“Thanks, this is great.” She sidled close. “Between the break-in and Jimbo’s pop-in, I’m not sure I’ll be able to fall asleep right away.”
He knew exactly how to help, but rather than go there, he said, “How ‘bout a nightcap?”
“Will I be drinking alone?”
“Never.” Clasping her hand confirmed she was safe, but touching her turned the heat way, way up. “Let’s sit outside.”
They took their cognacs onto his screened porch. She got comfortable on the sofa. After easing down beside her, he tapped the remote. The gas fireplace roared to life. They sat in silence, admiring the flickering flames in the hearth, while sipping the liquor.
“What should we tell Sammy?” she asked. “The truth will scare her, so we’ll have to make up something.”
“She’ll be so happy you’re here, she won’t ask why. If she does, we can tell her you’re getting new wood floors and there’s a lot of dust.”
Being around Providence wasn’t just easy. It was necessary. He laid his hand on her thigh. To his surprise, she threaded her fingers over his.
He shifted his gaze from the roaring fire to her. He could stare at her for hours. Not just because she was beautiful, but because this…whatever the hell this was…felt real…and natural…and so damn right.
“I don’t know what to make of the break-in,” she said, her gaze still cemented on the fire. “He leaves my electronics and takes my Glock. You’d think he’d already have a gun.”
“The whole thing concerns me. The guy on the video could’ve been anyone.”
“I’m not gonna lie. I was scared pretty good. I thought he was in my closet.”
“I take it you checked.”
“Damn straight.”
“You should have gotten the hell out of there, but bad asses don’t run. You, Providence Reynolds, are a bad ass.”
Her lips curved as he kissed her. He had to feel her soft lips on his. Had to taste her, so he pressed onward and she welcomed him. Their kisses were soft, yet the energy she brought was powerful. She broke away, took his drink, and set both glasses on the table.
Then, she straddled him and kissed the hell out of him. And he couldn’t hold her tighter or kiss her long enough. One kiss rolled into so many they found themselves grinding on each other.
And then, she laughed. “This is insane,” she said as she sucked down a breath.
“No, this is two people who are highly charged around each other.”
“Like a battery?”
“Like I need you in my bed or I’d be happy to do a sleepover in yours. Lady’s choice. Or you can say no. You can always say no.”
“I have no willpower around you. I almost didn’t call you for this exact reason.” She moved off him and sat beside him again.
“Don’t ever hesitate to call me when you’re in trouble. Ever.”
“Thank you.” She handed him his drink and sipped hers. “Tell me something to help me understand you better.”
After several seconds, he broke the silence. “My wife was taken when Sammy was six months old.”
“Oh, my God.” She stared into his eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
“I was a primary suspect back then, too. Until I received a blackmail letter. Then, the focus of the investigation shifted.”
She furrowed her brow.
“They wanted half a mil. I wired two hundred thousand in a show of good faith.”
“And?”
