. “But one of our main problems just got here.”

  He stepped away. Thea didn’t have time to even contemplate what he meant when she heard her brother say, “Just what the hell is going on here?”

  She turned in the direction of his voice and for a moment, didn’t move. He had a black eye and a bandage covered his hand. As usual, he looked a little banged up, a little rough around the edges. Warmth filled her chest and the stress of the last week caught up with her as she launched herself into his arms.

  “It’s so good to see you.”

  His arms tightened slightly and he kissed the top of her head. “You said a mouthful, kid.”

  * * * *

  Duncan watched the siblings talk to each other, their heads bent together, their voices, he was sure, low.

  “Amazing how much she looks like her mother,” Uncle Chris said behind him.

  Duncan kept his attention on Thea and Jed as they both stood in the kitchen. “Yeah. Has her mama’s personality, too.”

  “I take it Jed didn’t know she moved back here?”

  “I called him.”

  Chris stepped up beside him and watched the unfolding scene. The warm sibling reunion was now over and she and Jed were arguing. “Maybe that wasn’t a good idea.”

  Up until that point, Jed had been doing most of the talking, but apparently he said something Thea really did not like. She settled her hands on her hips, and started blasting her brother. Several people surrounding them turned to look, and believe it or not, Jed took a step away.

  “They don’t need to be fighting like that.”

  Duncan glanced at his uncle, who was now frowning, worry filled his expression. He knew Chris saw the Johnson kids as surrogate Perrys. He’d been their father’s best friend most of his life.

  “Actually, I think it is the best thing that could happen.”

  Chris was now frowning at him. “I think it would be best to let things lie. It’s not good for either of them to get things stirred up.”

  Duncan turned away from his uncle and watched the brother and sister. “No. They’ve been doing that for too many years. They need to move on.”

  It was then that Jed threw back his head back and laughed, then grabbed Thea and pulled her into a bear hug.

  “I think that’s my cue.”

  Chris didn’t say anything, his expression darkening even more.

  “Hey, they need this, they both need to move on.”

  “She doesn’t need him here to bother her though.”

  And with that odd statement, his uncle retreated to the kitchen. Maybe Chris knew more than he did. Hell, Duncan was sure of it. But he knew his uncle had little contact with either Jed or Thea since they moved away. With a shrug, he grabbed a beer out of the cooler and headed out to talk to his best friend.

  As he stepped off the porch, Thea glanced at him, fire blazing in her eyes. Damn, she was gorgeous. He walked ac
ross the lawn, ignoring several people who hailed him, keeping his attention focused on Thea.

  When he reached them, he offered Jed a beer and he shook his head. “Nope. Not with the pain medications.” He handed it to Thea who took it and narrowed her eyes.

  “And when were you going to tell me that you called my brother?”

  He didn’t say anything and she looked at Jed. “I hope he can put you up for the night. Gwen and I don’t have the room.”

  With that she stomped off into the house. Duncan watched, enjoying the exaggerated sway of her hips. Damn, but she was even more attractive when she was pissed off at him. Which should warn him to stay away from her, but for some reason, it attracted him even more.

  Jed cleared his throat. Duncan looked over at him with a smile. “Your sister turned into a beautiful woman.”

  “A beautiful woman with a whole mess of problems.” He crossed his arms over his chest and gave him the same narrow-eyed glare his sister did. “And I’ll be damned if you add to them, not after she damned near died.”

  Chapter Five

  Duncan’s heart stopped for a second, then beat in double time. “What?”

  “Damn, I’m tired.” Jed scrubbed his one good hand over his face.

  “I don’t care. Tell me what happened with Thea.”

  Jed sighed. “She had a wreck.”

  “I heard that. When, where, how?”

  “Right before she and Jason divorced. One car. There was something off though. Thea was convinced she’d been run off the road. Police said no. There were no signs of another car, no witnesses. Of course, they all knew Jason.”

  Her ex being Atlanta PD, that made sense. “You think he had something to do with it?”

  “Nothing I could prove, but I wouldn’t put it past the bastard.”

  “How bad was the wreck?”

  “Not bad.” He grimaced. “Slight concussion, bruised ribs, some scratches. But that wasn’t the worst of it.”