by AK Leigh
***
The moment she’d returned to her unit, she’d called her sisters. After their initial questions about the date, Lizzie said, ‘He’s hiding something. I just don’t know what.’
Nina asked, ‘Has he given you any idea what it could be?’
‘Mm. I think it relates to his brother and sister somehow. He gets weird every time his family comes up.’
‘Maybe they’re aliens?’
Lizzie rolled her eyes at Carrie’s suggestion, ‘Yeah, right.’
‘No, not that sort of alien. I mean illegal aliens. Maybe he’s worried because we’re all involved in law enforcement?’
‘Oh.’ It did make sense. He’d been born in France after all. Did he have citizenship? She hadn’t thought to ask. Wouldn’t he have a tax file number? How could he get a job and work for newspapers if he didn’t? Paper trail of some sort? Besides, he’d told her his siblings had been born in Australia. ‘Could be.’
Nina said, ‘Do you want me to do some digging? See what I can find out?’
As much as she hated to go behind Gabe’s back, she needed an answer. She was sharing so much with him, and feeling all these confusing new emotions around him. If she was going to dive any deeper into the relationship, she needed some idea of what she was facing.
She nodded, ‘Do it.’
‘Okay. I’ll go into the station tomorrow and start the process.’
‘Can you keep it off the record? If he and/or his family are illegal aliens, I don’t want them …’
She couldn’t finish the words, it was too terrible to think about.
Carrie did it for her, ‘Getting deported?’
‘Yes. That.’
Nina gave her hand a squeeze, ‘I’ll be discreet. Might take a bit longer to get the information though.’
‘That’s fine. Thank you.’
As she ended the three-way call and hung up, a thought loomed. Hopefully, Gabe will forgive me and understand why I had to do this.
Chapter 26
Their dinner had been a delicious vegetarian lasagne. Gabe had nailed it, despite it being his first attempt. As she waited for him to come back with the dessert he’d said he’d made especially for their date, she studied the small, neat studio apartment he lived in. The dining table, where she was sitting, was placed up against a floor-to-ceiling window. Behind her was the kitchen. She glanced over her shoulder. He stood at the counter, facing her with his head down, concentrating on serving the dessert. She smiled and turned back around.
In front of her was the compact living room. One sofa, a circular table with a lamp on top, a television, multicoloured rug, and wood-grain coffee table made up the furnishings.
To the right of that was a wide, flimsy, white curtain. He’d already told her it was the bedroom. Her face had heated at the knowledge, like some virginal schoolgirl.
A door on the left of the living room belonged to the bathroom. A rectangular table opposite the dining table housed a computer and various papers.
Gabe lowered two plates to the dining table, interrupting her inspection of his new home. She spotted a perfectly formed crème brûlée, topped with crisp caramel.
She smiled at him as he took his seat across from her. ‘I’m impressed. These are hard to make well.’
He laughed, ‘Is that a compliment or insult?’
She smiled, ‘A compliment of course.’
‘Thank you. But you might want to try it before you make a final judgement.’
Though it was self-deprecating, she caught the eagerness in his expression. It reminded her of a child waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.
She indulged him and took a scoop. The mixture of brittle, sweet caramel and soft custard soothed its way down the back of her throat. ‘Oh wow.’
He beamed, ‘You like it?’
‘I love it.’
‘I’m glad. I haven’t made this in a while.’
‘You can’t tell.’
He chuckled, ‘I could get used to these compliments, Elizabeth.’
God. The way he said her name still managed to warm her in all the right places. Her eyes shot to his before she was ready. He locked eyes with her. They sat in silence for a moment. It felt ... intimate. Too intimate. They were meant to be going slowly!
She looked away and cleared her throat. ‘I didn’t tell you, we spoke to Clay and his mistress yesterday.’
‘Oh yeah? How’d that go?’
‘Off the record?’
Gabe inclined his head, ‘Of course, Elizabeth.’
There was her full name again. He had to know what that did to her.
‘I’m sorry, natural instinct kicking in.’
He rubbed a thumb across the top of her hand, ‘I understand.’
She smiled. After a short pause, she added, ‘He’s lying about something.’
To her surprise, he nodded, ‘I got the same impression.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. It was like he knew the real story, but didn’t want to say.’
She bit her lip. ‘I agree. But what could it be that would make him put himself in the spotlight for a murder he didn’t commit?’
Gabe shrugged, ‘Maybe he didn’t think about it that much. Maybe he just assumed his alibi would be enough?’
‘Speaking of his alibi. The mistress knows something too. Even with the things she’s told us, I sense there’s a piece we’re still missing.’
Gabe seemed to think for a moment. ‘Have you checked out their alibi fully? There’s no holes?’
Lizzie shook her head, ‘Nina covered that angle. It’s watertight. Over a dozen people saw them together over the weekend.’
‘That is a mystery.’
She threw him a sarcastic look, ‘That’s why we’ve been brought in.’
He chuckled, ‘Yes. So I’ve heard.’
She cocked her head to one side, ‘Really? What else have you heard?’
