Z shook it. “She means everything to me.”
As they returned to the group, Brit turned. Their eyes locked, their powerful connection sent blood thundering through him. When he stood beside her, he felt complete. Like he’d found his person. Despite his feelings, he was determined to take things slowly.
Go easy. One day at a time.
“Ready to work?” he asked her.
“Now?” Hawk asked. “It’s almost midnight.”
“We’re playin’ catch up, and we’re pushin’ hard to catch the killer before he murders again,” Rebel replied.
“Daddy, thank you so, so much for tonight,” Brit said. “I didn’t even think anyone would show up.”
Addison glanced around. “It’s crazy that we sold so many pieces.”
“I’m very proud of both of you,” Z said before addressing Rebel. “Your paintings can be delivered tomorrow.”
“Paintings?” Brit asked.
“I bought three,” Rebel replied. “Tomorrow works.”
Despite what went down with Z, Rebel liked him. Hard not to. The men were cut from the same cloth. Maybe that’s why Z had such a hard time accepting him. He wanted someone different for his little girl.
But his little girl wanted someone just like her dad.
Lucky me.
Rebel and Brit left the gallery. As they walked down the crowded sidewalk, he pulled her out of the steady stream of foot traffic, captured her face in his hands, drew her close, and kissed her. Long, luxurious, and so damn good.
A groan ripped from her throat, and he palmed her ass. He’d wanted to kiss her good from the moment he walked into the gallery.
“If we weren’t working this case, we’d go play at my club,” he murmured.
“As soon as we find the killer, I’m so there.”
As they continued along, he threaded his fingers through hers.
When they approached his SUV, parked at the curb, she asked, “Did my Dad tell you to back off?”
“One hundred percent,” he replied.
“Are you leaning in to piss him off?”
That felt like a punch to his guts. “Brit…”
“I’m sorry. It just came out.”
Rather than assume anything, he said, “I would never use you or play with your feelings. I’m leaning in because I care about you.”
“I know that.” She climbed into the SUV and he shut the door.
Once behind the wheel, he started the engine, eased into traffic.
“The last thing I want to do is hurt you,” he said.
In the darkened car, she laid her hand on his thigh.
Having Brit by his side anchored him. And yet… he’d never felt freer in his life.
