It took him a moment to understand. “Is someone at your door?”
“Isn’t that you?”
Terror seized him, a rush of adrenaline flooded through his veins. “No! Listen to me. Don’t open the door. Find a weapon—a knife, anything.” His heart slammed against his rib cage.
Chapter Seven
Kelsey froze at Jason’s words. Her hand—poised over the deadbolt, ready to unlock it—started shaking. Could he be right? What if that deranged woman who’d been calling him stood on the other side of the door, only separated from her by a thin slab of wood. Panic washed over her as she distilled his words.
“Do you hear me, Kelsey?” Jason shouted over the phone.
She backed away from the door, gripping the phone as hot-cold shivers racked her body. “Y-yes, I hear you.” Her cozy apartment suddenly felt like a prison cell, one she feared she might die in. She tried to scare up a sense of calm. People did foolish things when they ran on fear.
In horror, she watched the doorknob jiggle. She focused on the metal as disbelief pounded in her brain. A terrified scream stuck in her throat, like in a dream, unable to escape. Now the whole door rattled. She had to force herself to breathe.
“Run to the kitchen. Grab a knife.” Jason’s voice sounded as if it came from a tunnel. “I’m going to hang up now and phone the police. Okay?”
No! “Okay.” The moment the call ended she felt as if her lifeline had dried up. She did as he instructed—raced to the kitchen, rummaged through the drawer and found the longest, sharpest knife she could. Gripping it tightly in her fist, she swallowed past the fear in her throat. From the living room, she still heard the jangle of the doorknob.
Go away! Please, leave me alone!
She rushed into the bedroom and locked the door.
Think!
She needed to find another weapon, a backup in case the intruder was able to get the knife away from her. No telling if she had what it took to actually stab another human being. Retrieving her glasses from the night table, she slipped them on and took a tiny measure of comfort. At least she’d see her attacker clearly.
My attacker! The words sent a chill slithering over her skin. She ransacked her vanity, yanking out drawers and dumping the contents on the bed. Nothing remotely resembled a weapon of any kind. Hurrying into the bathroom, she scanned the inside of the medicine cabinet. She could spray the intruder with deodorant or hairspray. Maybe douse her with mouthwash. On second thought, she’d just stick with the knife.
She locked herself in. Now three locked doors separated her and the deranged woman. Sitting on the toilet lid, she trembled and clutched her aching stomach. The wait seemed like hours.
Where are you, Jason?
“Kelsey?” She could barely hear his shout from outside the apartment, but knowing he was there flooded her veins with relief. She buried her face in her hands, exhausted from the terror-filled minutes. Still clutching the knife, she unlocked the bathroom door, then left the bedroom. She hurried across the apartment to let him in.
The worry etched on his face undid her. Dropping the knife on a table, she flew into his arms and finally allowed herself to stop shaking.
He lifted her off the ground, wrapped her in the safety of his strong embrace. “You all right?”
Unable to speak, she nodded against his chest as he rubbed strong hands over her back. She’d never been so glad to see anyone.
“I’m so sorry to have brought this into your life.”
When he shuddered, she tightened her arms around him. “It’s not your fault.” But she’d have blamed herself too.
“Let’s pack a bag. Enough for a couple of days.” His voice remained quiet yet firm. “I’m taking you to my place tonight.”
Under the circumstances, she could hardly argue. Anyway, no way did she want to stay in her apartment all alone. He accompanied her into the bedroom and took her overnight bag down from the high shelf in the closet. She changed her clothes and got ready to go in under five minutes.
As they started out the door, a cop arrived. It took nearly an hour to give the report, but Jason insisted he wanted the incident documented. After the officer left, Kelsey started toward her suitcase.
“Let me help you with those.” Jason snatched her bags out of her hands.
She tamped down the irritation. “You don’t need to do that. I’m perfectly capable of—”
“I know you are.” But he didn’t hand her things over. “I don’t think the officer took the situation very seriously, do you?”
