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She glanced out the windshield at Cole’s residence, taking in the two-story house, circular drive, and immaculate landscaping, none of which she recognized.
She sighed. “I hate to ask this, but have I been here before?”
He turned off the car and hesitated, seemingly distracted, then replied, “A few times.”
“I’m sure it’ll come as no surprise to you that the place doesn’t look at all familiar,” she said wryly, and when he opened his mouth to reply, she beat him to the punch. “I know, I know, give it time and it’ll come to me.”
A sexy grin eased across his mouth. “It’s good to know you’re retaining some things, after all.” He winked at her.
She made a face at him for his teasing remark. “Ha-ha. Very funny, wise guy.”
They exited the car, and Noah tucked her hand in his as they headed up the walkway to the house. Her arm bumped against something solid at the waistband of his jeans beneath his untucked shirt, and she knew immediately what she’d discovered.
“You’re wearing your gun.” Her voice was as startled as she felt. “Is this a dangerous case you’re investigating?”
He stopped under the awning covering the front porch and cupped her jaw in his big hands, his eyes warm and reassuring as they latched onto hers. “Every case is potentially dangerous. I always wear my gun when I’m out on assignment, and sometimes when instinct tells me to. I even wore the holster yesterday when we went to the movie and dinner.”
Surprise curled through her. “You did?”
He nodded. “
Yep. You were snuggling up to my right side, so that’s probably why you didn’t feel it, but it was definitely there.” After letting go of her face, he rang the doorbell.
Seconds later, Melodie met them at the door, and as soon as they entered she immediately gathered Natalie in an enthusiastic hug. The embrace was warm and friendly and made Natalie feel welcome and part of the family. The sense of belonging was a novel feeling—another one she didn’t remember, but one she liked a whole lot.
Melodie stepped back to give her a critical once-over. “How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good.” As they walked into the spacious living room, Natalie glanced at the man still beside her and smiled. “Noah’s been taking good care of me. He’s a little overbearing at times, but we’re working on that.”
Noah’s soon-to-be sister-in-law laughed, her green eyes sparkling in pure delight. “He never used to be that way, but I guess it just takes the right woman to bring out the overprotective side in a Sommers’ man.” She leaned close to Natalie but didn’t bother lowering her voice. “Take it from me and my experience with Cole, these boys like to be in control and tend to be a bit dominant at times. Then again, it’s nice to see Noah so tied up in knots over a woman.”
Noah sent a mock scowl Melodie’s way. “That’s enough, Mel,” he warned lightly, then turned to Natalie with a charming grin. “Don’t believe a word she says about me.”
Before Natalie could reply, Cole walked into the room, his striking blue gaze checking her out in a reserved kind of way. There was no denying both brothers were incredibly handsome, but Cole was definitely the more serious of the two.
He smiled in greeting. “I was just getting ready to take off for the office. I’m glad I got the chance to see you before I left. You look great.”
“Thanks.” Absently, she touched the scab on her cheek from her cut, which she’d left uncovered for the day. “I still have a few bumps and bruises, and my memory is still fuzzy, but I can’t complain because I know I could be in a lot worse shape.”
“I know you’re feeling much better,” Noah cut in, his tone authoritative, “but take it easy and don’t overdo today.”
Natalie rolled her eyes. “Yes, sir.”
“She’ll be fine, Noah.” Melodie waved away his concern. “Quit worrying. I’ll take good care of her while you’re gone.”
Satisfied with her assurance, Noah glanced at the time on his cell phone. “I need to get going so I don’t miss my flight. I’ll be back around six tonight to pick you up.” He leaned down and kissed Natalie softly on the lips, the fleeting contact over much too soon for her liking.
“Be safe,” she said, the words slipping out automatically.
He stared at her for a long moment, his brow furrowed, then he said huskily, “You, too.”
His response seemed to hold a deeper meaning she couldn’t quite grasp, one that made an odd sense of foreboding settle over her. Ridiculous, she knew, and immediately pushed the disconcerting sensation aside.
“Come on, Cole. I’ll walk you out,” Noah said to his brother. “There are a few things I need to discuss with you regarding this case.”
With one last goodbye, the men left.
“Are you ready to go?” Natalie asked Melodie.
