She took another deep breath as she felt the plane touch down. She was here. In Maryland. Would this be her new home? God, she hoped so.
Kit got off the plane, collected her bags, and headed to the front of the terminal. She didn’t know what kind of car Savannah drove so searched the vehicles for her face.
“Kit?” She turned to see Savannah standing behind her. “How did you get past me?”
Damn, Savannah was a sight for sore eyes. She was wearing a green sundress that clung to her curves and made her eyes sparkle.
“Sorry. I took a private jet. No baggage claim for me.”
“Nice. Well it sure is good to see you.”
“You, too. You look amazing.”
Kit wanted to take Savannah in her arms and kiss her right there. But she didn’t. She wasn’t sure how friendly Baltimore was and she certainly wasn’t looking for trouble.
“So do you, Kit. It’s so good to see you.”
She enveloped Kit in a warm hug that sent Kit’s senses reeling. Every nerve ending in Kit’s body responded to the feel of Savannah pressed against her. She was let down when Savannah finally stepped back.
“Are you hungry?” Savannah said.
For you.
“Sure. Now that you mention it.”
“Great. I thought we’d grab some lunch on the way home.”
“Great idea.”
Though Kit didn’t want to stop. She wanted to get to Savannah’s house where they could be alone, and she could reclaim Savannah as hers and only hers. But she knew she had to let Savannah set the pace.
“What’s it like living in Baltimore?” Kit asked as she followed Savannah to her car.
“I don’t actually live in Baltimore. No worries though. You’ll see where I live soon enough.” Curiouser and curiouser. “How was your flight?”
“It was good. Long though. Damn, it’s a long way across this country of ours.”
Savannah laughed. It was music to Kit’s ears.
“Yes. Flying coast to coast is a drag. I’ll give you that. I’m glad you chartered a private jet. Otherwise the trip would have really dragged out.”
“Yeah. Commercial airlines all had a couple of layovers.”
“Which airport did you fly out of? I don’t even know which part of California you live in.”
“I live in the Central Coast. So I flew out of San Luis Obispo.”
“San Luis? I love it there. So beautiful.”
“Indeed,” Kit said. “It’s a slice of heaven there.”
“I have to admit, I thought you’d live somewhere with bright lights. Like a big city.”
“Nope. That’s not for me. I love to visit places like that, but my home is my sanctuary. I have a ranch in See Canyon. It’s about fifteen minutes from San Luis and about five from the beach.”
Savannah reached over and patted Kit’s thigh. Her touch seared through Kit’s shorts and burned her.
“Good,” Savannah said. “Then you might like my little slice of heaven, too. I live in a small town of about six thousand.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“It really is. And, while I don’t live on a ranch, my three quarters of an acre suits me just fine.”
“I can’t wait to see your place, Savannah.”
Savannah smiled at her before turning her attention back to the road.
“So how far are you from Baltimore?”
“About a half hour to forty-five minutes.”
“Nice.”
Kit swallowed hard before she asked her next question.
“Are you far from DC?”
“About an hour and a half. So it’s a trek, but not bad.”
Kit simply nodded. Her mind was a whirlwind of thought, questions, and fears. Yes, she was legit now. And, no, she didn’t think she’d ever be caught. But still…the thought that Savannah had been trying to catch her loomed large in her mind. She needed to change her train of thought. Even if Savannah had originally been investigating Kit, surely her feelings had grown. Or was this still part of her investigation? Kit suddenly felt sick.
Savannah drove down a quaint street with colonial buildings.
“Welcome to Hampstead,” she said. “It’s not much, but it’s home.”
“It’s adorable,” Kit said. “Absolutely adorable. I love it.”
“Are you ready for lunch?”
Kit wasn’t. She didn’t know if she could eat. She needed to quit thinking and just enjoy Savannah. Maybe over lunch she’d press her into admitting she was an FBI agent.
“Sure,” she lied. “Lead the way.”
“You’d better be telling the truth because the portions here will make your head swim.”
Kit made herself laugh. She’d have a beer or two. Relax. She needed to lose the tension. She followed Savannah inside a lovely restaurant that smelled delicious. Her stomach responded. She hadn’t eaten all day and food would be good for her.
“What’s good here?” She picked up her menu and looked at all the restaurant had to offer.
“Anything and everything. I’ll be having the crab cakes because they’re my favorite.”
Kit set her menu down.
“Good enough for me.”
Savannah reached across the table and gave Kit’s hands a squeeze.
“I’ve missed you so much, Kit.”
“I’ve missed you, too. But you’re okay?”
Savannah nodded and drew a shaky breath.
“I’m getting there.”
Kit nodded. She mustered all her courage and looked Savannah in the eye.
“What happened, Savannah? Why did you have to fly home? Why all the secrecy? Why did I have to wait another week? Talk to me, babe.”
“I don’t know where to begin. Though I know you deserve the truth.”
Savannah’s stomach tightened. How much should she tell? Would she scare Kit off with the truth? It was her greatest fear. But Kit deserved to know. Their relationship had been founded on lies. If Kit knew the truth would she stay with Savannah?
