“Sure. I’ll try not to conk out on you this time.”
He rose, taking their plates with him. “You need to sleep, Lili, you sleep. Your body needs the rest.”
He walked into the kitchen, and my gaze stayed locked on him. I just wasn’t used to anyone taking care of me like this, in both big and small ways.
We settled on the couch, Cole at one end and me at the other.
“Stretch out.” He patted the couch beside him.
With a smile, I stretched my legs out, my toes brushing his thigh. He grabbed the remote, shuffling through the channels.
He found a comedy show and soon, I was laughing as I watched. When I glanced over, he wasn’t watching the screen, he was watching me, a small smile on his face.
I curled my toes.Don’t get used to this, Lili. You’ll be leaving soon and he’ll no doubt be happy to see the back of you.
Absently, Cole grabbed my feet and lifted them into his lap. My heartrate picked up speed, and when he started to massage one foot, I swallowed a moan.
His big hands paused. “Okay?”
“Don’t stop.”
His lips twitched and he went back to massaging.
I kept my gaze on the television, but I was so aware of those strong fingers kneading my foot, sensation throbbing up my leg. I felt every touch, every brush of his fingers.
This was nice. Too nice.
The show we were watching ended, and a news bulletin came on. I didn’t pay it any attention, fully focused on Cole’s amazing fingers.
“The two bodies were found in a shallow grave in the desert north of Las Vegas today. The male victim has been identified as veteran boxer, Chuck ‘Bronco’ Jones.”
I jolted.
“Lili?”
I sat up, staring at the TV.
“The police are investigating it as a homicide, and are notifying next of kin of the victims.”
“Fuck.” Cole’s voice held an edge. He shifted closer.
The screen showed several police vehicles in the desert, blue and red lights illuminating the desolate scene.
“Goodyear killed them,” I whispered. “He shot Bronco and killed his girlfriend, Gloria.”
Cole cursed.
“Gloria was unconscious. I…I didn’t realize she was dead.” My voice rose.
“It’s okay.” He slid an arm around me, pulling me close.”
“Poor Bronco, poor Gloria.” I felt numb and horrified all at once. “She was always nice to me.” I stared at the desolate stretch of desert road where they’d been found. “Goodyear just dumped them like trash. He just takes whatever he wants, does whatever he wants, and doesn’t care about anyone else.”
“I know.”
Now the edge had turned jagged. I looked up at him. “He did something to you.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked. “I need to talk about this with Nash.”
