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“She doesn’t have some preconceived notion about who and what we are together. I’m not replacing her father and you’re not trying to be her mother. I think she takes comfort in having us both around.”
Her wry smile was playful. “I think you might become an excellent father after all.”
Snorting, I motioned toward her drink. “Why don’t you head outside. I’ll arm the security system.”
“I hate that you need to.”
“For the time being, it’ll allow me some level of comfort. Why don’t you grab the monitor from this room and take it outside?”
She nodded then grabbed her drink. “What are you planning on doing?”
“I haven’t decided yet,” I told her, although that was only partially the truth. The concept of confronting Michael Azzurri weighed heavily on my mind. I would need to handle the meeting carefully.
“Why do I have the feeling you’re lying to me?”
I gave her a lopsided grin. “You just think you know how I’ll react. I might surprise you.”
Harlow pursed her lips and backed toward the French doors. “Don’t be long.”
“I have no intention of it.” I waited until she was outside before heading to the front door, flipping down the cover. After arming the portion of the system I wanted, I remained in the foyer for a full minute before heading to the office. Matt had sent the police officer’s name who’d investigated the crash via email. My brother’s email. Even that bothered the hell out of me.
After staring at the number for a few seconds, I yanked out my phone, dialing the officer’s number. As expected, I got his voicemail. “Officer Cambridge, this is Hunt Masters, Galen Masters’ brother. I’m taking over his business and already in town. I need to speak with you regarding my brother’s accident at your earliest convenience. You can reach me on this number.”
I ended the call, realizing the tone of my voice had been gruff. If the officer didn’t call back within twelve hours, I’d hunt him down. I returned to the living room, grabbing and refilling my drink then heading outside. The air was finally refreshing for the first time since I’d arrived. I scanned the expansive backyard, noticing she was sitting by the edge of the pool, kicking her feet in the water.
The lights in the small pool were glistening, creating a shimmer across the surface. She wasn’t tense as she’d been before, but I had the distinct feeling she was thinking about a plan of her own. That was one of her more admirable traits, yet one that could get her killed if she wasn’t careful. And if I didn’t command her to stop.
I half chuckled as I walked closer. She was a tough one to tame.
As soon as I was close, her shoulders stiffened, and she lifted her head. “The water feels nice.”
I noticed she’d placed the monitor on the table. Her concern was heartfelt, but that only added to my anxiety. I sat down in one of the chairs, enjoying the quiet moment.
“Why don’t you join me?” she asked after a few seconds.
“Nah. You enjoy. I have a perfect view.” I swirled the whiskey, allowing my gaze to fall ever so slowly down from her face to her long legs. The voluptuous woman could stop traffic. As I took a sip, she splashed water in my direction.
“Party pooper.”
“A true statement.”
“And you’re proud of it too.”
Leaning forward, I shifted my glass from one hand to the other. “I’m not proud of much, but I can issue a resounding yes to that one.”
“You’re incorrigible. Frustrating as hell.”
I burst out laughing. “You should hear what my commanding officer used to call me.”
“You mean other than Savage?”
“Yeah, he used other words.”
“You’re really not coming in?”
“No real reason to. I like it just fine right here.”
“No reason, huh?” she purred, batting her eyelashes several times before putting her glass on the pool deck. When she stood up, she turned her back toward me, running her fingers through her long hair. As soon as she eased one strap of her tank top over her shoulder, my balls tightened. “Are you sure about that?”
