by Lisa Kessler
And then the trail was gone.
“Dammit.”
He turned to go back to the crime scene, formulating a way to let them know the murder weapon was a garrote without mentioning a vision.
CHAPTER 13
Mel shoved Nate’s clothes over in the closet and managed to squeeze hers in beside them. His scent was everywhere, intoxicating her. Suddenly, finding a place to put her things away had become more intimate than she’d intended.
With that finished, she wandered into the little kitchen. If she was going to be here for a few days, they’d need food in the fridge. She opened the door, her gaze immediately dropping to the bottom shelf. The gummy worms were gone.
She smiled imagining her big strong Guardian munching on them while he worked. Shaking her head, she went about making a mental grocery list. It was easier to note the items he did have rather than figuring out what she needed to buy. She started opening kitchen drawers in search of a pen and paper. Instead, she found a drawing—a little girl with a big man drawn in felt-tip marker.
In spite of being stick people, the man had green eyes and a badge on his belt. At the bottom someone had scrawled “Thank you!” followed by hearts and happy faces.
She flipped it over, but there were no markings or dates. Nate told her he never had a relationship, but could he have a daughter? One wild night with an accidental conception? From the stick people, she couldn’t tell if there was a resemblance.
There had to be some other explanation. He would’ve told her if he had a daughter.
Or at least she thought he would… But when? Before or after they had sex?
Other than being a police detective with an abusive, alcoholic father, she didn’t know much about the man she was now sharing a closet with.
She put the picture back in the drawer and kept looking for paper. She finally found one, as well as colored pens and Post-it notes. Good enough. Once she had her list of essentials, she glanced at the clock. It was after one in the morning. She had to be up for school in a few hours. She left the list on the counter and fired off a quick text to Nate.
Early day for me so I’m going to get some sleep. Will you be back soon?
As soon as she hit “Send,” regret swelled. Why had she asked when he’d get back? This wasn’t supposed to be a relationship. This was her hiding and him protecting; possibly with bedroom benefits on the side.
Before she could build her angst into a full-blown panic, he texted back.
Sorry it’s so late. I’ll be there in an hour max.
Two sentences, but she managed to read enough subtext into them to make her head spin. Was he sorry she was still awake, sorry she was at his place, or sorry he ever met her? She set her phone aside and headed to the bedroom to change. When she came back to the sofa, she was in one of Nate’s T-shirts. At this point she figured she’d just wait up for him. But her body seemed to have a different plan.
Nate’s front door was locked. Good. Mel was being safe. The second he opened the door, an unusual swell of emotion overcame him. He smiled, closing the door quietly behind him, as he saw she was passed out on the sofa, curled up in one of his shirts.
Seeing her calmed him, and in the same moment, it watered the seed of worry germinating inside his heart. He didn’t want to like having her here. It wasn’t Mel. She was amazing. But the idea that he might get used to the company, to that warm feeling of finding her sound asleep in his T-shirt? It was a dangerous path. It led to caring and depending, and ended in pain.
He went back to his room and turned on the closet light. His clothes were moved and hers added. His pulse sputtered. It was stupid to let it bother him. She had to put her clothes someplace. And he was the one who’d insisted on keeping her safe.
And dangerously close.
He forced himself to move. Obsessing over her moving in was going to drive him out of his mind. On the shelves at the back of the closet, he took down a blanket, turned out the light, and brought it out to cover her.
She hummed and opened drowsy eyes. “You made it back.”
He sat on the edge of the couch beside her. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
She leaned up and rested her head on his shoulder. “Sorry I texted you. I guess I was worried or something.”
He lifted her chin. “I work crappy hours.”
“I wasn’t trying to make it seem like…”
“Like you cared?”
She chuckled. “I do care, but I didn’t want to suffocate you with it. You don’t owe me anything.”
He kissed her forehead. “This is hard for me, too.”
“Any leads?”
