“Oh, calm down. We’ll both stay fully dressed. I promise.”
Kit knew she was making a huge mistake as she followed Savannah. But she had no choice. She quit thinking and allowed autopilot to take over.
Savannah sat on the bed and Kit sat next to her. She draped her arm across Savannah’s shoulders and held her tight. She felt amazing pressed into Kit. And Kit wanted to tear her clothes off and have her way with her. She kissed Savannah. Hard. And Savannah reciprocated. The kiss lasted an eternity, and Kit only came to her senses when Savannah spilled her drink on Kit.
Kit jumped then laughed.
“Sorry,” Savannah said. “I guess I kind of lost myself in that kiss.”
“It’s all good. I’ll get a towel.”
She dried her pant leg to the best of her ability and walked back out to find Savannah pouring another drink.
“I should go.” Kit was all too aware she almost lost control of the situation. “We both have a lot of traveling ahead of us tomorrow.”
“At least finish your drink.”
Kit downed her scotch in one swallow. She kissed Savannah good night. It started out innocently enough, but Kit soon felt Savannah’s tongue along her lips. Her determination wavered but only briefly. She ended the kiss and stepped back.
“Safe travels tomorrow. Text me when you land.”
“I miss you already,” Savannah said.
“We’ll get together soon. I promise.”
Kit walked out into the crowded street and hailed a cab. The ride to her place was uneventful and that was unfortunate. It gave her time, too much time, to reflect on her evening. Savannah had definitely wormed her way into Kit’s heart. She didn’t know how much longer she’d be able to deny them both what they so obviously wanted.
But to give in to the pleasures that awaited her meant giving up the thrill of her lifestyle. Yes, she’d struck out in Macau and it hadn’t killed her. But it left her feeling empty. Only until she’d seen Savannah and then the emptiness was gone. Savannah filled her up. In a way nothing or no one ever had.
So why was she dragging her feet? What made her so hesitant? She realized that if she got out of the game, she’d have a hell of a time getting back into it. There was that to consider. So she had to be sure she and Savannah could go the distance. She’d have to make love to her eventually to know they were compatible that way. So why not give in and taste her wares? Why not indeed?
Chapter Thirteen
As soon as her plane touched down in Lisbon, Savannah texted Kit to let her know she’d arrived and see when they might meet up. She was exhausted from her trip but would force herself to power through if Kit was available.
She received no answer and figured Kit must still be in the air. She got to her hotel where she ordered room service, took a bath, and climbed into bed. But sleep didn’t come right away. She couldn’t stop thinking about the lack of a theft in Macau. Did it really mean the thief was through? Kit had been there. Did it mean she was innocent? The questions tumbled over each other in her mind. It was after noon by the time she finally fell asleep.
She slept until nine o’clock that night and woke up famished. She wanted dinner and she wanted Kit. Not necessarily in that order.
Savannah remembered Li saying he’d be in Lisbon early. She checked her phone for messages from him. There wasn’t one from him but there was a text from Kit.
Dinner tomorrow?
Tomorrow would be great. But I’m hungry now. Have you eaten?
She waited impatiently for the reply.
I haven’t. Shall we get together?
I’d like that.
Let’s meet at Alma in a half hour. Dress somewhat nicely.
Will do. See you then.
Savannah took a quick shower and dressed in a black cocktail dress. She put on some pearls mostly to look pretty, but also to tempt Kit, just in case.
She packed her clutch and was on her way out the door when her phone rang. Assuming it was Kit, she answered without looking.
“Hello?”
“Hey, boss. It’s me. Want to get together and strategize for a few?”
“Hi, Li. I’d love to but I’m meeting a friend for dinner. Can we plan to meet tomorrow? Say two o’clock?”
“That’ll be great. I’ll see you then. Enjoy your dinner.”
Savannah disconnected the call and hurried to the street to catch a cab. She arrived at Alma five minutes late. Kit greeted her at the door wearing a gray suit with a purple shirt and a lavender tie. She looked absolutely devourable.
Kit kissed her cheek and Savannah went weak in the knees. She couldn’t get over the effect Kit had on her. She needed so much more than Kit was willing to give. She needed her completely.
“You look positively radiant,” Kit said.
“And you’re looking more handsome than ever.”
“I hope you’re as hungry as you claim to be. I understand the food here is to die for.”
“I could eat a horse right now.”
Kit laughed, and the sound sent shivers through Savannah’s body. Kit’s laugh was deep and sensual, just like her voice. She could listen to her all night. But she’d rather do other things with Kit all night. Even if Kit robbed her. It would be worth it.
They were seated at their table and Kit took Savannah’s hands in hers. Savannah melted at the touch. She grew warm all over and felt a rush of wetness between her legs. She was more than ready for Kit. Why wouldn’t she just give in already?
“You doing okay?” Kit said.
“Fine. Why?”
“You look a little flushed.”
Savannah withdrew her hands and sat back against her chair.
“That’s not surprising is it? You were touching me, you know.”
Kit laughed again.
“Fair enough. I do appreciate your honesty.”
“Speaking of honesty,” Savannah said. “Are you just going to toy with me forever?”