He rubbed his lips together. Uh-oh, that can’t be good.
His answer was not what she expected, ‘Sensationalist garbage that has nothing to do with who you really are.’
She raised an eyebrow, ‘Who am I really?’
His face was serious for a moment, then he flashed her a playful smile, ‘A romantic.’
She laughed, ‘Well, there’s no denying that.’
‘No, there’s not.’
His blue eyes danced as he stared at her. It made her tummy do its own little jig.
She had to look away again. ‘How was the rest of your day yesterday?’
‘Lonely.’
‘Yeah? Why’s that?’
‘You weren’t there.’
She giggled, ‘That’s very cheesy.’
He smiled, ‘I know … doesn’t make it any less true.’
She felt her expression baulk. How was she supposed to react to that admission? What was he even saying? That he wanted her to be around more? That his feelings for her were intensifying? How did she feel about that? Was she ready for that type of relationship? She’d spent her whole life dreaming about the possibility, but they hadn’t even known each other a week yet! And what about the secret he was keeping from her? Too many conflicting thoughts and emotions filled her.
She saw his features change. He’d caught her conflict and uncertainty.
He lowered his gaze and nodded at her plate, ‘You finished?’
‘Yes. Thank you. That was the best crème brûlée I’ve ever had.’
‘Told you I was a good cook.’ He winked.
‘Yes, you did. What other hidden talents do you have?’ She felt her eyebrows lift when she realised it had sounded like a veiled sexual innuendo. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it came out.’
He gave her a good-humoured smile, ‘It’s okay. I’m a pretty good journalist from what I’ve been told, but I don’t think that classes as hidden, seeing as you know about it.’
She chuckled, ‘I don’t think it does. But yes, you are a good journalist … here, let
me help you with the dishes.’
He waved off her attempts to help, ‘It’s okay, I’ve got it. Won’t take me five minutes to pop everything in the dishwasher. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable?’
This time, his face blanked. He’d heard the possible sexual meaning in his words too.
She grinned. They were both nervous. ‘Thanks, I will.’
She rose from the dining table and made her way to the blue-grey sofa in the living room. Clunks from the kitchen echoed toward her. A few minutes later, he plopped himself beside her.
He closed his hand over hers, ‘Thank you for this. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you better, Elizabeth.’
Dammit. Why did he have to keep doing that? The heat between her thighs was growing unbearable. Was it normal to have that reaction to one’s name being spoken? She sure as hell had never had it happen before.
She pulled herself together; answering while avoiding his eye contact, ‘It has.’
An abrupt shift in the air between them made her peek up. Their eyes locked. Something crossed his features. Regret? Was he regretting what he’d said to her earlier? Did he want to take it back? That had happened before. An ache stretched across her chest.
She looked down again.
Gabe lifted her chin with his finger, ‘What is it? What’s wrong?’
‘I could ask you the same thing.’
She couldn’t help the defensive way it came out.
His brow crinkled again. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I saw that look on your face just now. If I’m just a fling for you, I think I have the right to know.’
He licked his bottom lip, ‘Elizabeth, I—’
Goddamn! Why did he have to keep calling her that? She cut him off, ‘Stop.’
He hesitated.
That was all she needed. She wasn’t hanging around for the ‘it’s you, not me’ speech. She’d given it enough times to know it wasn’t fun for the person receiving it. She snatched her hand from his, ‘I should go.’
He jumped to his feet, grabbing her around the waist and preventing her from leaving. Before she could protest, he said, ‘You aren’t the only one who wants answers.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean …’ He shifted on his feet. ‘I mean …’
‘Spit it out, Gabe.’
‘The reports. On the news.’
‘Yes?’
He squirmed as he spoke, ‘One of the reporters said something that made me wonder.’
‘About?’
‘You, me, us.’
‘What did it say?’
Now it was her turn to squirm. This must have been what Carrie and Nina had kept from her earlier in the night. From the look on Gabe’s face, it wasn’t flattering.
He rubbed his lips together, ‘I don’t want this to sound insulting.’
‘Oh, great.’
He held up his hands in a placating gesture, ‘The reporter said they wondered whether this, you and I … they asked how long it would last.’
It felt like she’d been slapped. Somehow she heard herself stutter, ‘I see.’
‘I did say it was insulting.’
She shook her head, ‘It’s okay. But what exactly are you asking me here?’
He paused then caught her gaze in an intense stare, ‘I guess I’m asking what your … intentions … are.’
She couldn’t help chuckling at the old-fashioned terminology.
His face wrinkled. He was wounded.
She took a step toward him and touched his arm, ‘I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to laugh.’
He shook his head. Under his breath, he mumbled, ‘We haven’t even known each other a week. I don’t really have a right to be asking you any of this anyway.’ Then he turned a half step from her, making her hand drop from him.
He looked so vulnerable and unsure. Exactly the way she felt. Her heart reached for him; softened the walls further.
In a low tone, she admitted, ‘Gabe. There have been many men in my past. Some have been sexual relationships, but most haven’t, despite the media reports. Would it matter to you if they had been, so long as there is nobody but you now?’
