His Moment to Steal: In the Line of Duty, Book 4
Page 4
When Emery turned to face Luke he shook his head and said, “Stay away from him. He’s trouble.”
Emery grinned when she caught a ghost of a smile on Luke’s mouth, like he’d forgotten who she was and how much he hated her family.
Unable to help herself she shot back with, “Yeah, well something tells me he’d probably say the same about you.”
With that both Colt and Tanner laughed. “She’s got you there, boss man,” Tanner said.
“Oh, really. So you’re going to side with them, are you?” Luke shook his head, the corner of his mouth twitching. “You should have stuck with me, sunshine. Those two will lead you down a path you might not want to go on.”
“You’re one to talk,” Colt shot back.
That ghost of a grin returned. “Yeah, but at least my path would be paved with good intentions.”
“Good intentions, my ass,” Tanner said.
“Why does everything have to be about your ass?” Luke asked.
Colt laughed. “Because he’s got an ass fixation, that’s why.”
Luke pointed to the keypad, the hint of a smile gone. “Teach Emery how to use that, and keep your hands to yourselves.”
With that, Luke slipped out of the van and Emery turned her attention to Colt. Too bad her mind was still on Luke and the way her name rolled off his tongue. She wondered what his voice would sound like during sex, soft and raspy, or harsh and rough.
When Colt started talking, she gave a hard shake of her head to clear it and turned her focus to him. Over the next half hour, she learned the ins and outs of the system Luke had customized for her and how to program her alarm system. Every now and then she’d glance at her monitor and catch Luke at work, his hard body maneuvering around the aisles with stealth and confidence, his every movement dragging her focus with it.
Once she had the system mastered, she made her way back inside the bustling air-conditioned market, passing Luke as he stepped outside, looking hot and tired and in need of a break. She went to her office, where there were no cameras, dug into her purse to get her last twenty, and walked back to the deli.
“Hey Jon,” she said as she slipped behind the counter. She went to work on making some fresh sandwiches, then poured three iced coffees. She loaded them up on a tray and carried them outside.
“Hello,” she said, lifting her hand to knock on the side of the van door.
Colt pulled it open. “Howdy, ma’am.”
“Oh,” she said, surprised to see him standing there, like he’d been waiting for her.
He grinned. “I saw you coming.”
“You’re supposed to be watching the customers, not Emery,” a hard voice said from behind.
Ignoring Luke, Colt looked at the sandwiches. “Am I ever glad to see you.”
“That’s because I brought you food.”
“Darlin’, you could be standing there empty-handed, completely naked of…everything…and I’d still be happy to see you.”
“You are trouble, aren’t you?” she responded. “Maybe Luke was right. Maybe I should have stuck with him.”
She looked past Colt’s shoulders and a fine quiver moved through her when she found Luke’s intense gaze fastened on her. He went as still as a stealth soldier, and the air around them seemed to charge, come alive with energy. With his focus one hundred percent on her, every nerve in her body tingled, crackled, moisture breaking out on her skin.
“I…I thought you guys could use something cold to drink and I noticed no one stopped for a lunch break, so I…” She stopped speaking and held the tray out.
“Beautiful and thoughtful.” Colt licked his lips and took the tray from her, but he was looking directly at her when he added, “Delicious. Damned if you aren’t my kind of girl.”
Something flickered in the depths of Luke’s eyes. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to.”
He studied her for several long seconds, longer than what was comfortable. Something passed in his eyes, but she wasn’t sure what. He briefly closed them, and when he opened them again the ghosts were back. She turned to leave, and while she didn’t know what that look meant, she could feel his gaze burning into her back, like he was in the battlefield tracking his enemy’s every move through his crosshairs.
As they all kicked back at Sky Bar, enjoying a cold beer and meal after a long day, Colt let loose a long slow whistle. “Damn, she’s hot. Real sweet too.” He adjusted his Stetson and glared at Tanner. “More my type than yours though, old man.”
“Like hell she is,” Tanner shot back as he turned the brim of his Texas Rangers cap backward, like he was itching for a fight. Clearly the two had been spending too much time together in a hot van.
Luke leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers around his neck as Colt and Tanner battled it out over Emery and who was more suited for her. Not that Luke would let either of them get too close.
Shit.
What the hell was he worried about that for? She wasn’t his, and she wasn’t his type. In fact, they were complete opposites. He didn’t belong in her world any more than she belonged in his. He looked around the bar at all the rough and rugged soldiers who had all been to battle, ready to give their lives for their country. Yeah, she’d be completely out of place here, and the men from her world likely wore expensive suits and designer shoes, not fatigues and combat boots.
He spotted Matt at the bar, reading over his MCAT books and stealing glances at Sky. Luke’s gaze shifted to the blonde who’d been eyeing him last night. Damn, he should have just taken her home. Should have buried himself in her and forgotten all about Emery. Sweet Emery who brought them food and drinks, and then paid for it herself. Yeah, he saw her drop the money into the cash register. He’d be damned if he’d stand for that, or take anything from the Taylor family. That money would come off the end contract.
