by Hope White
A kiss that shouldn’t have happened.
“Nicole—”
“Don’t,” she said. “Can we just sit here and not analyze it?”
“Okay.” He stroked her hair and she reveled in the sound of his heartbeat.
This was the first time she’d experienced these feelings with a man, intimate, trusting feelings that she ached to explore. But there was a divide between them—his job and her past—and it was ridiculous to think he’d want to be with a woman as damaged as Nicole.
But for tonight, this one night, she’d inhale his woodsy scent and cling to his shirt. She’d revel in his firm embrace and let the steady beat of his heart lull her into a peaceful sleep.
* * *
Sometime in the early hours of the morning Alex had awakened and struggled to get his bearings. He glanced down at the mass of red hair and realized Nicole had fallen asleep in his arms, and he’d fallen asleep right along with her.
He’d been that relaxed, holding her, the pressure of her body against his chest grounding him. Within seconds he snapped back to reality, shifted her onto the sofa and covered her with a blanket. As he wandered to the other side of the desk, a knot of panic twisted in his gut. Falling asleep on the job was no way to protect Nicole.
Neither was kissing her.
He spent a few hours going over the case, replaying the scene in his mind and mapping out a game plan. It wasn’t easy with guilt and regret taunting his every thought. Nor was it easy to avoid looking at the sleeping beauty bundled up in the white blanket.
With a roll of his neck, he stood and wandered out to the warehouse floor. It was nearly nine. He could start making calls and dig into the backgrounds of people on his short list of suspects.
First he should talk to Nicole about what happened last night, about the kiss.
Can we just sit here and not analyze it?
The ache in her voice had torn at his heart. And that’s when the guilt had started: guilt about kissing her, holding her.
And enjoying it so much.
His cell vibrated on his belt. “Donovan,” he whispered, not wanting to wake Nicole.
“Everything okay?” the chief asked.
“Yes, sir. Had a little excitement last night. Warren Phelps got drunk and broke a window but we’re okay.”
“I heard he’s been struggling. How’s Nicole?”
“Asleep. I gave her a crash course in self-defense. I hope she won’t need it but thought it would ease her fear.”
“What’s the plan today?”
“Make some calls, follow up on leads.”
“I know it must be frustrating not to be out there pounding on doors, but you’re doing a good thing, son. Nicole Harris is our best lead. Keeping her safe is our priority.”
“I agree.” Only, not just because she was a witness.
“How about you come to the house for brunch? Gayle is making an apple pancake thingamabob, plus ham and eggs, the usual feast. We can talk about the case and you two can get a hot meal.”
“Sounds great.”
“Take the back access road. Fewer prying eyes.”
“When do you want us over?”
“After church, around eleven.”
“See you then.” Alex ended the call and took a deep breath. Although he felt safe here at the mill, he couldn’t pass up an opportunity to give Nicole a sense of normalcy. A hot cooked meal in the chief’s welcoming home could help them both relax.
“Who was on the phone?”
Alex glanced at Nicole, who stood in the doorway with wild waves of auburn hair falling across her shoulders. He bit back a smile at her disheveled, yet endearing appearance.
“What?” She touched her hair. “Oh, right, I should have warned you. I’m scary in the morning, or at least my hair is. Go ahead and laugh, I can take it.”
“I’m not laughing.” A smile eased across his lips against his will.
She smiled, too, and warmth seemed to float between them.
“We got an invitation to brunch,” he said. “The chief’s wife is making apple pancakes.”
“You mean you’d risk being seen with me in public like this?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Absolutely.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll tame it before we go.” Her stomach grumbled. “Wow, didn’t know I was that hungry.”
“Adrenaline burns a lot of calories.”
She turned back to the office and dug in her messenger bag. “How long until we’re expected over there?”
“Not until eleven.”
She pulled out her brush. “You think it’s safe to leave the mill?”
“We’re going to the chief’s house. Can’t think of a safer place.”
With a nod and a pensive expression, she started brushing her hair. He considered bringing up the subject of last night, the amazing kiss and trust they shared by falling asleep in each other’s arms, but he could tell from her expression that now wasn’t the time. Concern creased her forehead and he didn’t want to add to it by telling her they needed to keep their distance and not kiss or touch each other again, not like that.
Yeah, and how was he going to do that when it felt so natural to hold her in his arms?
“What’s wrong?” she asked, studying him.
“Just tired.” He shifted behind the desk and eyed his tablet.
“Did you sleep at all?”
Only when she clung to him, pressing her cheek against his chest. He hadn’t slept that well in years. The irony of it was he shouldn’t have fallen asleep while she was in his care.
“Yeah, I got a few hours in,” he said.
“That’s good.”
Their conversation died like a flame doused by water. This was the other consequence of the kiss: awkward moments when neither of them knew what to say.
“Thanks, by the way,” she said.
“For what?”