“Do you blame him? No one entered my place, or even made any sort of threat.” A late-night visitor who jiggles the doorknob didn’t seem like much of a danger, but she trusted Jason’s instincts. She locked her apartment then followed him to his truck.
Inside the cab, she leaned her head against the back of the seat. Her shoulder and neck, bruised from the car accident earlier, ached. Between that and tonight’s harrowing drama, she wondered how much more she could take. “You really think Lilith tried to break into my apartment?”
His face, lit only by the glow of the dashboard, was taut with worry. Lines etched the skin around his eyes and mouth. “If it wasn’t, it was one hell of a coincidence. Unless you know of someone who drops by and tries to let themself in at one in the morning.”
She rubbed her hands along her arms. The air wasn’t cold, but goose bumps dotted her skin. She’d always felt safe living in her tiny apartment, but she wondered if she ever would again. “How would she even know where I live?”
He gave her a quick glance and she noticed the frustration in his eyes. “The killer has your purse, Kelsey. And I’m afraid she’s very dangerous. But I swear I’ll find out who the hell she is. And I’m going to stop her.” He reached across the seat and took her hand. His fingers tightened over hers. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise you.”
She swallowed hard. She believed him, but that didn’t stop the uneasiness in the pit of her stomach. Letting a man protect her would normally go against her grain, but for the moment, the notion gave her comfort. She glanced in the side mirror and wondered if the woman could be following them right now, watching them. A shiver skittered over her skin.
Silence, heavier than gloom hung in the air. Neither spoke the rest of the way to Jason’s place.
After turning into the driveway of a ranch-style house, he shut off the engine and swiveled to face her. “You’ve had quite an exciting day, huh?”
His eyes, so full of warmth, caressed her. Some of the tension lifted from her shoulders. “That’s an understatement. And I’m not sure I’d characterize it as exciting. Maybe harrowing or traumatic.”
He scooted closer, dangled his arm over the back of the seat and twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. “I’m just a knuckle-dragging jail guard. What do I know?” He gently traced the edges of her bruise, then moved his lips to her shoulder, kissed it soft as a whisper.
Despite all she’d been through, his touch stirred her desire. When he lifted his head from her skin, she stared at his mouth and her pulse quickened. “You seem to know a lot. About the important things.”
His lips curled in a wry smile. Sinking his fingers into her hair, he nudged her closer, kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose. “I wish I’d been with you today, to protect you.”
Surprised by how comforting she found his words, she nodded. “Me too.”
“Let’s go inside.” His embrace felt sure and strong, but briefer than she’d have preferred.
Kelsey turned her head away and the moonlight bathed the side of her face in a purple glow.
Damn, she’s gorgeous. Although he’d never particularly been a fan of women in glasses, for some reason, he liked them on her. They fit her personality. He had to make sure no one harmed a single blonde hair on her head.
He climbed out of the cab, circled the truck and opened her door. When he grabbed her bag from the floor the same moment she did, they played tug of war for a few seconds. Covering her fin
gers with his, he watched her blue eyes flare dangerously.
“I’ve got it,” she insisted.
He let go, raised his hands in surrender. “Would it be the worst thing in the world to let me help you?”
Her lovely lips pursed into a scowl. “By help, you really mean control.”
So much for their tender moment. Had he ever met such an obstinate woman? Definitely not one who turned him on as much as this one. “I give up.” Scanning the area again, he strode to his house, unlocked the door and held it open for her. As soon as they entered, the electronic beeping of the alarm sounded.
At her puzzled expression, he gestured toward a keypad on the wall. “Security system.” He punched in the code and the noise stopped. Seconds later, Elvis charged into the living room, barking up a storm and bared his teeth at Kelsey.
“Elvis, sit,” Jason commanded. The German shepherd complied immediately, but released a sad whine.
“Don’t you remember me, boy?” She took a tentative step toward him with her hand outstretched for him to sniff.
