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Julia let her head flop against the seat as Nico pulled out of Madeline’s parking lot late that evening. The restaurant had been busy, with two large parties that had arrived without reservations. They’d accommodated them, and both the restaurant and the servers and bussers had had very good nights, but everyone on the staff had been exhausted by the time the last patrons left.
As Nico pulled into traffic, Julia felt him glancing at her. Even though her eyes were closed, she had a sixth sense where Nico was concerned. If he was looking at her, she knew it.
She wondered if he had the same sixth sense about her.
Didn’t matter. After they caught the culprit behind the incidents in the past few weeks, Nico would disappear from her life like smoke. She’d never see him again.
The thought was depressing as hell.
To distract herself, she glanced at Nico. “You get a good tip from those two big groups?”
“They were both very generous,” he said easily. “I think they felt guilty about showing up without a reservation.”
“Reservation or not, I’m glad they came to Madeline’s,” Julia said. “A heads-up would have been nice, but after the money Carole, Ruth and Andra stole from me, those big parties are a lifesaver.”
“Everyone in both parties raved about the food,” he said. “Maybe they’ll tell their friends. Business colleagues.” He glanced at her and grinned. “They both drank a lot, too. Probably spent twice as much on booze as they did on food.”
“I like to hear that. People don’t spend money on booze if they’re not having a good time,” Julia said.
“Based on how much they were drinking, and how loud they were, they were having a blast,” Nico said as he turned down the street that led to Julia’s house.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the deposit numbers when I get into work in the morning.” She swiveled to face him. “Sorry. I should have said when we get to work.” Julia studied his face, watching him study everything passing by the car. She’d thought it would be difficult to have a bodyguard shadow her every move. But she’d adjusted surprisingly easily. Maybe it was because she and Nico had meshed so well, right from the beginning.
Maybe it was because he was smart, hardworking and clever. Tuned in to her feelings. Thoughtful and kind.
Or maybe they worked together so well because of the sizzle between them.
The flash of a streetlight every few seconds illuminated his face briefly, highlighting his five o’clock shadow. Julia shivered, remembering how it had felt, scraping over her skin. Sensitizing her and arousing her at the same time.
She needed to feel that scrape of his beard against her skin again. Along with his hands and his mouth. But that wasn’t happening.
Nico wouldn’t take a chance with her safety by losing his focus on their surroundings. And as much as it frustrated her, she respected him for it.
She glanced at him, then looked away. She knew there was zero chance for anything long term, but admitted to herself she wanted it. Longed to see if they could work something out.
Also not happening.
She sighed as he turned into her driveway, and he swung his head around to glance at her. “Something wrong? Does the house look different?”
“Not at all,” she said. “Just tired, I guess.”
“Yeah, it was a long day.” He maneuvered the car into the garage, then got out and opened her door. His head moved constantly, side to side, looking for signs of trouble. Disturbances. Something wrong.
He followed her up the stairs to the back door, glancing at her gas grill. “I hope you move that thing farther away from the house when you use it,” he said.
“Of course I do, but I’ve used it twice. Maybe three times since I got it.” She sighed. “It leads a lonely life in my backyard.”
He unlocked the kitchen door and went inside. Used to the routine, Julia stayed on the porch. Listened to him walking through the house, pausing occasionally. She’d gotten comfortable sharing her space with him. Enjoyed it. Wished it could continue after this case was over.
She stared into her dark yard. She didn’t need that in her head. She knew damn well it couldn’t continue.
Finally, after a few minutes, he came back to the kitchen and motioned her inside. “Everything’s good. No one’s been in here since we left.”
“Great. I’m going to take a shower, then fall into bed.” She stepped closer to Nico and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thanks for working so hard tonight,” she said. “I know it isn’t your job. But you put everything into it.” She went on her toes and brushed her mouth over his. “I appreciate that.”
His arms tightened around her, and he deepened the kiss. In moments, her fingers were tangled in his hair, and his tongue was in her mouth. His hands were on her ass, and he pulled her tight against him.
