“We’re not dealing with amateurs,” he bit out.
“No, we’re not,” she replied. “I’m going to try to follow this car.”
They worked nonstop until dinner.
While eating, Sammy chatted about the farmers market and the petting farm. Though Dakota stayed present for his daughter, he wondered how much circumstantial evidence the detective was finding to build a case against him. He hated that the masked couple cozying up to Matt could easily have been him and Providence. Their disguises made it impossible to ID them.
After dinner, Providence spent time with Sammy before Dakota took her upstairs to read her a story and tuck her in. When he emerged, he found Providence in his office working.
“I’m meeting with Kelly and Kevin Borenstein in the morning,” she said.
“Good.” He sat on the sofa.
“And I’m meeting with the manager of Sequoia tomorrow,” she added. “It’s the Georgetown restaurant where Matt’s body was found.”
“Thanks for your efforts.” He patted the cushion next to him. “Come sit with me.”
She did.
“Miranda knows to contact Sin or Maverick Hott if I don’t come home. If Sin doesn’t make it, Maverick and his wife, Carly, will take Sammy.”
“Does Sammy have grandparents?”
“No, they’re deceased.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.” He held her hand, stroked her skin. “You can continue to live here.”
“Dakota, please.”
Then, he shot her a cocky smile. “But, we’re going to get this son of a bitch and fly home on Thursday.”
She nodded in approval. “That sounds more like you.”
“I have an idea I want to run by you.”
She’d been watching the tender way he caressed her fingers. When she lifted her face to his, he said, “I’m going to help you with your grief and survivor guilt.”
“What? No. Absolutely not.”
“I am, and we’re starting tonight.”
19
Providence Goes Broke
Providence slipped into bed beside Dakota. She expected he would want to bring her to orgasm manually, but he didn’t remove her tank top and panties. Instead, he rolled toward her and kissed her forehead.
“This isn’t about sex or orgasms. Mine or yours.”
Boy, did I call this one wrong.“Then, what?” she asked.
“I want you to feel safe. Having you in my bed isn’t just about sex. It’s about you living with the loss, but letting the blame go. It’s about keeping Annabel in your heart, but making room for others so that you can have the most fulfilling life for yourself…and for her.”
He had this amazing way of making her feel special and grounded, and loved. He was doing everything possible to tear down her walls and protect her heart. How could she not fall in love with this man?
“Thank you. I would love that.” His kiss elicited her smile. “But what if I want to have sex and I wantyouto come?”