“He takes the watchdog thing pretty seriously.” Patting the dog’s back, he motioned Kelsey closer.
She inched closer, but her expression remained cautious. “He wouldn’t bite me, would he?”
“Only if you were a bad guy.” He smiled when Elvis licked her fingers. “Once he knows you’re not one of those, he’s a real pussy cat. I promise.”
The dog let out a familiar cry. Jason led him toward the kitchen. “Come on boy.”
“Is he hungry?” Kelsey called after him.
“Nope. He wants out.” He unlocked the sliders to the backyard and let him through. After the dog did his business, Jason ushered him back in. With Elvis inside, Jason closed all the curtains and shades and armed the security system.
She yawned then stretched her arms like a cat. Did she have any idea how sexy he found her? He stroked the delicate contours of her body with his gaze. She caught him and stiffened. Could she see into his soul? He wanted to make her understand.
You have nothing to fear by letting me close.
Her lips parted and she looked as if she was about to say something, but she didn’t. She didn’t have to. The apprehension was evident in her eyes, but so was something else—desire.
Breaking the spell, she turned away, glanced toward the hallway. She had to be exhausted.
Now wasn’t the time. “I’ll move your bag to the bedroom if that’s all right. I can sleep on the fold-out couch in the guestroom.” With all the junk he had stored in there, he’d never feel comfortable putting her in the other room.
“No, Jason. I don’t want to kick you out of your own room.”
He’d hoped she would suggest they sleep together in his bed, but he didn’t want to push. She was here only for her own protection, not because she’d agreed to date him or anything else. Apparently her fear had won out. “I insist.”
Instead of heading down the hall, she sat on the couch and glanced around the living room. “This is nice.”
“Thanks.” He was proud of his house and for some reason it was important that she like it too. “Tomorrow we buy you a handgun and teach you how to use it.”
“I told you, I don’t like guns. Can’t I just carry mace around?”
“What if someone attacks you and they have a gun. Think mace will protect you?”
“I’ve read it’s more likely that a handgun will be used against its owner than by its owner.”
They were so opposite, yet her differing opinions only made her more interesting to him. “Only if the gun owner isn’t properly trained. I’m going to make sure you’re an educated one.”
She rolled her eyes. “Okay, okay. I’ll think about buying a gun.”
That was easy. When she followed him into the master bedroom, he let out a relieved breath that she hadn’t argued much. With his energy level ebbing from his lack of sleep, he was in no shape to verbally spar with such a worthy opponent. “Let’s plan to be at the shooting range by noon tomorrow. You’re going to require plenty of practice time.” That would leave the morning free so he could go question the woman Ellis suggested, Officer Petra Sykes.
“All right.” She sat on the bed and damn if she didn’t look as if she belonged there. Her subtle beauty took his breath away.
I want her in my bed.
He forced his attention away to open the closet and reach to the top shelf for a blanket and pillow. “There are extra towels in the bathroom. I’ll be in the living room if you need me.” He reluctantly started toward the door, then stopped when she spoke his name. So soft he wasn’t sure he’d even heard it.
He glanced over his shoulder at her.
She held out her arms, the invitation he’d hoped for.
He dropped the bedding on a chair then went to her. “Thought you’d never ask.” Sitting beside her, he gathered the thick tangle of her hair in his fists and covered her mouth with his. She tasted sweet like cotton candy and he couldn’t get enough.
When she broke the kiss, he questioned her silently, hoped she’d want more.
“We both need sleep.” Brushing her lips across his, she shut her eyes for a moment. “Will you stay here? With me? Not to protect me or anything.”
God forbid. “You bet.” He stripped off his shirt and hung it over the back of the chair. “Be right back.” Heading to the bathroom to wash up, he plucked a pair of shorts from the dresser.
By the time he returned to the bedroom, she lay curled up on top of the covers like a kitten—a very enticing kitten, one who wouldn’t argue with him. He climbed onto the other side of the bed and stretched out beside her. Moments later, she backed against him. He wrapped an arm around her and drew her closer. She fit there as if they were two pieces of a puzzle.