Garrett sat next to him, his beer bottle hitting the table hard and pulling Luke’s thoughts back. His friend gestured toward Colt and Tanner. “Who are these two clowns talking about?”
“Emery,” Luke said, then took a long pull of his own beer.
“Your Emery.”
“She’s not my anything.”
“Yeah, I can tell.”
“You should wipe that smirk off your face before I do it for you,” Luke said.
Garrett laughed and slapped Luke on the shoulder. Then he pulled his hand back like grenade had just gone off. “Jesus, that hurt.”
“What hurt?”
He shook his hand. “I hit that chip on your shoulder. It’s a big muthafucker. I damn near bruised my hand.”
Luke glowered into his bottle. Yeah, so he had a chip on his shoulder. Who could blame him? He hated rich people who thought they were better than everyone else.
“Do you know what she did?” he asked.
“What?”
“She brought us all food.” He shook his head. “Did she think we couldn’t afford it? Or maybe she did it because she figured I’d steal it if she didn’t provide it.”
“Or maybe she was just being nice, dumbass. Did you ever think of that?”
Luke planted his elbows on the table and fisted his hair as he thought more about her. Honest to God, she confused the hell out of him.
“I told you, she wasn’t the one who had it out for you.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“No?”
“I don’t want her and she doesn’t want me. So this conversation is a waste of time.”
Garrett looked at Colt and Tanner again. “That’s probably a good thing, because it looks like you’d have to fight those two for her.”
“They act like an old married couple,” Luke said, but at least he trusted them and they were both damn good at their job.
“I guess working closely with her is really getting to them.”
“Seems that way.”
“And she’s not getting to you?”
“Nope. I have a job to do and as soon as I’m done, I
’m out of there.”
Just then the cute blonde started sauntering his way. She looked as sexy as hell in a flannel shirt tied at the waist and tight, low-cut jeans that showcased her curvy hips. A broken-in pair of cowboy boots climbed up her long legs and completed the farmer’s daughter look.
But it’s not the farmer’s daughter you want…
Shit.
Before the girl reached him, he leaned forward, and said, “Hey you two. Knock it off. Emery is the boss, and we don’t chase the boss. Got it?”
“Since when?” Garrett asked, turning those sharp eyes on Luke.
“Since now,” he answered, knowing Garrett was thinking about Luke’s fling with Shari. Sweet and sexy Shari. She was the artsy type and owned Jewelry is Forever, a small boutique store where she sold specialty jewelry that she personally crafted. When she discovered a lot of it was going out the door unpaid, she’d hired his company to set up a security system. She was a sweet thing, if not a little on the flighty side, and after his first day working for her, he found himself in her bed. She was fun, free spirited, and their affair lasted as long as the job. Ironic really, because to her Jewelry was Forever, but relationships weren’t. Not that he wanted anything more with her, anyway.
“Hey there,” the pretty girl said.
Just then Colt and Tanner stopped arguing and snapped to attention like any good soldier.
“Hey,” Luke said in return, relaxing back in his chair, despite the grin Garrett was casting his way.
Curling a long strand of hair around her finger, she gestured toward the bar. “How would you like to buy a girl a drink?”
“I would,” Colt said.
“Me too,” Tanner piped in.
She cast a smile their way, then turned back to Luke. “How about you?”
“Sure,” Luke said. He picked up his beer and climbed to his feet, ignoring Colt and Tanner’s mumbled curses. “What are you having, sweetheart?” he asked as he guided her to the bar, and away from prying eyes.
“Daiquiri.” She smiled. “And the name is Daisy.”
Of course it was.
He sat across from her, ordered her drink, and after some twenty minutes of listening to her talk about the cute pair of shoes she found last week, he glanced at his watch.
She touched his chest, clearly reading him wrong. “Is it time to go?”
“Yeah,” he said.
She offered him a dazzling smile, showing off perfect white teeth as she shimmied closer. Christ, what the fuck was wrong with him? Any other day he would have taken her home, but tonight, well, he just wasn’t in the mood. Which was bat shit crazy, because he was always in the mood.
“I have somewhere to be,” he said.
“Me too.” She flashed her dark lashes, and pouted her lush lips, a look she probably perfected in the mirror.
“Sorry, sweetheart.” He inched back and stole a glance at his watch. “But I have to finish up some work.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “I thought your work day was over.”
“Yeah, but this job’s been a real bitch.” She glared at him. “Listen.” He pointed to Colt and Tanner. “Those two are good guys.”
She looked past his shoulder, then ran her fingers down his chest. She pouted for a minute then said, “Fine, but next time you’re not getting off so easily.”
Luke gestured for Colt and Tanner to come over, and they both leapt from their chairs like well-trained lapdogs. Luke smiled, wishing he could stick around and watch them duel it out over Daisy.
He introduced them, then told the guys he had some last-minute work to take care of. They both gave him an odd look but said nothing. No way in hell were they going to call him on it and jeopardize a chance at spending the night with sexy Daisy.
The night was still early as he made his way to the door, and just as his palm closed around the knob, Garrett’s hand landed on his shoulder.
“Yeah, it’s real clear she’s not getting to you.”
Shit.
