Watching Whitney

by Jerri Drennen

  “I … uh … is that a gun?” she asked, her eyes glued to his Glock.

  He dropped the weapon to his side.

  “So,” he prompted.

  The woman looked flustered. “I didn’t get a chance to say goodnight.” Her eyes wouldn’t meet his. She was lying. But why come here? Did she think he’d sleep with her?

  Whitney walked out the door. “What’s going on?”

  “Yeah, I’d like to know the answer to that question.” If looks could kill, the one Bethany gave Whitney would have done her in for sure. “I thought you said I could have him.”

  “Wow, wait a minute here. What did you say?” Steve looked between the women.

  Whitney glared at Bethany. “Nothing.”

  Steve couldn’t believe they’d talked about him as if he were something to be bartered with. He hadn’t given either the impression he wanted them — had he?

  “I think you need to go home, Bethany,” he told her in a tone that always worked at getting his point across. It was late and they all needed to get some sleep.

  “But why is she here?” Bethany pointed to Whitney.

  “Because someone broke into her house and it’s not safe for her to go back there until we catch the guy.”

  The blonde’s eyes widened again. “Oh my God, Whitney. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I didn’t want to frighten you.”

  “Whitney has a point, Bethany. You might want to make sure all your doors and windows are locked.”

  Her eyes grew even larger if that were possible. “Do you think Dom and I aren’t safe?”

  “You have a neighbor on both sides of you, Beth. I live out in the boonies. I think that’s why this guy chose my place.”

  “What do you think, Steve?”

  “I think she’s right. As long as you have people close by you should be okay.”

  “Maybe you should come and stay with me, Whitney,” Beth suggested, looking at her.

  “Not tonight.” Steve glanced at Whitney. “Kylie is settled into bed already. You might wake her.”

  Steve wasn’t about to tell either woman the truth. Whitney was much safer with him and he intended to keep her close until he found out who killed the woman in the lake.

  “Goodnight,” Steve said to Bethany, then started for the door. He wasn’t going to stand on the porch all night — not when he could be sleeping instead.

  He walked past Whitney and went inside. Let her fight with Bethany if she wanted. He’d have no part of it.

  Chapter Eight

  Whitney rolled over and opened her eyes, then sat up and looked over at the sofa where she found nothing but a rumpled blanket. She heard water running and knew Steve had to be in the bathroom taking a shower. That meant he’d be naked.

  She gulped. She’d bet anything that he looked damned fine under his clothes.

  Stop it. You have to pull yourself together.

  Whitney rose and headed for the kitchen. She’d keep herself busy making breakfast. First, she’d put on a pot of coffee.

  As the java brewed, she cracked six eggs into a mixing bowl and whisked them around. She’d make scrambled eggs and toast.

  Whitney poured the egg mixture into a hot, greased pan.

  She heard the door to the bathroom open. The smell of soap and rich, spicy cologne filled the air around her and made her stomach tighten. Simply being around this man made her senses go crazy.

  “Morning,” he said from behind her.

  Whitney turned and caught herself before she sighed at how good he looked. His hair was still wet and curling on the ends. He wore a green flannel shirt that brought out the gray hue in his eyes. Springy blond hair peeked out at the V of the neckline, and Whitney thought no man had ever looked so appealing.

  The smell of something burning had her turn back to the stove. She grabbed the handle of the pan and screeched in pain before immediately letting it go.

  “You okay?” Steve rushed to her aide. He eased her hand open and examined the palm. A small red welt ran the length of her hand. “Does it hurt?” he asked, and then blew gently on the tender flesh. The action sent a ripple of desire rocketing through Whitney.

  She looked up at him and their eyes locked. The passion in his gaze stole her breath.

  Seconds ticked as she stared at him.

  He lowered his head toward hers and Whitney knew he was going to kiss her. She’d finally know if his lips were as firm as she’d imagined.

  As he neared, the warmth of his breath tickled her cheek, heating her to the core and when his lips touched hers, Whitney swore the earth shifted beneath her feet. She leaned into the kiss, moving her mouth over his, wanting to get closer, to somehow crawl inside him.

  His tongue worked along the crease of her mouth, teasing her senses on its journey into her mouth. She’d never been so thoroughly kissed in her life and with such expertise. Detective Morgan had clearly kissed his share of women. He knew just what to do with his tongue to get her hot.

  Whitney wrapped her arms around his neck and touched her tongue to his, the moan in the back of his throat driving her over the brink.

  “Momma,” Kylie called, drawing Whitney out of her passion-induced state.

  She pushed away from Steve and rushed to her daughter’s side.

  “Are you okay, sweetie?”

  “I want to go play with Dominic today. Can I?”

  Whitney didn’t know what to say. After last night, Beth might not want to see her again.

  “I’m not sure. Beth might have plans today.”

  Kylie pouted until she saw Steve. She slid off the bed and raced toward him. She cupped her hand in his and smiled, then looked at her. “I’m hungry, mommy.”