“For everything. Coming to my rescue, over and over. The self-defense lesson. Making me feel safe.”
She looked at him with wide eyes and paused in mid brushstroke of her long hair. He sensed she was also thanking him for the kiss.
Some part of him wanted to acknowledge it as well but he couldn’t admit how much he liked kissing her. It was a distraction he couldn’t afford if he was going to keep her safe so she could ultimately find happiness. He was staring to care that much about her.
“You’re welcome,” he said. “But it is my job.”
“Right.” Hurt flashed across her eyes.
He wanted to take that last part back, but knew he had to say it to build a barrier between them.
“Nicole, I—”
“Is there a bathroom in this place?” she said, not making eye contact. “Would be a lot easier to tame this mess if I could see what I was doing.”
“Sure, just around the corner on the right.” He got up to show her the way.
“I can find it,” she said. “You stay here and do your job.” She disappeared around the corner.
He didn’t miss the edge of sarcasm in her voice or the sudden chill between them. It was unfortunate, but necessary to keep reminding her that their relationship was based on the business at hand, nothing more.
Maybe, someday, he could actually convince himself of that fact, too.
* * *
Brunch was a good choice, he thought as he watched Nicole take a bite of an apple pancake. The tension eased between them while in the company of the chief and his wife. The few hours before they came over were awkward and intense. He’d drawn his boundary with the “it’s my job” comment, but she’d taken it to an extreme, barely speaking to him.
After brunch Nicole called her friend Ruby, and grilled her about Edward’s current projects, while A
lex analyzed employee records for people who were working closely with the computer magnate. Alex had narrowed it down to three potential suspects: Gerry Walker, Lance Anders and Adam Fluke.
He ran the names by Nicole who checked with Ruby, asking what the employees were like, if any had anger problems or exhibited odd behavior. Nothing unusual stuck out in Ruby’s mind. On Monday he’d check with Human Resources to determine if any of the suspects had been off Friday, and he’d have the chief run background checks.
The afternoon passed quickly as Alex and Nicole sat at the cherrywood dining room table and focused on the case. Chief Roth was on the front porch taking a call and Gayle was in the kitchen baking. The scent taunted him, reminding him of what he’d never had growing up and what he’d lost when Jessica died.
The promise of a loving home.
He shifted in his chair, mentally slapping himself back to the present.
Alex eyed the security video Whittaker had sent over. “Edward and his driver pull up at four, then nothing until Deputy Adams and I show up at six thirty. At least, no one came in through the front door.”
“What about the back of the house?” Nicole asked.
“That video feed suspiciously malfunctioned. It would help to know why the Feds are interested in him.”
Paging through Edward’s calendar on her smartphone Nicole offered, “I think he was developing software for government agencies.”
“What kind?” Alex asked.
“Not sure, but I know he was trying to dominate the security software market.”
Alex considered that piece of information. What better way to access the FBI’s confidential files than to create the software that protects them?
Gayle came into the dining room carrying a tray of sandwiches. “I know we had a hearty meal earlier, but that was ages ago. Thought you might be hungry.”
Nicole glanced at the wall clock. “I can’t believe it’s almost six.”
“Time for a break,” Gayle said, sliding the tray onto the table. A variety of sandwiches bordered a glass bowl of fresh fruit. “You can’t think straight with low blood sugar. But save room for cookies.”
“Did I hear cookies?” Chief Roth said, coming in from the porch.
“After you eat a sandwich. Iced tea okay with everyone?”
“Sure,” Nicole said.
“Sounds good,” Alex agreed.
Chief Roth gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and Gayle looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “You still have to eat your sandwich and fruit before you get a cookie, Chief.”
“Busted.” Chief Roth smiled, then glanced at Nicole. “Just found out that the man on the property the night of the murder was Carter, the groundskeeper’s son.”
“So I wasn’t in any danger? How embarrassing.” Nicole leaned back against the chair.
“You did the right thing,” Alex said. “You felt threatened and you fled.”
“And I panicked, tripped, fell into the lake and almost drowned. Sometimes I think I bring this stuff on myself.” Nicole got up and wandered into the kitchen.
Alex focused on reviewing the security feed but he’d lost his concentration. He didn’t like how Nicole berated herself and wished he could help her see that her survival instincts were anything but a weakness.
“You’ve got to admire her strength,” Chief Roth said. “If that’s what you’ve been admiring?”
Alex’s attention snapped up to the chief. “Sir?”
“I’ve never seen you this way with a woman, Alex. So attentive, so concerned.”
“It’s my job.”
“Then you deserve a raise.” The chief leaned across the table. “We don’t always get to choose who we fall for, son. Take Gayle and me, for instance. She was off at school and I’d taken her sister, Kate, out on a few dates. Then Gayle came home for break and, well, it was instant attraction on both our parts.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“It’s not something we like to talk about. Her sister, Kate, ended up going away to school and Gayle moved back. Anyway, Gayle and I tried to keep our distance, for her sister’s sake. But love is a gift. Turning your back on it just wouldn’t be right.”