Luke jumped onto his bike, pulled on his helmet and made his way through the city streets. Perhaps a good hard ride would clear his head. He had no idea where he was going but when he found himself on the other side of the street from Taylor’s Market, he shook his head, knowing he was good and fucked.
The girl was getting to him.
The Closed sign was in the window and the lights were dim. He sat there for a moment longer, when he spotted movement inside. What the hell? He stole another glance at his watch. The store closed at eight and it was fifteen minutes past. He supposed Emery could still be inside and was about to go investigate when the door opened and Emery came out. Holding a big paper grocery bag in one arm, she punched a number into her phone. Talking and walking and looking completely distracted, she cut the corner and hurried down the street.
Luke started his bike and followed behind, wondering what the hell she was doing. As she made her way farther south, turning down one of Austin’s more dangerous streets, Luke’s heart thumped. What the fuck was she doing out here at night? This was no place for her to be walking alone. From the shadows, Luke saw a movement, two men moving toward her. Every instinct he possessed came out full force and prompted him into action.
He started toward her on his bike, ready to put himself between her and the approaching men.
With her phone braced between her shoulder and ear, she shifted the grocery bag, completely oblivious to him behind her. She stepped off the sidewalk as the shadows moved closer. Halfway across the dark street, her phone slipped from her ear, and as she fumbled with it, a car came around the corner and headed straight for her.
She was so damn distracted that she hadn’t even seen it coming. Luke revved his bike and sped toward her. He didn’t get there fast enough, however. The car skidded to a halt, but not before bumping into her. She cried out and fell to the ground.
Jesus Christ.
Luke was off his bike in seconds flat. “Emery,” he said. He ran to her and dropped to his knees. She blinked up at him and a measure of relief moved through him to find her conscious. He leaned closer, his eye assessing hers. “Emery, are you okay?”
The man jumped from his car. “Is she okay? I didn’t see her. She came out of nowhere.”
“Call an ambulance.” Even though Luke wanted to punch the guy in the throat, he didn’t want to take his eyes off Emery. She groaned and continued to blink up at him, a confused look dancing in her eyes.
“Luke?”
He clenched his jaw, worried that she had a concussion. “Yeah, it’s me.”
“What’s going on?”
“You got hit by a car.” She made a move to get up. “Don’t move. You’re confused right now. I think you have a concussion.”
“I’m not confused. I didn’t bang my head and I know a car hit me. The only thing that’s puzzling me is you and what you’re doing here.”
Instead of answering, and telling her that he couldn’t seem to get her off his mind, he clutched her arm. “Let me help you.” He raised her a bit, and put his hand on her lower back to help her sit.
“I’m okay, really. It was just a bump.”
The driver started picking up her groceries and putting them back into her bag. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “I didn’t see you there.”
She sat up straighter, and looked embarrassed as she searched the ground. “I wasn’t paying attention. I was on the phone with the center, and it slipped…” She frowned when she found her phone smashed. “It’s broke.”
“I’ll replace it,” the man said. He dropped down next to her and handed her the grocery bag. “I’m so sorry. There’s an ambulance on the way.”
Emery blinked up at him. “I don’t need an ambulance. You just bumped me and I fell.”
“Are you hurt?”
“Only my pride,” she said, and glanced at her knees.
The man smiled. “I’m Ethan Lane.”
“The Ethan Lane?” Emery asked, looking back at him with wide eyes.
Who the hell was the Ethan Lane anyway?
“Emery Vincent,” she said. “And I really don’t need an ambulance. I just want to go home.”
“Can I drive you?”
What the hell? No fucking way was she getting into the car with some stranger.
“I’ve got her,” Luke said.
They both looked at Luke, and Lane angled his head. “Aren’t you on a motorcycle?”
“Yeah, and I never hit anyone with it, either.” Lane opened his mouth but Luke cut him off. “She’s coming with me.”
“Emery?” Lane asked. “Do you know this man?”
She nodded, as Luke carefully helped her to her feet. He towered over the other man and put on his best soldier’s face. “We’ve got your information. You’ll be hearing from us.”
“I look forward to that,” he said turning to Emery. “I’m so sorry. If you need anything, anything at all, call me. Even if you don’t need anything, you can still call.”
You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.
The guy hits her then hits on her.
“I’d better cancel the ambulance then, if you’re sure you don’t need it.”
“I don’t need it.”
He pulled out his phone as Luke moved Emery to the sidewalk. After Lane hung up, Luke stood there glaring at him until he got back into his Lexus.
“I don’t like that guy.”
“That’s Ethan Lane, as in Lane hotels. He’s one of the richest men in Austin. I think he was also in Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’.”
“I don’t care who he is. I don’t like him.”
“The accident wasn’t entirely his fault, you know. I was on a dark street, dressed in black and paying more attention to my phone than where I was going.”
“Doesn’t change a thing.”
He turned to her and looked her over. She was shivering slightly, despite the heat of the night, and her hair fell into her face. He brushed it back, his fingers grazing her jaw. “Maybe you should get checked out.”
Her voice sounded breathless when she answered with, “I don’t need a doctor.”