  Whitney had completely forgotten about the eggs. She walked back to the stove and looked down at the half-burnt concoction and frowned. She was going to have to dump them and start again. Hopefully this time she could keep her mind on what she was doing and not on the man who could kiss like no other. Another one or two of those and she would have been on the floor tearing off his clothes, and that could never happen.

  • • •

  Steve sat at the table and took a bite of his eggs. He still couldn’t believe he’d given into his desire and kissed Whitney. What the hell had he been thinking? If Kylie hadn’t woken when she had, he had no idea how far things would have gone. His whole body had been on fire for her — a body that had responded like it had before the accident. But he still wasn’t sure if he could seal the deal.

  He could imagine how Whitney would feel if he couldn’t. She’d probably think it was something she’d done. Steve couldn’t do that to her. He was sure after Kylie’s father’s betrayal, she had insecurities of her own.

  Steve avoided looking at Whitney — sure he’d see contempt in her eyes. He’d crossed the line and there was no turning back. Things wouldn’t be the same between them now. Not when he’d taken the liberties he had.

  “Are your eggs okay?” Whitney asked, her voice sounding strained. Clearly, she didn’t know how to act either.

  “They’re fine.” He looked at her and his heart rate rocketed off the charts. This woman did crazy things to him — things to his body that weren’t safe to feel.

  Maybe she should go stay with Bethany. It would be better for his sanity. Yet if she did, he’d be worried about her the whole time. No. He couldn’t do that. She and Kylie were in good hands as long as they were with him.

  He took a sip of coffee and glanced at Kylie, who watched him with her innocent green eyes. These McAllister women were going to give him a complex.

  “What did you have planned for today?” Whitney’s question drew him to her.

  “How do you feel about fishing?”

  She wrinkled her nose and Steve noticed
a line of freckles sprinkled lightly across the bridge. They were adorable. Everything about Whitney called to him in some way, but he had to ignore that. She deserved a man who could be everything she needed and he couldn’t be that for her. Even if he could make love to her, he lived in Denver and long-distance relationships never worked.

  “I’m not much on the concept. I’m too squeamish about putting on bait.”

  Steve smiled. “I’m not much of a fisherman myself but Mr. Wilson asked again last night and I could hardly say no.”

  “Right. I’m sure Kylie and I could find something to do while you spend the day with Ben.”

  Steve didn’t like the idea of leaving her and Kylie alone. Anything could happen. “I’ll call him and tell him I can’t come. It’ll be all right.”

  “No, don’t. I’ve been taking care of Kylie and myself for a long time now, detective. I think I can spend a few hours without you.”

  Steve could tell she meant what she said. He’d better go fishing or he’d have bigger problem on his hands — like a mutiny.

  “If it makes you feel any better. I’ll go up to the recreational center with Mason.”

  “All right.” Steve felt as if he had no choice but to agree. Besides, maybe it would be better for them to spend some time apart since their kiss. He needed to get his head on straight before they were alone again, and being around her all day wouldn’t help him do that.

  Steve gulped the last of his coffee and rose. “I’ll come by the lodge when I’m finished.”

  She nodded.

  He grabbed his gear and started for the door. Steve had learned on the first day at Beaver Lake he hated fishing, but some one-on-one with Mr. Wilson might help him learn more about this sleepy little town that could very likely be harboring a killer.

  • • •

  Whitney smiled at the couple and handed them the key to cabin one. “Take the trail down past the café. Your cabin is the green one.”

  “Thanks,” both said and turned to exit the center.

  Whitney had arrived in time to help Mason with check-ins. She’d forgotten that all the cabins would be occupied by that evening. She’d have to clean them in the morning once their guests left for town or fishing for the day.

  Steve wasn’t going to like it but she had to work. After all, that’s what her boss paid her for.

  Mason stepped out of his office and walked over to her. “Was that the Youngs?”

  “Yes. It’s so sweet. They’re here on their second honeymoon.”

  “Most go to Vegas,” Mason said. “I’m glad some people still like fresh air and peace and quiet or I’d be out of business.”

  Whitney smiled. “I don’t know how big city people live. All that traffic and noise.”

  “Mr. Morgan seems to like it, being from Denver and all.”

  Whitney felt her stomach drop. Mason was right. Steve was the polar opposite of her. She liked small town living. Wouldn’t change raising her daughter in Marble for anything. Detective Morgan probably felt the same way about living in the city. Loved packed restaurants and shopping malls — hundreds of people jammed together like sardines. Whitney could never live like that — no matter who tried to convince her otherwise.

  The bell over the door jingled and the object of her thoughts walked in.

  Kylie spotted Steve and raced to greet him, and then pulled him toward Whitney. “How was the fishing?” Whitney asked when he’d reached her.

  “I caught a few. Gave them to Ben. He asked us to come over for supper tonight. Said his wife would fry ’em up.”

  Could Whitney spend another night pretending they were some pseudo family? That was what it was starting to feel like to her and she knew better. But an invitation meant something in a small town and she wouldn’t risk hurting the Wilsons’ feelings. “What time?” she asked, resigning herself to spending the evening next to Steve, feeling this strange attraction growing with each passing moment.

