Taking solace in his confidence, she put a hand over his heart. “Thank you for bringing me here. For sharing your family. And for having my back.”
He covered her hand with his and brought her knuckles to his lips. He placed a soft kiss against her skin and a shiver of delight spread through her. “My pleasure.”
She felt a nudge at the back of her knee. Startled, she glanced down to see Haven had wedged herself between Maren and door. Was the dog pushing Maren toward Colt?
The thought was ridiculous. Yet, Maren swayed toward him. Suddenly wanting, no needing, to take a leap with Colt. Before she could talk herself out of giving in to the yearning rising through her, she slid her arms around his neck and drew him closer.
His arms came around her and pulled her flush against him.
Their lips met in a tender caress. He tasted of chocolate and yearning. He deepened the kiss, and she groaned as longing ignited deep in her heart. Affection flooded her veins. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had kissed her so thoroughly. She matched his intensity as her pulse raced and emotions swirled. His hands smoothed down her back. She tangled her fingers in his thick hair.
The kiss slowly eased and they drew apart. She couldn’t catch her breath. Her heart felt too big for her chest.
He dropped his forehead to hers. “Good night.”
With that, he released her and strode down the hall and took the stairs, disappearing from sight.
She touched her lips, felt the warmth of Colt lingering on her skin, and a gentle fondness spread through her.
What had she done?
Kissed him.
And she wanted to again.
Taking a shuddering breath, finally filling her lungs with air, she stared down at Haven. “I blame you.”
Haven stared back, her brown eyes warm and completely unrepentant.
Maren dropped her head to the door. She was losing it if she thought Haven had somehow orchestrated that kiss. No, Maren had wanted to kiss Colt, and she had. Now she just needed to figure out how to deal with the burgeoning emotions crowding her heart.
FOURTEEN
The next morning, Maren attended an early church service with Colt and his parents, wearing the same sundress she’d worn the previous day. As she climbed back into the truck after the service, she told Dottie, “Thank you for inviting me today.”
Colt sat beside her while his father and mother sat in the front seats.
Dottie twisted in her seat with a beaming smile. “I’m so glad you both decided to stay the night and come with us this morning. After the nastiness of the intruder, we all needed some inspiration today.” Her gaze bounced between Maren and Colt before she turned around in her seat.
Maren didn’t respond but glanced at Colt.
So far, she’d managed to avoid talking about the ramifications of the kiss. But eventually, they would need to address it. Only they had bigger concerns at the moment. Namely last night’s intruder.
She had called Emmett first thing this morning before leaving the house and let him know the ranch had been compromised. She wasn’t sure being so far from the task force was in the best interest of either investigation, and she needed to get back to Denver. Still, she was glad they’d set Joe and Dottie at ease by staying with them—last night had shaken them all up.
As much as she cared for the older couple, her mind was doing mental gymnastics trying to figure out the perfect way to make sure everyone got what they needed. The task force, the Dawson family, her sister, and Mia. Not to mention Colt. Suddenly overwhelmed, she sank deeper into the truck’s leather seat.
If only the decisions could be easy… But she’d learned the hard way that life was rarely easy or fair. She sent up a silent plea to God for His strength and guidance.
Colt’s phone rang. He glanced at the number. “Agent Spares.”
Maren hoped the forensic team had found something in the burned-out van after all.
When they reached the Dawson home, Joe and Dottie climbed out, but Maren and Colt remained in the truck as Colt answered. “Agent Spares, what can I do for you?”
“Hey, so your informant,” he said, his voice low and raspy, “he says he remembered something that he’ll only tell the lady cop. I assume you know who he’s referring to.”
Surprise washed through Maren. She met Colt’s gaze and saw the same curiosity in his green eyes.
