But with everything going on, that was easier said than done.
“Detective Ford came by to tell her about Arthur. He was a lot more pleasant this time. I think he’s finally starting to believe she’s innocent.”
Reese set his glass down on the table. “Heath Ford’s a good cop. He’s looking for the truth. We just have to help him find it.”
“Arthur’s the reason Kenzie took Griff back to see Dr. Stone. She was afraid his grandfather’s death on top of everything else would be too much for Griff to handle.”
“How’s he doing?”
“Griff’s a strong boy. He’ll be okay, but it’s going to take some time.”
“Yeah.” Reese finished his iced tea and rose from the table. “Tell Kenzie... Tell her I’m sorry I missed her.”
“I’ll tell her.” Flo walked him to the door. “Don’t give up on them, Reese. In time, everything will get back to normal.”
Reese just nodded. He’d given up on normal a long time ago.
THIRTY-EIGHT
Kenzie spent a miserable weekend thinking about Reese, wishing she had handled things differently. He’d called her twice on Friday, but she had missed both calls and hadn’t called him back.
She wasn’t sure what to say. She had no idea what he was thinking after the way she had treated him. Reese had saved her son’s life—at great risk to his own—and she had practically tossed him out in the street.
She knew he’d come by the house to see her, but again, fate had intervened and she had missed him. Reese hadn’t tried to contact her again.
Choosing a very businesslike navy-and-white skirt suit, she drove to the office Monday morning. Until Reese fired her or she quit, she still had a job to do. She arrived early and so did Louise, but Reese hadn’t come in yet.
“Boy, am I glad to see you,” Louise said. “I don’t know how you keep up with that man. He’s a handful, I swear.”
“I know he can be demanding.”
“That, dear girl, is an understatement.” Louise smiled. “He’s different when you’re around. You know how to handle him.” Her eyes twinkled. “How to soothe the savage beast, so to speak.”
Kenzie laughed. “Maybe so. I think the three of us make a pretty good team.”
“You’re right, we do.” The familiar deep voice sent tingles down her spine. “Welcome back, Kenzie. You ready to go to work?”
“I’m...I’m ready.”
“Good, let’s go.” He strode off toward his office without another word, and Kenzie fell in behind him. Her pulse was racing, her mouth paper-dry.
After everything that had happened, she had no idea what to say, so she just closed the door behind her and sat down in her usual chair in front of his desk. She opened her iPad, ready to go over his schedule and make notes on what he needed her to do.
It was still early, the workday not officially started, when Reese looked up at her from behind his desk, his expression unreadable.
“How was your weekend?” he asked.
She opened her mouth to make some bland reply but emotion welled up and unexpected words tumbled out. “Arthur killed DeMarco. Arthur’s dead, too.” As if the police wouldn’t have already told him. Dear God, she needed to get a grip.
His features softened as he rose from his desk and walked toward her. Kenzie rose, as well. Uncertain, she took a hesitant step in his direction. Reese closed the distance and pulled her into his arms.
“I heard the news. I tried to call you. Are you okay? How’s Griff?”
A breath trembled out. “Griff’s doing fine. We’re both all right.” Unable to ignore her feelings any longer, she slid her arms around his neck and just hung on. “I missed you. I missed you so much.”
A shudder went through his hard frame. “I missed you, too.” Reese bent his head and kissed her, softly at first, then deeper.
The kiss lingered, went on and on, neither of them wanting the moment to end. The feel of his mouth over hers sent heat pulsing through her. The kiss went deeper, turned wilder, hotter, burned completely out of control. She wanted to strip him naked, have her way with him on top of his desk. She wanted him inside her so much she ached with it.