His cock pressed along her rounded ass and stirred an erection. Sliding his hand over the gentle curve of her waist, he felt her quiver. He pulled in a breath laced with her scent, orange blossoms and soap. “You smell nice.”
“So do you.”
He sincerely doubted that. After an evening at a topless bar, he ought to reek of beer, cigarette smoke and sweat. “Thanks for saying so.”
Her breathing quickly grew steady and he realized she’d fallen asleep. Brushing her hair away from her face, he studied her profile. The bruise over her cheek on her otherwise unmarked peaches-and-cream complexion twisted his gut.
None of this was her fault. He’d brought it all to her door. If anything happened to her… He couldn’t go there. Charlotte’s limp body flashed in his head. He let her down and she’d nearly died. And his brother.
No! That memory hurt way too much to allow himself to even think about it.
He focused on Kelsey, smoothed her silky hair back. Keeping her safe meant everything. No matter what, he had to find the killer and make sure she stayed unharmed. He’d never forgive himself if anything happened to her.
* * * * *
Kelsey woke with a start. The room was dark. And it smelled different from her bedroom.
Jason’s manly scent.
Jason’s even breaths gusted across the back of her neck and his arm rested on her hip. She flashed on the events of the evening—that crazy woman trying to get into her apartment, Jason coming to her rescue then bringing her to his house.
Lying beside him felt so comfortable, so perfect, she never wanted to move. Unfortunately, she felt the urgent need to empty her bladder. Lifting his arm, she slid away then lowered it to the bed.
He stirred for a moment. Gently as she could, she climbed off the bed and followed the faint amber glow to the open door to the bathroom. After she’d taken care of business and brushed her teeth with her finger, she returned to the bedroom.
Jason still slept peacefully so she quietly opened her bag and pulled out a T-shirt and a pair of gym shorts. Glancing over her shoulder at his still form, she shimmied out of her jeans then folded them and stuffed them into her suitcase.
Before she could get her bag closed,
she heard the bedsprings creak. Swiveling around, she gasped. Jason wore a shit-eating grin and no shirt.
How was she supposed to resist him with those muscled shoulders and six-pack abs? She quickly zipped up her suitcase, forcing back the rush of excitement. “Did you get a little show?”
“Not as much as I’d hoped.” He propped himself up on one elbow and patted the mattress for her to join him.
Desire washed over her, heating her insides. She tried to fight it, but for heaven’s sake, the man might have saved her life tonight. She started toward him, taking in his long legs, roped with muscle and the broad breadth of his shoulders.
The light spilling out of the bathroom cast his handsome features in a warm glow. His gaze slowly tracked down her body sending a shiver of awareness through her. She sat on the bed with her back to him and sucked in a calming breath, hoping to slow her thundering heart.
He moved behind her then his strong hands settled on her shoulders. Massaging her tight muscles, he shifted closer and she felt his heat against her back. Despite being warm, she shivered.
“Cold?” he murmured.
“No.” She shut her eyes and tried to ignore that her nipples had puckered and hardened painfully. And that moisture pooling at her entrance.
“Lie on your stomach,” he commanded.
Swallowing back her apprehension, she stretched out on the bed. He returned those talented hands to her neck and slowly rubbed, working his way out to her shoulders again. Then he moved his attention lower, to her upper back.
Suddenly he stopped. “I can’t do this.”
A protest lodged in her throat. She twisted around to see his face. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t massage over clothes.” He shrugged. “Sorry, but you’ll have to take off your shirt.”
Her breath hitched. Pulse pounding, she pushed up to a kneeling position, facing away. She eased her shirt off and held it over her breasts. Then she lay back down.
Jason climbed over her and straddled her thighs. His hands were warm and slightly rough as he centered them on her back and started kneading her flesh.
Tropic of Trouble Page 10
