Brushing the flyaway hair from her face, she hitched her hand on her hip. “Men are being escorted into the same unmarked room on a regular basis. I’ve seen it every time I’ve beenthere.”
“It is odd, but I’m not sure that’s reason to suspect the worst.” He kept his voice steady, on purpose. Inciting her was the last thing he wanted todo.
Her shoulders dropped. “You don’t believeme.”
“I didnotsay that. Is it possible you’re gunning for a story where there isnone?”
“Crockett—” She crossed her arms. “Granted, I am suspicious about most everything, but there is something bizarre going on at that club and I’mnottalking about the sex play. Plus…” Fear banked in her eyes. “Seeing Sage has triggered my nightmares. I’m hardlysleeping.”
Dammit. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry.” Her flowery scent surrounded him and he tightened hishold.
When she pressed her body to his, memories ofthemflooded histhoughts.
Over a decade earlier, she’d confided terrifying dreams that had haunted her since childhood. Then, a month into their relationship, the nightmares ended. She credited him, though they’d never spent the night together. “I feel safe with you,” she’d said. Those words had stayed with him all theseyears.
Then, two weeks before she left for college, she told him she was going to withdraw. “I don’t want to leave you.” Going to journalism school at USC had been her primary goal. Though she wasn’t a chatty teen, she had been vocal aboutthat. For days, he struggled with his decision, but in the end, he couldn’t stand in her way. Especially since his sweet Sophia never had the opportunity to follow her owndreams.
When he’d reminded Alex that she’d wanted to attend USC and study broadcast journalism since forever, she still wouldn’t back down. She wasn’t going to leave him. The “let’s be friends” and the “you should date other people” talks also backfired. She was staying. And his heart broke for what he knew he had todo.
Breaking up with Alexandra had been gut-wrenching for them both. Being the bad guy had sucked. This time, he wouldn’t let her leave without telling her how much he lovedher.
Were her suspicions about Incognito his opportunity to prove he wasn’t the bad guy? That her happiness had always mattered to him? And that he’d be willing to do anything to prove that? “I have anidea.”
She lifted her face, her eyes brimming with hope. “I’mlistening.”
“I’ll do one better. I’ll showyou.”
14
Hatching Their Plan
Though the sidestreetshadn’t been plowed, Crockett had no trouble trucking through the six inches of packed snow. He rolled over the tire tracks of those brave enough to venture out ahead of him. Even at half-past eight, there was more traffic than he’d anticipated. As he pulled onto the plowed main road, Alexandra’s ringtone blasted from herhandbag.
“Hello.”
After listening, she said, “Iamworking on a story, Max. I’m conducting an interview.” Her staccato tone caused him to glanceover.
“You want me to coverwhat?” After a longer period of silence, she replied, “Got it. Arlington Hill.” She hung up andgrowled.
Even angry, her husky groan had always aroused him. Sometimes he’d say something just to coax her into making that raw, gritty sound. And today was no different. She still affected him in the best ofways.
With his eyes on the road, he said, “Snowstorms around here are always bignews.”
“It would appear that way.” After thumbing around on her phone, she dialed. “I’ll have to postpone that trip to your office. I need a rentalcar.”
“Hang up,Alexandra.”
“What?”
“After last night’s spinout, you’re not driving in this. It can take days for trucks to plow the sidestreets.”
“I’ll call a taxi or carservice.”
“Like hell you will. I’ll take you to Arlington Hill.” He eased the truck to a stop at the red light and fixed her with a hard stare. This issue was non-negotiable. Despite his plan to get to the office early to analyze Maverick’s downed Eagle, helping Alexandra trumpedthat.
She studied him like he’d grown a second nose. With that strong Mitus independent streak, he expected she’d fight him on this. Instead, her expression softened. Her sweet smile sent a bolt of energy powering throughhim.
“Thank you. You’re right. I don’t want to drive inthis.”
