Sheriff Orson shrugged it off. “I told you, darling. I’m in charge here. A man showed up and told me he needed a body cremated, ASAP. I took his money, put a phony name on the coroner’s report and told them to flick the switch.”
Before Dani knew what was happening, the front door burst open and a stream of men wearing navy jackets emblazoned with FBI stormed inside. They were all over Sheriff Orson, bringing his hands behind his back, reading him his rights and slapping handcuffs on him.
The sheriff stared her down. “You bitch.”
Dani didn’t know what else to do other than smile. She watched as he was led away, overcome with the most intense rush of relief and accomplishment she’d felt in her entire life. Well, aside from when the twins had been born. That was no small feat, either.
She was still standing there in a daze when she felt Cole’s presence and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “You were unbelievable. I’m so impressed.”
She turned to him and looked up into his gorgeous blue eyes, feeling almost as if she was living outside her body. Everything was surreal right now. “You are?”
“Are you kidding? I heard every word. I never went to the bathroom. I was standing right around the corner, ready to pounce. I couldn’t have done this without you. I hope you know that.”
It meant so much to hear him say that. Having Cole’s approval and appreciation felt so good. Six years ago, she’d lived for it. Now that she had a taste of it again, it brought back a flood of the best feelings between them. They’d been as rock solid as a couple could be. Could they have that again? “I couldn’t have done it withoutyou. You believed in me. You believed I could do it. And you let me run with it, even when things were getting a little hairy.”
Cole laughed. “You definitely waded into some waters I wasn’t quite sure of.”
“And you trusted me.” She didn’t take having Cole’s trust lightly. That made her extra appreciative of it now, and that much more scared of losing it. Would he forgive her when she told him about the boys? She knew now that no matter what Cole’s secret was, even if he never told her, she had to tell him about the boys. And if that killed the trust, she’d just have to rebuild it, brick by brick.
“Of course I did, Dani. I never doubted you could pull this off. I was just waiting to see how you were going to do it.”
Just then a tall redheaded woman with a pretty sizable baby bump strolled over, wearing the same jacket the other agents were. She held out her hand for Dani. “Special Agent Marjorie Stanton. I’ve conducted an awful lot of sting operations in my day, and I have to tell you that was a top-notch performance.”
“You were listening, too?”
“Down the street in a van. I heard every word. If you ever decide to give up your culinary career, give me a call.” A walkie-talkie at her hip buzzed. “I’m sorry. I need to grab this. Cole, I’ll talk to you tomorrow when we’re all back in Royal. Bird is closing in on Richard Lowell’s stash. We’re getting close to catching him and putting him away.”
“Great news. I’ll get the update tomorrow.” Cole took Dani’s hand. “I know this is an awful lot of excitement, but are you ready to get out of here?”
“Are you kidding? I never want to come back. What a slimeball.”
“A slimeball who’s about to go away for a very long time. Right after he gives up Richard Lowell.”
“Music to my ears. Now let’s get back to the plane.” All Dani wanted right now, was for the world to go away so she could be alone with Cole.
Nine
As soon as the plane was up in the air, Cole felt true relief. They’d accomplished what they came to do. He and the team were a monumental step closer to putting Rich away. He’d been working so hard for a major breakthrough like this, that he hadn’t had the chance to consider how incredible it would feel to be closer to this goal. And he couldn’t have done it without Dani.
He looked over at her, still so stunning in that dress, except now she was even more desirable. They were a team tonight and a damn good one. There was just something about their connection that brought out the best in each of them. Could they be a team again? He’d been asking himself that question non-stop since they’d made love at her house. She made him feel so alive. She made him a better version of himself. He couldn’t imagine going back to the way he’d been for the last six years. That version of Cole Sullivan was sleepwalking through life. He couldn’t do that to himself anymore.
“Can I just tell you that the way you handled yourself tonight was so damn sexy?” he asked.
She blushed and smiled. “You know what was really sexy? Having you there to protect me.” She reached down and took his hand in hers, rubbing her thumb along his knuckles. “It made me do and say things I never thought I could.”
The darkened airplane cabin was romantic and even felt private, with the captain up in the cockpit and he and Dani alone in the last row. All Cole could think about was kissing her supple mouth. He moved in, and just like a wish granted, Dani raised her lips to him. They fell into a kiss that was immediately passionate. Maybe it was the thrill of what they’d just been through, but it was clear they were both turned on. Dani dug her fingers into his scalp, and her tongue teased his. Cole tried to get his arms around her, but the stupid armrest was in the way.
“Come here,” he said.
Dani looked at him, her lips full, her mouth slack with surprise. “Come here?”
“Yes. Come and get in my lap. I need you in my arms. I need to kiss you for real.”
A mischievous smile tugged at her lips. “Are you serious?”
Cole groaned. “I have never been more serious in my entire life. Get over here.”
“Okay.” Dani unlatched her seat belt and stood, then sat across his lap and put her arm around his neck.