  “Ben said around seven. I thought we could drive into town after I shower and pick up something for dessert.”

  Whitney had to give Steve points for his etiquette. The man was thoughtful and kind. So unlike Wyatt, who never thought about anyone but himself.

  Now that she had started to get to know Steve, he was nothing like the man who left her for a busty blond who drove a Mercedes and threw money around like it was paper. She certainly bought Wyatt cheap enough.

  “We have one more check-in. Why don’t you run down and shower and change, and then come up and we’ll go.”

  He looked questioningly at her, then Mason. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

  “I told you I can take care of myself,” she snapped.

  Both men looked at her, then shrugged.

  “I’ll be back in a while.” Steve turned and exited the lodge.

  Whitney sighed.

  “What’s going on with you two?” Mason looked at her questioningly.

  “Nothing,” Whitney said too quickly and then realized her mistake.

  Mason gave her a lopsided grin. “Nothing, huh?”

  Heat infused her face. “Nothing,” she repeated, and then turned her attention to her daughter who sat on the floor playing with a wooden train.

  What was Steve Morgan doing to her? The kiss they’d shared had changed everything. There was a powerful chemistry between her and the detective, and she could just imagine what making love would feel like. She’d probably ignite into a bonfire.

  And what’s wrong with that? It wasn’t like she had a reputation. No one in town would even have to know about the fling as long as Steve kept his mouth shut. And even if he did talk about it, it wouldn’t be here in Marble. Denver was far away and rumors could never travel that far.

  • • •

  Steve allowed Whitney to lead the way up the driveway to the Wilson’s. As soon as the three reached the porch, Steve smelled fried fish and it made his mouth water. It was the best smell besides the perfume the woman in front of him wore. He’d never enjoyed anything so much — a sweet, flowery scent with a hint of vanilla. He could just eat her up.

  And there his thoughts went again. The whole time he’d been fishing with Ben all he could think about was kissing Whitney. Even now, he could taste her mouth.

  He’d been lucky to be able to ask some questions in the four hours he and Ben were out at the lake.

  He’d tried hard not to sound like a cop, but he was afraid he’d failed. Ben had answered his questions but not without asking a few of his own — probing questions that left Steve wondering if he knew about the woman in the lake.

  Steve forced his concerns aside when Sara Wilson opened the door and ushered them inside. The woman was a bit round in the middle but had the face of an angel. Steve could see what the older man had been drawn to.

  “Nice to see you again, Steve.” Ben blanketed his arm over Steve’s shoulder. “Come on in and sit down.”

  The women headed for the kitchen instead of joining them.

  Steve sat and crossed his leg over his knee, then looked at Ben.

  “So are you and Whitney dating?”

  Talk about an out-of-nowhere question. “No.”

  “Why is she staying at the cabin with you then?”

  “I told you the other night, someone broke into her house.”

  “Right, but why is she still staying with you?” His eyes bore into Steve’s. He knew something.

  “Whitney told me she didn’t have anyone she could ask to stay with.” Not a lie. That’s what she’d told him.

  “So, a complete stranger was preferable to people she knew?”

  “I don’t know how Whitney feels, Ben. You’d have to ask her.”

  He smiled. “I’m sure my wife is doing just that as we speak.”

  Steve s
wallowed hard.

  “I need to ask you something. I wanted to bring this up this morning. I guess I’d hoped you would tell me.”

  “What’s that?” He knew it wasn’t going to be an easy question. Not the way the man looked at him.

  “About the dead woman. Do you know who she is yet?”

  Shit. How had he found out about her? Did he know she was murdered?

  “How did you — ”

  “Mason told me. So,” Ben prompted, “who is she?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve asked the local police to let me know if any woman is reported missing. Nothing so far.”

  “So you think she drowned?”

  Steve cleared his throat.

  “She didn’t drown?” Ben’s voice hitched an octave.

  Steve shifted on the couch. “I can’t talk about this.”

  “Is this why you feel you need to keep an eye on Whitney. Could her break-in be related to this woman’s murder?”

  Ben Wilson was too smart for his own good.

  Sara stuck her head out of the kitchen door. “Supper’s ready.”

  “Please don’t say anything to Whitney about this,” Steve said to Ben. “All it’d do is worry her and I don’t want that.”

  “I won’t say a thing. But if I can help in any way, let me know. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for anything out of the ordinary.”

  “Don’t tell anyone else about this. The fewer people who know the better.”

  Ben nodded, and then rose. “Let’s go eat those fish we caught.”

  Steve followed Ben into the kitchen. He hoped he could trust the man to keep what he’d learned a secret. He didn’t need anyone else coming to him wanting to help. He could just imagine what kind of chaos would ensue if that happened.

  In the kitchen, Steve sat next to Whitney at the table, their chairs placed so closely together that his leg brushed hers. Instantly his body responded.

  If he was still having trouble getting an erection it could have fooled him. Right now he was so hard against the crotch of his jeans that it was almost painful.

  He shifted and took a long, nervous breath. “Would you like a glass of ice tea, Mr. Morgan?” Sara asked with a sunny smile.