He shook his head, unwilling to let the frustration creep back in. He turned and scooped her into his arms, lifting her up as he stood. Mel gasped, then wrapped her arms around his neck. “Not interested in talking about work?”
He claimed her lips, savoring the taste of her as he carried her into his bedroom. Laying her on the bed, he settled over her. “Work fell off my radar the second I walked in the door.”
The corner of her mouth lifted into a crooked smile. “Me in your shirt works for you.”
“You work for me.” He kissed her again, hard this time.
Her lips parted, his tongue swirling with hers. Usually a rough night of work meant a long night of push-ups and sit-ups in the hope that exhaustion would lead to sleep. Mel’s fingers tightened in his hair, her other hand sliding down his back.
She beat the hell out of exercising.
His voice became a growly whisper. “I need to get out of these clothes.”
He stood up and started to unbutton his shirt when the lamp clicked on. He frowned. “Something wrong?”
“Nope.” Mel stared up at him, the T-shirt barely covering her. His erection pulsed, and she wet her lips. “Just wanted to watch.”
He fumbled with the next button and shook his head. “I’m better with the light off.”
“You know how you like seeing me in your shirt?” She pulled it off and dropped it over the edge of the bed. “Now you can see me without it.”
He drank in her naked body, his fingers suddenly making fast work of his buttons. He hesitated before taking it off completely. “You’re so sexy.”
Her eyes sparkled. “So are you.”
She’d already seen his scars and accepted him. He had nothing left to hide. But his heart still raced as he opened his shirt and took it off. Her lips parted slightly in answer. Seeing the desire on her face, her body… Damn, it made him even hotter.
He brought his hands to his slacks and unbuckled his belt. She swallowed, her breath catching. He came closer to the bed, running his hand up her leg. “I’ve never wanted anyone this bad before.”
“Good.” Her fingertips slid up the length of his zipper, squeezing his erection until he ached for her touch. She sat up and unfastened the button. Looking up at him from under her thick lashes, she reached for his zipper. “I want you, too.”
She eased his zipper down and tugged his pants over his hips until he was finally free. He stared down at her as she took him into her mouth. The sight of her lips sliding down his shaft nearly did him in. He ground his teeth, struggling to keep control, to make it last. Tangling his fingers in her hair, he rocked into her mouth slowly.
Her fingernails slid up the back of his legs, teasing his ass, encouraging him as she sucked gently. He growled her name. Every muscle in his body tensed. Too close. He didn’t want it to be over yet. “No more. I’m about to lose it.”
She kissed her way up his bare chest, her wet lips teasing his nipple until she stood before him. He claimed her mouth and bent his knees. Catching her waist in one arm, he straightened, lifting her off the floor. She wrapped her legs around him as he slid his hands along her thighs.
His erection brushed her opening, hot and wet. She rocked her hips, and he sank into her. He groaned into the kiss, his pulse hammering in his ears. If it were humanly possible, he’d never stop making love to her. Never.
>
Mel couldn’t catch her breath. She broke the kiss, her lips trailing down his neck. In the mirrored closet door, their reflection made her heart race. His muscles were taut, defined, and all hers—at least for right now.
She tingled all over as she nibbled at his ear. “You’re so sexy,” she whispered.
He turned to kiss her lips and caught their reflection in the mirror. She followed his gaze. He paused, and for a second, she worried everything might be ruined. She clenched her inner muscles and slowly writhed, taking him even deeper. He dropped his head back, thrusting his hips, as his grip on her thighs tightened.
She pulled her attention from the mirror to Nate’s face. Sweat glistened on his forehead, and desire burned in his eyes. He kissed her, then growled against her lips, “Come with me.”
His hands were busy holding her up, so she brought one hand between them, rubbing with each thrust. He slammed into her harder and faster, and her entire body tightened. She cried out against his shoulder as he erupted deep inside her.
