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I opened the fridge and cringed at the lack of breakfast food. “Did you make a list?”
She slid a piece of paper across the table. “I did. I don’t suppose you have a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s here?”
I frowned and hoped she wasn’t going to be some kind of prima donna.
“Of course, we do. Right between Saks Fifth Avenue and the Gucci store.” I poured a glass of orange juice while she smirked and took another bite. “We’ve got Spears Market, a locally owned grocery that’s been here since before my mother was born, and that’s about it.”
While I stood next to her, scanning her list of groceries, she put her hand on my arm. The touch sent a bolt of heat right up to my chest.
“Thanks for last night,” she said again. “I usually have to lie awake for hours after a dream like that. You staying there…it made me feel really safe.”
“Happy to help.” I patted her arm. I dropped my hand quickly. “Remember, all the cameras are on. I get alerts on my phone so I can keep an eye out even when I’m not here. I’d prefer it if you stayed indoors, but my backyard’s also under surveillance. Don’t go further than that. And if you get spooked, head to the basement and lock the door behind you.”
“So the basement’s like a safe room?”
“Essentially. There’s still a cell signal down there. You can call me, but I’ll probably already be on my way. Don’t open the door for anyone.”
“What if I want to order food? Can I open it for the delivery person?” She grinned like the question was a challenge.
“Nobody delivers out here. I’ll be back with the groceries in a couple of hours.”
She nodded, sighed, and went back to eating her cereal.
I sat in my squad car for a few minutes, still feeling her touch on my arm. It was so easy to conjure up what it had felt like to hold her in my arms after her dream. But I couldn’t afford to let myself indulge.
Because the thought of her breasts pressed against my chest last night, only made me want even more of the things I knew I couldn’t have.
6
CALLIE
At least Blake’sbackyard had a stunning view.
I sat cross-legged on the grass next to a small stream that separated his property from what seemed like fairly dense woods.
I’d come there every day for the last few days after Blake left for work. It was the most peaceful place I could find. Even though I knew I was being monitored every second I was out there by security cameras, I preferred it to staying in my room.
I wanted to cross the stream and take a walk into those trees to explore, but I didn’t want to make Blake’s head explode.
“So, you’re not allowed to leave the property without him?” Mackenzie scoffed. “I guess you should count yourself lucky that you’re allowed to make phone calls and have contact with friends and family.”
Mackenzie was one of the few people I had been cleared to talk to. “He explained that I can be here alone for a few hours at a time because of all the cameras and other tech he’s set up. He’s got video, audio—”
“Maybe infrared and trip wires, capture pits and bear traps.”
I snorted. “Sure, why not? He asked his deputy and the other officer to run a patrol out here on the reg, just to be sure.”
“So, is he as hot as you remember or hotter? It’s been a long time since you saw him right?”
“Well, I can tell you he’s grumpier. He’s like a totally different person now. I haven’t seen him smile once yet. And he’s definitely hotter.”
Mackenzie laughed.
“He barely speaks to me at all. I mean, he asks me if I need anything, and he does his best to provide it. He drove an hour yesterday to find a grocery store for items you can’t get in town. Never complained once. But he doesn’t talk to me either. Every time I start a conversation, it’s fine for about thirty seconds, then he makes an excuse to end it and leave the room.”
“Maybe he’s gay, and having you there is cramping his style?”
I thought about that for a second, especially how Blake’s arms had felt around me after my nightmare. The way he looked at me and stroked my hair. “I’m pretty sure he’s not gay.”
