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“I thought I could do it. Sit back, do nothing besides wait. Turns out, I’m not built that way. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lie to you last night.”
He gazed down at her. “I’m only trying to keep you safe.”
Even though it was obvious he was perturbed, it was the worry in his eyes that made her look down at her feet and swallow around the sudden lump in her throat. It didn’t help that he was genuinely nice. And downright sexy.
She’d never been much for cowboys, usually going for the bad boys instead. But a Stetson and jeans looked really hot on him. He was so clean-cut with the kind of wholesome qualities that made her want to get him dirty.
The dangerous combination was beginning to wear her down.
“Whose car are you driving?” he asked, glancing at the SUV.
“It belongs to Dustin, one of my trainers.”
“What happened to your Hellcat?”
“Nothing.” Shoving her hands in the pockets of her jeans, she straightened. “Now, please stop asking questions that you won’t want to hear the answer to.” At least Rocco knew better. “I’m not used to this.” She waved a hand between them. “Sharing. Cooperating. Making deals and sticking to them.”
“It’s called working on a team.”
He’d hit the nail on the head.
“Yeah,” she said. “Not really my forte. I usually go it alone.”
“I get it, but you’re going to have to figure out how to meet me halfway. I’m putting my neck on the line here, and I don’t feel like it’s a two-way street.”
Tension knotted in her shoulders. “What do you mean?”
“You’re not willing to go out on a limb with me. Instead, you’re still keeping things from me. I need to know what you’re hiding that might help me put it all together.”
Her gut clenched. She didn’t like that he could see through her, but he had no idea what he was asking of her.
“Charlie.” Brian took her by the arm, his grip soft, almost soothing, like his voice. “I don’t expect you to spill all your secrets to me on the sidewalk. But telling me the truth is the first part of what I need from you.”
The first?“What’s the second?”
“You’re going to keep digging into this, aren’t you?”
She nodded. “I have to do everything that I can.”
“I realize that now. So, I’m going to need you stay at my place while you do,” he said, and Charlie pulled her arm free. “Before you give me a hard time over the idea, you need to understand that if you insist on putting yourself in danger, then this is the only way I can keep you safe.”
“I can protect myself.” She’d packed her gun along with other essentials when she’d gone to Rocco’s. If ever there was a time to carry it with her, it was now.
He sighed. “Someone already shot at you. You keep poking around, they might try again. If you’re with me, you won’t be an easy target like you would be alone at Rocco’s.” His gentle tone made her chest hurt. “Those are the new terms. Nonnegotiable. Or I stop sharing information.”
Charlie’s mouth dropped open.
How could he box her in like this with an ultimatum? She stepped back, away from him, anger building against her rib cage despite his calm, caring approach. All she could do was glare.
“I’ll give you time to think about it while I question Rafe Martinez.”
“I’m coming with you,” she said.
“I can’t have you tagging along with me. This is official. You’re staying out here. And while you sit back, try to gain some perspective. Working with me is your best option, but I require full disclosure.”
“As well as me sleeping in your bed.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “Was that a Freudian slip? I never said anything aboutmybed. I was thinking you’d sleep in the guest room, but whatever you prefer. You’re welcome between my sheets anytime.” An irritating grin tugged at his mouth as he leaned toward her. Closer and closer. So close that she smelled his aftershave—sandalwood and cedar. “You don’t need to fear it or fight it.” His breath was warm against her ear.
