Page 72 of Long Past Deadly

She collapsed against him, her back to his chest. He took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her and kiss her neck.

“Distraction?” Her quiet words made him smile.

“If we must.”

She turned in his arms and dropped her head to his chest. They stood wrapped close to each other for several minutes. “Why can’t I stop wanting to touch to you?”

A flash of satisfaction mixed with sharp lust streaked through him. “Chemistry, emotion, or fate. Take your pick.”

“Where are we going with this?”

“Are we talking killer or couple?”

She raised her head, tired eyes meeting his. “Couple. If you want.”

“Oh, I want.”

“Then what?”

“Honey, we don’t script it. We live it.”

“How?”

He sighed. Too bad it wasn’t as simple as locking themselves in his bedroom and tearing up the bed. “Day by day, love.”

She went on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his, then dropped back to flat feet, confusion and something else in her eyes.

“That’s a nice start.” He cupped her face and pulled her close again, whispering against her lips. “Don’t overthink it.”

“Hard not to when I can’t figure out what I want.” She squeezed closer. She’d been let down by so many people. He did not plan to be one of them.

“Believe it or not, I understand. I’m struggling, too.”

“What do you mean?”

“We’re learning to be friends, partners, intimate with one another. It’s not a one and done track. It’s a process, a journey. We’ll work it together.” Hell, he was most of the way in love with her, didn’t want to let her go, and didn’t have the courage to tell her. What’s your problem, Daniels? He hid his emotions from everybody for so long and for good reason. But he wasn’t hiding from Lani. Didn’t want to.

“After this is over…”

He interrupted her, not wanting to hear her say she was going back to her job and hasta la vista. “I have a habit of hiding I haven’t broken yet. Taking time and care is our best strategy.”

She tilted her head and kissed his chin. “Finishing my thoughts now? We met less than a month ago.”

“Some months are more intense than others.” He took her hand. “Let’s ditch the serial killer first. I’m not going anywhere, and our relationship needs undivided attention.”

She smiled, but a tentative one that told him he still had work to do. She wasn’t sure of him or his idea of home. Trust still needed some attention.

The doorbell rang, and he was cheated out of a heart soothing reassurance. He separated from her, closing off the emotions as simply as he always did. Fucking old habits. He stopped and held out a hand. “Let’s go meet Frank. War Table? Or is that still classified?”

She took his hand. “War Table. It’s been cleared for us.”

With Niles not there, Rodriguez opened the front door. Frank stepped in, all brusque purpose and cop attitude. “Spectacular house, Daniels. Agent Williams.”

Pleased, Quaid shook his hand. “I like it. Let’s go in the dining room. Coke, coffee?”

At the heavy oak table, Frank dropped a folder on the edge and ran his fingers over the scarred surface. “This is an amazing piece.”

Quaid grinned, caught off guard by Frank’s interest. “Military surplus auction.”