Page 38 of Bitter Spirits

She wasn’t wrong. “Not if I replace the sliding patio door and that window with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.”

She walked over to the patio doors, pulled back the cheap vinyl slats, and tried to peer out into the night-shrouded yard. “Are you backed up to a mountain?”

“One of the preserves, actually, so I don’t have to worry about neighbors popping up in my backyard.” One of the reasons he was so keen on this house. “When the sun’s up, I’ll show you the covered patio. You can almost believe we’re not in a city.”

She let the blinds fall back into place and shook her head. “I was so out of it. I don’t even know where we are.”

“Northern Scottsdale, just south of Cave Creek.”

She looked over her shoulder and shot him a frown. “This isn’t a flip for you, is it?”

It was a legit question. Real estate in the Valley continued to be a hot commodity, especially in this particular area. “No, it’s not.”

She studied him over the rim of her glass, and he wondered what she was thinking.

“This wasn’t what I was picturing when you told me you were bringing me here,” she said.

His constant curiosity with this woman had him sticking with the conversation when there were more important topics to discuss. “Where did you think I lived?”

“Somewhere on the Cordova estate?” It came out as a question. “Or in one of the high-rise condos they own.” She gave an uncomfortable shrug and looked away. “I figured you’d get a good deal on the rent, considering your job.”

He watched her every move, noting—and liking—the hint of nerves she revealed. “If I wanted to go that route, I’m sure Emilio would be more than happy to cut me a deal. But I like my own space.” Plus, it kept him close, not only to his job but to his parents’ home in Scottsdale as well.

“If it’s anything like your kitchen, it’ll turn out really great.” She wandered over to the hall that led to the other side of the house and flicked on the lights.

He wondered at the hint of melancholy running under her sincere statement. “I hope so.” It was late, and she wanted to be at her car at the ass crack of dawn, so they needed to talk. “Isa.”

She stopped and looked back.

“We need to figure out what the hell went down tonight.”

She grimaced. “I know.”

He moved to her, his voice softening. “Either we can talk in the kitchen, or if you’d rather change into something more comfortable, I can get a T-shirt and shorts for you, then we can talk.”

“Can I grab a shower? I won’t be long, and I can just use that bathroom.” She motioned to the main bath.

Unable to resist, he let his fingers drift down her exposed spine before settling at the small of her back, then he gently nudged her toward his bedroom. “I’m in the middle of retiling the tub surround, so it’s out of commission. Use mine.”

She moved down the hall in front of him. “Never mind. I can take one in the morning.”

“No, go ahead.” He got them into his bedroom and hit the lights. “I’ll get you set up, get my shit, and leave you to it.”

He moved past her and into the bathroom, where his walk-in closet was. He tossed his sleep pants and a T-shirt over his shoulder before gathering a pair of basketball shorts, an old concert tee, and a clean towel. Back in the room, he found her sitting on the end of his bed.

Locke stopped in front of her and handed over the borrowed clothes. “I’ll meet you in the living room, okay?”

She watched him with a mix of exhaustion and wariness as she took the towel and clothes from him. “Okay.”

Standing over her with mere inches separating them, he was struck full force by the implication of their positions. He didn’t stand a chance in hell of keeping his body from reacting. With a formidable effort, he took a step back.

“Right. Good. See you in a few,” he muttered before hauling ass away from the temptation she presented.

Chapter 13

Isa

Isa tugged on the T-shirt Locke had given her and pulled her wet hair free. She was twisting it up when the woodsy scent of Locke’s shampoo teased her nose. With no one around to witness her weakness, she brought the wet strands up, closed her eyes, and took a deep hit of the comforting scent. It curled in her chest, nudging out the frigid residue of death that the hot shower hadn’t been able to touch.