Kit tilted her head and stared at Savannah.
“What do you mean?”
Savannah lowered her voice.
“You know what I mean. Are you ever going to take me to bed?”
“That’s really important to you, isn’t it?” Savannah nodded. “What’s wrong with taking things slow? Or is that too old-fashioned for you?”
“I don’t mind taking things slow, but I feel like we’ve been doing that long enough. I need to know if I’m wasting my time.” There. She’d said it.
“Wasting your time? Is that how you really feel? Just because I like and respect you too much to just jump in bed with you?”
“Is that how you really feel?”
“What?”
“You know, you like and respect me?”
“That, my dear, is exactly how I feel.”
“Then I apologize for acting like a teen with overactive hormones.”
Kit smiled at her.
“No apology necessary. Truth is, it’s nice to be wanted.”
Savannah scoffed.
“I’m sure there’s a whole line of women who want you, who wish they could be me.”
“I don’t know about all that.”
“I do.”
“Well, I do love your perception of me.”
Savannah damn near swooned. She loved that Kit was articulate as well as drop-dead gorgeous. It was a killer combination.
They finished dinner and sat talking until the restaurant was closing.
“We should get going,” Savannah said.
“Oh, yeah. I suppose we should.”
They wandered down the street and came to a nightclub. It was fairly tame since it was Tuesday night. They enjoyed a few drinks and chatted some more. Savannah’s phone buzzed, and when she checked it she saw it was three o’clock in the morning.
Her text was from Li.
Had a great idea. Text me when you wake up.
“Anything important? Who’s texting you at this hour?” Kit said.
“A friend from the St
ates. And it’s not the middle of the night there.”
“What did she want?”
Savannah hated lying to Kit and wondered if she’d ever be able to be completely honest with her.
“She’s just checking in. No biggie.”
“Go ahead and reply,” Kit said.
“It’s not important. I’d rather focus on you.”
Kit appeared relieved and draped her arm across Savannah’s shoulders. She pulled Savannah to her and kissed the top of her head.
“Good answer,” she said. “Very good answer. I understand concerned friends and all, but I really don’t like to share.”
“You’re very sweet. And don’t worry. When we’re together I’m all about you.”
Kit relaxed at the feel of Savannah against her. She wondered who had really texted her but tried to block the fear that washed over her. Was Kit just a target for Savannah? Was she toying with Kit in order to catch a jewel thief? Surely Kit must be a suspect. She’d been at the scene of all of the robberies.
Kit exhaled heavily. She shouldn’t have allowed herself to fall for Savannah. If this was a trap, and it very well could be, she was setting herself up for major heartache. Maybe she should make love to Savannah. She certainly wouldn’t steal from her. Maybe that would convince Savannah of her innocence and remove her from the list of suspects. Then she’d find out for sure if Savannah really liked her or not.
She seemed to be interested. She flushed and blushed at Kit’s attention. Her lips and tongue certainly implied that she wanted Kit. Only time would tell. Kit just wasn’t sure how long she could hold out. She really wanted Savannah. All of her. In every way possible.
Kit leaned forward and whispered in Savannah’s ear, “Would you like to dance?”
Savannah shook her head. She leaned back into Kit, causing electrical currents to course through Kit’s body.
“I’d rather stay here with you,” Savannah said.
Fair enough. Kit was enjoying her closeness. She didn’t need to dance. She sat holding Savannah close and mentally planned out the rest of their week together. She knew she’d enjoy spending extra time with Savannah, but she also knew she had to stay focused. She had a job to do. And she’d failed in Macau. She couldn’t fail in Lisbon.
She was disappointed when she heard that it was last call but figured four o’clock was late enough. She needed to get Savannah back to her hotel and then get some shuteye. She kissed Savannah on the cheek.
“Come on. Let’s call it a night.”
“Do we have to?” Savannah said.
Kit laughed.
“Yes. We really should.”
On the street Kit hailed a cab and they rode back to Savannah’s hotel. It was right by the casino. Kit rode up to Savannah’s room with her.
“Stay with me?” Savannah said.
“Not a good idea. You and I both know what would happen if I stayed with you and we both need some rest.”
“Please? I promise to behave. No hanky-panky.”
“I don’t know if I’m that strong, babe. So I’ll kiss you good night now.”
They kissed for long moments, Kit knowing she needed to leave but not wanting to. Would she be strong enough to only sleep with Savannah? To share her bed and not claim her as her own? Her resolve weakened.
“Let’s get inside,” she murmured against Savannah’s lips.
Savannah fumbled in her purse, finally found her key, and opened the door. Kit pressed her against the door as soon as it closed behind them and kissed her soundly.
“You sure you only want to sleep?” Savannah said.
Kit straightened up and put some distance between them.
“Positive. Now come on. Let’s get some shuteye.”
“Kit, if you sleep with me, I’ll still respect you in the morning.”
Kit laughed loudly.
“You crack me up. The question is, would I respect myself? Seriously though. I’m about asleep on my feet. Show me where I can snooze.”
“You’ll ruin your suit if you sleep in it.”
“I’ll be in my boxers and undershirt. You’ll be in my shirt.” She took Savannah’s hand. “I mean it. Come on. It’s time to call it a night.”