“Mel…” His arms trembled as he walked her to the bed, but his hold on her never faltered. He laid her on the bed, keeping her close so their bodies remained connected. He kissed her shoulder and whispered, “I…” He lifted his head with a crooked smile that made her heart flutter. “No words.”
She nodded slowly. “I know what you mean.”
He cupped her cheek. “I like being able to see you.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat, running her hands up his muscular biceps to his shoulders. “Seeing you…turned me on, too.” She shook her head, her lips curving. “You are beyond hot.”
He chuckled, rolling his eyes. “I don’t know about…” His voice trailed off, his expression sobering. He met her eyes. “Oh shit. I got so caught up…”
Mel blinked. “Condom.” She cringed. “Crap.”
“Yeah.” He slid free from her and sat up. “I’m sorry. Dammit. I’ve never forgotten before.” He looked over at her. “What do we do?”
Her big, strong police detective was asking her what to do. She sat up, sliding her arms around his waist from behind him. “We make sure we don’t screw up again. It usually takes more than one time to get pregnant.” Who was she trying to convince, him or herself? She started doing the mental calculations in her head and breathed a sigh of relief. “I don’t think I’d be ovulating yet anyway.”
His body tensed up, and a fit of inappropriate giggles hit her. He tried to look back over his shoulder, but she dodged his stare, making the laughter even worse.
“I’m sorry. I guess talking ovulation isn’t great pillow talk.”
He heaved a sigh and chuckled. “Not a word I use often around here.”
“Now I want to get a puppy and name her Ovulation.”
He turned around and pinned her on the bed, catching her hands in his. A playful grin she’d never seen before lit up his face. “No puppies.”
She mustered her best innocent smile. “Maybe a kitten? We could call her Ovie for short.”
He laughed, kissing her long and slow. Her entire body warmed. When he pulled back, his eyes searched hers. For what, she couldn’t even venture a guess.
Finally, he whispered, “I’m going to keep you safe.”
“I know.”
But would he still be there when the threat was gone? She pushed the thought from her mind and got under the covers. One day at a time. He held her close, and she drifted off to the steady beat of her Guardian’s heart.
Her cell phone buzzed. She squinted, stretching to turn off her alarm. It wasn’t even light out yet.
The joys of teaching…
She eased out from under Nate’s arm and got showered and dressed. Her legs were sore, but she smiled remembering the amazing workout she’d gotten the night before.
Yeah, it was going to be a good day.
She waited for her inner muse to cast a shadow over it or remind her that she could be pregnant, but there was no sign of tragedy.
Once she was ready, she came into the bedroom and found Nate awake. She frowned. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“How are you feeling?”
She started to smile. “Really good…” He looked concerned. A light bulb came to life over her head. “And definitely not feeling pregnant.”
The corner of his lips curved. “Probably too soon anyway, right?”
She nodded. “Way too soon.” Before she could stop herself, the words fell from her mouth. “Do you have any children?”
He grimaced a little and raised a brow. “I told you this is the first time I ever forgot a condom. And I’ve never been married.”
“Right.” Heat flushed in her cheeks. “I just… I was looking for a piece of paper yesterday and saw a drawing of you and a little girl. I just assumed…” She shook her head. “I better get to work. See you later.”
She scooted out before things could get any more awkward. And somewhere deep inside, her inner muse reveled in it.
Nate waited for the door to close before he sat up. He hadn’t meant to keep Maggie a secret, but he’d also been hoping to protect Mel without having to share everything.
Old habits die hard. Part of him was still bracing for the fall out, protecting himself. Oh shit. Maggie.
He had to go talk to her class.
Pulling up the calendar on his phone, he double-checked the time. Three o’clock. Then he was going to take her to get some ice cream. He fired off a text to Mel.
The little girl’s name is Maggie. She’s not mine, but she’s pretty amazing. I’m supposed to speak to her class at 3.