“Start at the beginning,” Kit said.
“Okay.” Savannah nodded. “I guess the beginning would mean confessing I wasn’t out gambling my way around the world for fun.”
“So there’s no rich ex who left you a shitload of money?”
“Oh, there was. That part was true. Everything I told you about my life was true. I just left out some important information.”
“I’m listening.”
“Yes. Lucinda left me with plenty of money. I truly am independently wealthy. But I got bored. I missed her so and needed something to do to occupy my mind and my hours.”
“Okay,” Kit said.
“I became an FBI agent.”
“That sounds exciting.”
Kit showed no sign of distress. She sipped her beer and watched Savannah. But she didn’t seem in the least bit disturbed by this revelation. Maybe she wasn’t a criminal after all.
“Oh, Kit. It was. It was such an awesome job. I got to travel and catch bad guys. It was an incredible job.”
“You speak of it in the past tense.”
Savannah nodded.
“Right. I’ll get to that.”
“Okay. Carry on.”
Savannah wasn’t sure how to phrase the next part. She decided to just forge ahead and watch Kit’s reaction.
“I’m not sure if you were aware, but there was a series of jewel heists in the casinos we were at.”
“I read something about one or two thefts, but I didn’t realize there was a series of them.” Kit sounded calm, collected. She showed no signs of guilt. What had Savannah expected? A confession? She pressed onward.
“I was on duty that whole time. I was tasked with finding the thief.”
“And did you?”
Savannah shook her head.
“I did not. And then I was pulled from the assignment.”
“I’m sorry, Savannah. I’m sure you were the best damned agent they had.”
S
avannah chuckled wryly.
“I liked to think so. But the director thought otherwise. So I was pulled stateside, put on hiatus for two weeks, and when I met with him again, he had no assignment for me. So I resigned. I’m officially retired now.”
“That sounds like a good thing. Why so melancholy?”
Savannah nodded slowly.
“I’ll miss it. In some ways. In a lot of ways. But it also freed me up to pursue our relationship. To be with you. If you’ll still have me.”
“Of course I’ll still have you. You were on the job. You couldn’t tell me. I get that. I totally get that. But no more hiding things from me, okay? You can tell me anything. You can trust me with your deepest, darkest secrets. Okay?”
“Okay.” Savannah released a rush of air. She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath. “And you? Anything nefarious in your history that I need to know about?”
Kit laughed and shook her head.
“Nope. I’ve got nothing you need to know. I’m pretty much an open book.” She paused. “Well, wait. There is one thing you should know.”
Savannah’s heart raced.
“What’s that?”
“The woman who shattered my heart was in law enforcement. So I do tend to shy away from the law. As in avoid cops and such with a passion. But I’ll make an exception for you.”
“Oh, thank you, Kit. I’m not about to hurt your heart. Or any part of you. I really want to make this work.”
“As do I, Savannah. As do I.”
They finished their lunches and took a leisurely stroll along Main Street. Savannah felt a million pounds lighter having told Kit the whole truth. Well, mostly the whole truth. Of course, she hadn’t mentioned that Kit had been a prime suspect. Kit need never know that. Savannah would see to that.
“I love your little town,” Kit said.
Savannah beamed with pride.
“I’m so glad. Are you ready to see my house now?”
“I’m beyond ready.”
Savannah took Kit’s hand and they walked back to the parking lot. They drove to Savannah’s house and she parked in the driveway.
“Here we are. We’re home.”
“I love it. I love old Victorian homes.”
“Thanks. So do I. It’s all modern on the inside though.”
“And do you have a yard service? Or do you keep this up on your own?”
“I have a couple of women who see to most of it. But I do love working in my flower beds.”
“It shows,” Kit said. “It really does show.”
“Shall we go inside?”
“I’m ready.”
Savannah popped the back door and Kit got her bags. Savannah hurried to open the front door. She stepped out of the way so Kit could enter. And then she held her breath. She needed Kit’s approval more than she’d realized.
“Wow. You’ve really made a home here. It’s beautiful, Savannah.”
“Thank you.”
“Where shall I put my bags?”
“My bedroom is upstairs. So just leave them there by the stairs for now.”
Savannah’s phone buzzed. She looked at it, wondering who could be texting her. It was Nadine.
Who’s the woman?
Savannah laughed.
“What?” Kit said.
“Just the neighbors wanting to know who you are.”
“And what will you tell them?”
“What should I tell them?”
“You tell me,” Kit said.
“I’ll tell them you’re the number one woman in my life. But I won’t text it to them. Come on. I’ll introduce you.”
Chapter Thirty
“It was a pleasure meeting you.” Kit told the Goldens as they left their house. And she meant it. Frank and Nadine were lovely people and Kit had enjoyed having drinks with them and hearing stories about Savannah.
But she’d had enough socializing. She was beyond ready for some serious alone time with Savannah. It had been too long since she’d heard Savannah scream her name. Too long since she’d tasted her unique flavor. Too long since she’d felt her soft, silky skin beneath her. She was beyond ready to prove to her how much she cared.
