Page 62 of Abandoned

He slipped his hands around her waist. “I should get going. You girls have a good night.” He touched his forehead to hers. “I’m just a phone call away. Okay?”

“I know.”

“Good.” His mouth captured hers and held it captive.

She tightened her arms but pulled out of the kiss. She didn’t want to be apart from him tonight.

His arms completely surrounded her middle, and he held her as close to his body as possible. He whispered in her ear. “You’ll be all right.”

“I’d be better if—”

“Zara.” The way he breathlessly said her name made her draw back.

Too much temptation.

She stroked the side of his face and nodded. “Good night, Will.”

His smile grew. He paused as if he was trying to choose his words. Would he say he loved her? “Good night, Zara.” He gave her one more quick kiss and stepped away. “Thanks, AJ. Good night, ladies.”

AJ said, “Night.”

Will winked at Zara then walked out the door.

She closed it behind him and leaned her back against the door.

AJ came toward her and chuckled. “You’ve got it bad.”

“He’s pretty great.”

AJ gave a half nod, half shrug. “Let’s get you settled.” AJ picked up the bags Will had left. “I did some picking up and moved a few things out of the extra bedroom. It’ll take a bit more, but if you are interested, you can move in here to stay.” She turned with a silly grin. “That is, until you and Will get married.”

Zara’s cheeks grew warm. “We’ll see. Are you sure you want a roommate?”

AJ’s smile faded. “I am.”

There was something more behind AJ’s eyes, but Zara didn’t press her.

AJ showed Zara the second bedroom and ditched her stuff in there. Even if she was still going to sleep on the couch, at least she’d have a spot and a room eventually.

“Have you heard from Doug? Did they make any progress?”

Zara sighed. “Will and I met him at the station. They’ve got nothing. Put out a BOLO on Ernie and Rainie, but they haven’t found them. Even have a uniform outside their trailer, but they haven’t been seen.”

“Weird and a little suspicious.”

“That’s what I said.” Zara’s stomach tightened. “But Doug’s still not convinced. Says that Ernie doesn’t have a history of B&E, but just because he’s never been caught breaking in someplace doesn’t mean he wouldn’t. He does have a violent streak, after all. He’s had a few collars for assault.”

“Sounds like he’s an all-around piece of work.”

“Pretty much.”

They wandered out to the living space. The apartment wasn’t much, two small bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open living space with kitchen, eating area, and sitting room.

“I’m hungry. Wanna snack?”

“I could eat something.”

AJ was one of the kindest people Zara had ever met. Why on earth Will and Logan had a problem with her, she’d never understand.