“I’m not—”
“You don’t have to explain, Alex. I know what I know. Just try not to let those feelings fog up your instincts. You wouldn’t want to get distracted and have her pay the price.”
“No, sir, I wouldn’t.” Alex considered the chief’s comment. “I’m that transparent, huh?”
Chief Roth winked. “Like clear glass.”
* * *
Alex was still processing the chief’s comment two hours later when he and Nicole drove back to the mill. The chief and Gayle tried to get them to spend the night but Nicole politely declined. Alex wasn’t sure why. Maybe she was uncomfortable in the nurturing, loving home.
“My brain hurts. Is that possible?” Nicole said, rubbing her temples.
“We processed a lot of information today.” Alex glanced in the rearview mirror and squinted against the intensity of headlights. The car behind them was following a little too closely.
“At least I feel like I’ve accomplished something by helping you guys out today.”
“Good, I’m glad.”
“I couldn’t stay at the chief’s house. You understand, don’t you?”
“I’m not sure.” The headlights got brighter, closer.
“I felt bad taking advantage of their hospitality.”
“Gayle loves helping people,” he offered.
“I know, but—”
The car behind them tapped Alex’s bumper and they jerked forward.
“Yikes! What was that?” Nicole turned to look through the back window.
The headlights flashed on and off a few times.
“Is he signaling for you to pull over?” she said. “Maybe he wants to exchange insurance information.”
Alex remembered what the chief said about not getting distracted.
The car bumped them again, a little harder. Nicole squeaked and gripped the dashboard.
Dread filled his chest. He was about to lose another woman he cared about. Only this time he’d witness his failure.
Witness Nicole being kidnapped or killed.
No, he wouldn’t let that happen.
Alex sped up, hoping to put distance between them, but his pursuer floored it and kept pace.
“He must have followed us from the chief’s house.” Alex took a sharp turn nearly losing control of the car. This was no good. He didn’t want to get her killed by trying to outrun their pursuer.
He glanced across the front seat. “When I stop the car, you get behind the wheel and drive back to the chief’s house. You remember how to get there, right?”
“Yes, but what are you going to do?”
“Distract him so you can get away.”
“No, Alex—”
“Promise me, Nicole,” he said, desperation coloring his voice.
“Okay.”
“Good, get ready.”
Gripping the wheel, he spotted a turnaround up the road. He sped up, hit the break and jerked the wheel left. The truck spun around and stopped. He was facing their pursuer, who’d veered off the road to miss colliding with Alex.
Alex flung open his door and used it as cover as he aimed his gun at the front windshield of the car. “Get out with your hands up!”
The driver gunned the engine. Alex couldn’t make out the driver’s face. It looked as if he was wearing some kind of mask.
“Nicole, get behind the wheel,” he ordered.
She slid over and looked at him with fear in her eyes.
“Floor it and get back to the chief’s. Go!”
Alex jumped out from behind th
e door and flung it shut. He shot at his attacker’s front tire and raced toward the bordering trees for cover.
A screech and a crash echoed behind him.
Panic filled his chest.
Did the driver block her escape?
Something nailed him in the side and he stumbled forward, landing chest first on the ground.
He gasped for air.
He heard footsteps pounding against the pavement.
Something slammed against the back of his head and he struggled to focus but his eyes watered against the pain.
And all he could think about was Nicole and the fact that he’d failed again.
NINE
She couldn’t do it.
She couldn’t abandon Alex.
Nicole spun the wheel and found herself heading back to him. Had she lost her mind? What else could explain her breaking her word? She couldn’t defend herself against a murderer and save Alex, could she?
She was about to find out. Swallowing back the fear, she aimed straight for the mystery car. Her heart skipped at the sight of a man, who she assumed to be the driver, standing on the shoulder of the road. He jerked forward, kicking something with his boot.
Not something.
Someone.
Alex.
“No!” She pounded on the horn and hit the accelerator, hoping the attacker would think her crazy enough to run him down in cold blood.
It must have worked because he took off running. She veered after him, her heart racing into her throat. He’d hurt Alex, kicked him, and who knew what else.
Killed him?
No, she couldn’t go there.
Nor could she run a man down with a car. Alex was right: she wasn’t her father. She needed to focus on what was important.
On getting to Alex.
She hit the brake, her headlights pinning the back of the attacker as he sprinted into the mass of trees bordering the road. Shoving the car into park she gunned the engine, letting him know she’d be waiting for him if he came out.
Taking a deep breath, she struggled to slow her pulse. She had to get to Alex. Make sure he was okay.
Tears threatened to break free as she shoved the car into Drive and headed to where he lay sprawled on the ground.