The answer was suddenly of the utmost importance to her.
He locked eyes with her and moved to her side. He clasped her hand in his. ‘It does not matter. Your sexual history is not my concern. What I want to know is … do you have commitment issues?’
‘My sisters believe I do, but that’s not it.’
‘What is it then?’
She screwed her face up, ‘It’s hard to explain.’
‘Try me.’
He squeezed her hand, giving her a boost of courage.
‘I have a very romantic view of love. You already know this about me. You know I believe in The One. And the butterflies, the passion ... and the absolute need to be with somebody. I want all of that. I could never see the point in prolonging a relationship when those elements weren’t there.’
‘Are they here? Between us, I mean.’
‘Yes, and …’ She glanced down before continuing, ‘It scares the freaking shit out of me.’
For the second time that night, he lifted her chin with his finger. ‘It scares me too.’
‘It does?’
He nodded, ‘I want you more than I’ve wanted any other woman before.’
His eyes dilated with visible desire. It was clear he wanted to sleep with her. So that was all she was to him? Sex.
She snorted, ‘So I’m just here to satisfy your lust? Been there. No thanks.’
When she attempted to escape his grasp, he held her tighter, ‘That’s not what I meant. Stop trying to push me away.’
Nina’s words echoed through her mind. Can you give him a proper chance this time?
She relaxed. ‘What do you mean then?’
‘I meant that I want to be with you, Elizabeth. Only you. I’ve taken risks in the past and they’ve … ended badly. I’m scared too.’
‘Oh.’
Silence enveloped them. He broke it, ‘We have something special here. I can feel it. Can’t you?’
She nodded, ‘I can.’
‘So give me a real chance.’
Sheesh. Had he been chatting with Nina?
She smiled, ‘Okay.’
Without another word, he pulled her to him and landed a soft yet passionate kiss to her mouth. Heat exploded in waves over her body. They kept coming. She was sure she was going to spontaneously combust.
***
The heat of her skin rippled through him. He felt himself harden against her. She smiled, showing him she could feel it … and liked the fact. That made him want her more. He placed a rough kiss on her lips.
She giggled and parted from him, ‘Steady there, tiger.’
‘I can’t help it. You drive me crazy.’
She grinned, ‘Do I just?’
‘I can’t stop thinking about you.’
‘I can’t stop thinking about you either.’
‘You mean that?’
She nodded.
He gave her a tender kiss.
When he pulled away, she whispered, ‘That’s better.’
He laughed and gave her another. She let herself relax in his embrace. His hands explored her body over her clothes: stomach, breasts, back. She let her own hands do what they pleased with him. A zap of electricity blazed a trail from her feet to her head, making her feel dizzy.
She heard herself whimper, ‘Say my name.’
‘Elizabeth.’
‘Oh God.’ Her legs went weak. She held onto him to keep herself upright then placed a deep, passionate kiss on his lips.
He pulled away all of a sudden, ‘I want … if you’re not … I understand, and it’s fine … we’re meant to be taking things slowly ...’
She caught his unsure gaze. ‘Ask me what you’re trying not to ask me.’
‘I don’t want to be presumptuous.’
‘Trust me. You’re not going to be.’
; She saw him swallow hard. In a low tone, he muttered, ‘I want you.’
It was as sexy as she’d thought it would sound coming from him. She smiled, ‘Then make love to me.’
‘You mean that?’
‘I do … that’s why I bought condoms today.’
He laughed, ‘You did?’
‘I did.’
He laughed. ‘Well, we’d better get your money’s worth then.’
She chuckled, sending a thrill of electricity through his entire body.
His heart pounded against his rib cage when he lifted her up and carried her in the direction of his bedroom. He nudged the curtain aside with his elbow, then lowered her onto his bed. After all his months of fantasising about Elizabeth Farris, he was about to make love to her for real.
***
She felt something release deep in her heart when he entered her. All the residual doubts evaporated; the walls tumbled down. She knew they would never come back. The knowledge pulled her attention to Gabe and the movements he was making inside her.
He captured her gaze. A serious but relaxed expression on his face made her smile. He smiled back, never losing eye contact. She joined him in the slow, yearning rhythm of his hips. Each of their movements triggered spots of pleasure throughout her body. She reached for his hips, pulling him closer.
He brought a hand to her throat. She tensed, thinking he was about to do a domination-style choke on her for a moment, but he started to thumb the contours of her neck.
The tenderness of his touch, and the obvious care he felt for her, slithered a warm path down to her heart. She wasn’t sure she could bear much more. Then he placed a light kiss to her lips. She moaned into his mouth as a terrifying thought came: I’m dangerously close to being in love with this man.
***
The succession of low pleasure-filled moans, coupled with the way she’d looked—vulnerable, yet delicious enough to devour—when she’d orgasmed, echoed through his mind. He wanted to see it again. He wanted to be the only one sharing it with her. His thoughts paused a moment, looping on ‘the only one’. A ripple in his chest expanded until it felt like it was going to envelop him. Now he knew for sure. Not only did he want to be the only one ... he wanted to be The One.