When they were back at Savannah’s house Kit took Savannah in her arms.
“Do you even remember the last time I kissed you?”
“It’s been too long,” Savannah said. “Far too long.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. I was beginning to wonder if you were avoiding me.”
“Never, Kit. I need you like I need the air I breathe. I’ve missed you so these past few weeks.”
Kit nuzzled Savannah’s neck.
“Mm. Has it only been a few weeks? It feels like forever.”
“It really does. You’re driving me mad, Kit. Stop messing around and kiss me already.”
Kit didn’t need to be asked twice. She kissed Savannah softly, tenderly. The emotion behind Savannah’s response made her head spin. Kit allowed her tongue to meander into Savannah’s mouth and when their tongues met, her heart surged. It galloped in her chest and she couldn’t wait for the next step.
“Show me your bedroom,” Kit murmured against Savannah’s lips.
“Right this way.”
She took Kit’s hand and led her up the stairs and down the hallway. The beauty of the old house wasn’t lost on Kit, but she could wait for the grand tour. The only thing that mattered at that moment was making love to Savannah.
Kit kissed Savannah again. This time she made sure Savannah could feel all her pent up passion. There was no pretense of tenderness. It was a kiss fueled by need and urgency. She thought her head would explode from the blood pounding in it. And then the blood shifted. It was all between her legs. She was throbbing and aching with a pain only Savannah could soothe.
“I love kissing you,” Savannah said. “But I need more.”
Kit chuckled.
“Impatient much?”
“I am impatient. I need you, Kit. It’s been far too long. I need to know I’m the only one for you. Show me, please.”
Kit stepped back and absorbed Savannah’s words. Did she mean them? Kit felt warm all over.
“Do you mean that?”
“That I need you? Of course.”
“No,” Kit said. “The other part.”
“What other part?”
“The bit about you being the only one for me?”
Savannah’s eyes grew large. She looked terrified.
“I mean, if that’s what you want.”
“No, Savannah. I’m asking if that’s what you want.”
Savannah moved out of Kit’s reach. She sat on the bed and rested her face in her hands. Kit placed a hand gently on Savannah’s shoulder.
“Savannah?”
“I know I can’t ask that of you. You’re a world traveler. You’ve probably got a woman in every port.”
Kit smiled. She’d definitely had a woman pretty much everywhere she’d touched down. But she wanted to put those days behind her. She wanted to commit to Savannah and make a life with her. But she needed to be sure that was what Savannah wanted as well.
“Just answer the question, Savannah. Is that what you want?”
Savannah looked up at Kit and Kit saw her eyes were red and wet.
“Yes, okay? I’d love that, but—”
“No buts, babe. That’s what I want, too.”
Savannah visibly relaxed. Kit watched the tension leave her body.
“You do?”
Kit genuflected in front of Savannah.
“I don’t have a ring…yet…but, Savannah, will you marry me?”
“Are you serious?”
“Dead.”
“Oh yes. A million times yes. It would be an honor.”
Kit released a long, worried breath. She smiled up at Savannah.
“Most excellent.” She stood. “Now that that’s settled, let’s get to bed.”
Kit was frantic for Savannah. She took her quickly and hurriedly. When S
avannah claimed she’d had enough, Kit slowed the pace. She took her time and explored every inch of Savannah. She never wanted to leave her again and she wanted Savannah to feel that commitment in every touch, every kiss. She tasted everything Savannah had to offer and relished her flavors, her scents, everything about her.
Savannah arched off the bed and froze, screaming Kit’s name. When she’d relaxed in a heap on the mattress, Kit kissed her way back up Savannah’s body and held her close.
“I love you, Savannah,” she whispered against Savannah’s silky locks.
Savannah rolled over and faced her.
“Do you mean that?”
“I’m going to marry you, aren’t I?”
“Say it again.”
“I’m going to marry you, aren’t I?”
They both burst out laughing.
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
“I love you, Savannah. I’ll say it as many times as you’d like. I’ll shout it from the rooftops. I love you.”
“You’re the best, Kit. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
“You were born.”
“I love you, too, Kit. So very much.”
Savannah’s phone rang on the bedside table.
“Ignore it,” Kit said.
“Don’t worry. I’m too busy to answer the phone.”
“Good answer.”
Kit kissed Savannah then and felt her passion surge. The phone finally stopped, and she could concentrate on Savannah.
“Kit?” Savannah said tentatively.
“Yes, my love?”
“Are you stone?”
Kit laughed. She definitely was not stone.
“No. Not at all. I just derive more pleasure from giving than receiving.”
Savannah’s phone started ringing again.
“I wonder if I should answer.”
“No. Now why did you ask if I was stone?”
“Because. I want to make love to you, Kit. I want to please you as you’ve pleased me.”
Kit stroked Savannah’s hair and bare back. She was so soft. All over.
“I’d like that, babe. If you’re sure it’s what you want to do.”
“Oh, thank you. I’m so nervous though. Tell me what you like.”
Thief of the Heart Page 21