He hit “Send” and stared at his phone. His palms started sweating. He was getting in too deep, but it was so easy where Mel was concerned. Screw it.
Want to come?
He set the phone down and went to the closet. Before he had his shirt buttoned, his phone chimed. He picked it up and smiled.
I’m off at 2. Pick me up?
He shouldn’t have been so eager, but he texted back immediately.
See you then.
What the hell was he doing?
CHAPTER 14
“You’re in a good mood for a guy who lost his only lead last night.” John dropped off a Styrofoam cup of coffee on Nate’s desk. “What’s up with you?”
Mel’s face filled his head. He picked up the coffee and grinned. “Nothing. I figure the murder tells us I was right about everything being connected. We were getting too close.”
“And now we’re miles away again.”
“Nah. Belkin Oil is involved. I don’t know exactly how yet, but I’m going to find out.”
“Without a murder weapon and a suspect, it’ll be tough to make anything stick,” John said. “Belkin will have the ultimate legal team, too, I’m sure.”
“That’s why we need more evidence.” Nate sipped his coffee. “And we’ve got to find Lewis Gold.”
“If he exists.”
“He can’t hide forever.” Nate finished his coffee and dropped the cup in the trash. “I’ve gotta leave at two today.”
John crossed his arms. “Hot date?”
Nate shook his head slowly. “Maggie.”
John sighed. “Not sure if that’s better or worse. You’re still hoping she gets adopted, right?”
“Just cover for me, okay?”
He nodded. “You know I will.”
“Thanks, man.”
Nate worked through his lunch hour, eating a sandwich at his desk, trying not to keep checking the clock. Not that he was eager to see Mel. He just didn’t want to be late to Maggie’s school. Mostly.
When he got to Mel’s high school later, the parking lot was busy. The fact that many of the drivers had only been behind the wheel for a year or less also made it hazardous. But he only used the horn once.
Two students were still at Mel’s desk when he walked through the door. The girl looked up at him and then quickly away, her cheeks coloring. But the boy tipped his head. “This your new man, Ms. J
acoby?”
Mel chuckled. “Brian, this is Detective Malone.”
Brian did a good job covering that he just swallowed his gum. Nate slid his sunglasses down a little so the kid could see his eyes. “Good to meet you, Brian.”
Brian grabbed the girl’s hand. “Come on, Carla. We gotta get to Chem Lab.”
Mel called after them. “Don’t forget to practice your poems for the slam tomorrow.”
Brian waved over his head as he and the girl crossed the threshold.
Nate grinned as he approached her desk. “I’m almost sorry I’ll be missing your slam poetry tomorrow.”
She rolled her eyes, but her smile was still addictive. “You are not.” She grabbed her bag and a flash drive, then straightened up. “So tell me about your presentation. Which grade is Maggie in?”
“Second grade.” He offered her his arm, ignoring the flush of electricity coursing through him from the simple touch. “I’ll be talking about being a detective to a bunch of seven-year-olds. Now you see why I wanted some backup?”
Mel laughed and squeezed his bicep. “And how did you get roped into this?”
He opened the car door for her and came around to his side. Once he was inside, he turned the key and glanced her way. “Maggie was the little girl I told you about, the one who lost her mom to her abusive father.”
Mel’s smile faded. “Oh… Did you arrest her dad?”
“Yeah.” He lowered his voice. “I was the lead detective on the case and testified in court to put him away for life.” He met her eyes, but again, there was no sign of judgment there. “She didn’t like me much at the beginning. I was the villain, not her dad.” He ground his teeth and tightened his grip on the wheel. “But now, other than her new foster parents, I’m all Maggie has left.”
Mel’s eyes brimmed with tears, but she blinked them away. “This must be Bring Your Parent to School Day?”
He nodded slowly. “She’s at a new school. I can’t let her be the only one who doesn’t have a parent come.”
She rested her hand on his thigh, squeezing it. “You’re a good man, Nate Malone.”