Kit stripped down to her underwear and handed her dress shirt to Savannah. She held it to her nose.
“It smells like you,” Savannah said. “Kind of woodsy.”
Kit couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m sure it does. Now, if you’re not adverse to that smell, please go to the bathroom and slip into the shirt.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She watched Savannah disappear and questioned her own sanity. Was she really strong enough to simply sleep with Savannah? Could she keep her hands to herself? She’d have to. She didn’t have a choice. Not yet.
Savannah came out looking adorable in Kit’s shirt. Kit’s heart raced, and her palms sweat. She questioned again the intelligence of attempting to simply spend the night with Savannah in her arms.
“Come on then. Let’s get some sleep.” Savannah climbed under the covers facing Kit. “Oh no, you don’t. Roll over. No more kissing tonight.”
Savannah did as she was asked, and Kit wrapped her arm around her. She was exhausted and needed her sleep. But sleep eluded her. Her hormones raced, and she looked around the room without moving, to try to find something to focus on. Anything but Savannah.
Her gaze landed on the pearls Savannah had been wearing. They lay temptingly on the dresser. Kit could take them and walk away and never see Savannah again. No. She needed Savannah in her life in a way she hadn’t needed anyone in years. She wasn’t going to mess it up.
She closed her eyes and welcomed sleep as it washed over her. She didn’t sleep well though. She had nightmares about Savannah arresting her. The look of disappointment and disgust in her eyes forced Kit awake before she was ready.
The bed next to her was empty. She reached for her phone and checked the time. Eleven thirty. Too early. She needed more sleep. But first, she needed to find Savannah. She found her in the sitting room reading something on her phone.
“What are you doing out here?” Kit said.
Savannah looked up at her and smiled.
“I was awake and didn’t want to disturb you. Although you didn’t seem to be sleeping well at all. Anyway, I started the coffee. It should be ready any minute now.”
“Excellent. I need coffee. How about some breakfast?”
“You don’t have anything to wear. Not that I would complain if you wore what you’re wearing now.”
“True. I guess I’ll get dressed and hit the road then. After coffee.”
“Yes. After coffee. Will I see you later?”
“I thought we’d grab a dinner cruise tonight. How does that sound?”
“Extremely romantic.”
“Good,” Kit said. “Then that’s settled. I’ll meet you at the dock at seven?”
“Sure thing. But first, get dressed and have some coffee.”
“Anything to prolong my time with you, babe. Anything at all.”
Chapter Fourteen
Savannah had been shocked to wake up and find both Kit and Savannah’s pearls still in place. She had worried that Kit would take the pearls and disappear from her life. Maybe she wasn’t the jewel thief after all. Or maybe the pearls weren’t rich enough for her. Savannah made a mental note to wear as many diamonds as she could get away with Saturday night at the casino.
When Kit appeared in the sitting area in just her boxers and undershirt with her nipples on full display, it took every ounce of self-control not to take her back to bed. She looked so cute with her hair mussed and her eyes full of sleep.
But she worried about her. Kit had obviously been having nightmares when Savannah woke up. It was her moaning and groaning that had awakened Savannah.
“How did you sleep?” Savannah asked while she poured the coffee.
“Okay. Not great. I need to get home to California soon to get a good night’s s
leep. Hotels don’t lend themselves to solid sleep. Or so I’ve found.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. You seemed to be having a bad dream this morning. Do you remember it?”
Something flashed in Kit’s eyes, but Savannah couldn’t be sure what it was.
“Nope. I don’t ever remember my dreams.”
They sipped their coffee and Kit finally announced it was time to go. Savannah went into the bathroom and reluctantly removed Kit’s shirt. She dressed in a robe and handed Kit her shirt.
“Here you go. You can get dressed now.”
“Thanks. I will.”
Kit disappeared into the bedroom and came out looking as dapper as she could in a slept in shirt.
“So I’ll see you at seven?” Savannah hated to see Kit leaving. But she had to get ready for her meeting with Li.
“I can’t wait.” Kit kissed her good-bye and was gone.
Savannah took a long, hot shower and ordered breakfast from room service. When she had finished her breakfast, which included another pot of coffee, she dressed and checked the clock. Li should be there any minute.
She heard a knock on the door. She opened it to find Li looking much fresher than she felt.
“Come on in, Li. What’s on your mind?”
“Did you get my text last night?”
“I did.”
“Sorry to text you in the middle of the night, but I had a most excellent idea.”
“And what might that be?” Savannah said.
“You know how you’ve been spending time with that one woman you suspect?”
Savannah hoped he didn’t notice her blush.
“Of course.”
“I think you should seduce her,” Li said.
“You think I should what?”
“Hear me out. I think you should take her to bed. Leave your jewels out when you do. Then, when she takes them, we’ll be waiting right outside your door and we can nab her.”
Little did Li know she’d been trying to seduce Kit for several weeks now. She couldn’t admit that to him. And she didn’t like the pain in the pit of her stomach as she thought of Kit caught in a sting of her doing. But it was a good idea. She’d had the same thought. Only she hadn’t considered an audience while making love to Kit.
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