Chapter Two

Three days

Rafael

Walking into the new support staff situation room, I can’t help but feel pride. Perez has everything up and running exactly as I ordered. He’s good at getting things done. Most of the men are around the three tables in the front. Screens against the wall show our team’s tracking to the left, the eighteen kids missing around Springfield on the center and a string of four murders in Brighton and Cambridge on the right. Two glass panels, like dry erase boards, sit on the floor in front of the higher screens. I’ve learned that seeing information in different ways helps keep it clear in my head. I’m glad to see them using everything I give them.

“Marks, Cambridge is asking for anything we picked up overnight.” The Commissioner was grateful for what we sent over already. They didn’t connect their murders with Brighton’s and are scrambling to get anything they can. Cambridge doesn’t like being caught off guard.

He spins away from the glass board giving me a smile. “I bet they are.”

Shit, I hope this isn’t a pissing contest with him. “Make sure all leads are updated. We have the ability for you to show in their meetings. I want you using that as much as possible. The Lowell office has too much going on to follow a possible serial.”

He nods. “They’re working New Hampshire right now. I’ve spoken to the lead Detective in Cambridge but he’s not so receptive.”As soon as Marks saw the identical cause of deaths in Brighton, he keyworded open investigations and found two more bodies in Cambridge.

Agent Silvia stands. “We have another possible in Charlestown. ”

Marks moves and I see the new picture on the glass. “This one is a month old. The MO is the same but sloppy. My thought is that it’s the first kill. Everything points to escalation and our killer is honing his skill. The lead won’t hear me out and thinks we’re trying to take a piece of their action.”

I know the local PDs had some issues with the FBI and don’t think highly of the Agency stepping in and pulling investigations away from their departments. Hopefully, we can change that with some common courtesy and our support staff’s legwork. “They have reason. Today we were invited to help in any way we can. The Commissioner is setting a task force and added you as a contact for our program. He understands the past issues and is willing to work with us in a new way. Your contact is Captain Aiello. Let them convince the other PDs of the link. Just keep them updated and feed them information. If the others call in, give them what we have.”

He doesn’t look happy. “Yes, sir.”

I need to hear him out. This isn’t a military operation and he has a say even if I don’t agree with it. “What part is bothering you?”

He takes a shallow breath showing me nervousness but looks more relaxed. It’s an odd combination. “This is the job for us. We have a good outline of who we’re looking for but the three PDs working separately is an issue. Charlestown won’t even listen to the tie, let alone the profile.”He’s not arguing the point but showing his frustration.

I nod letting him know I get it. “Our job is to assist and hopefully get a killer off the street. As much as I’d love for you to jump in on the ground there, I need you to provide that assistance from here with our new technology and combined specialties having input. Show them what we can do and get this solved from here.”

The Criminal table and some from the Cyber table start talking shit. Marks smiles at me. “We were hoping you’d say that. I’ll get with Aiello. ”

I turn to the Terrorism table and step over. “Anything on the missing kids to link them together?” The obvious blond hair was talked about yesterday.

Peters stands. “All within a hundred-mile radius, blond, churchgoers and age range from four to twelve. The pattern of boy-girl tells us a boy is next. The profile has the perp in a large well taken care of prominent home. Fanatical and cult has come up more than once. The locals are open to help and actively participating with each other and us.” She looks around and smiles. “With Hank as the contact.”

They laugh and I wait. “He’s the new poster boy because everyone likes the way he looks,” Schneider says pushing his shoulder.

“Fuck off. I speak their language and I’m not fucking rude.”

I laugh as the table ribs him for being fucking rude. “Let me know if you run into problems.”

Peters smiles looking around the table. “We will, Commander.”

I’m not sure what the smile is for until I hear them talking as I walk away. They’re surprised I’m not getting in their way.

“They’ll get it once the firsts are over,” Perez says from the side of me.

How the fuck does he keep popping up like this? “They’ll get it?”

“Yeah, you’re letting them work without the need to insert yourself as a narcissistic attention-grabbing boss.”

My feet stop at his words. “We’re a team. My job is to command the team to work together from behind the scene with tangible results. There is no attention-grabbing from anyone here. The whole point of the unit is to assist.”

His hand waves in front of him. “We all heard and read the words, but you’re not like other Commanders. You’re actually following the procedures we were trained on.”

I hope everyone is following those procedures. With those rules in place, we have an eighty-nine percent chance of succeeding. “Leading by example will ensure success. Failing is not an option for us.”

He’s been holding my eyes since I stopped walking. “It’s the military thing. I understand. I’m just saying they find you easy to work for. They’ll do a better job because everyone knows what to expect and when to expect it.”

Who the hell did they work for? A lot of my men are from the military and should know how that works. I shake my head and he steps back to my side. “Did you need something, Perez?”

“The team is on its way back. Everyone made the pick-up in good health and spirits.” He steps aside for me to walk into my office first. “They’re twenty minutes out.”

“Rooms ready?”

He nods. “Yeah, everything’s unpacked and ready for them.”

“Good. I’ll meet you in the dining hall when they get in.” I sit and open my computer. An Australian story from years ago is bugging me. The woman kidnapped kids as part of her family. She was supposed to be Christ reincarnate or some shit.

“Sir?”Perez is still at the door watching me when I look up. Didn’t I dismiss him? “The dining hall?” he asks.

I smile. “A beer and food is a good way to mark your arrival back to civilization.”

“Got it. I’ll have the chef start dinner early.” He turns to leave.

“Make sure you order some pizza too.”

“Yes, sir,” he yells from the hall.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to people answering as they walk away. I find the story from Australia and send it over to Peters. The woman drugged the kids then brainwashed them into believing her to be Christ. Anyone challenging her was punished severely. I don’t know if it will help, but it sounds similar to what they’re working on.

I hear the chopper and know I have a few minutes. Cassidy’s pretty blue eyes come to mind and I bring up the rest of her. She’s a beautiful woman, but there’s something so open about her eyes. Even when I disagree with her, she’s easy to talk to. Smiling, I shake my head. I’m used to picking up women and taking them to bed. Tonight, I’m going to a dinner for something with the DAs charity purse. Cassidy isn’t jumping into bed with me and I haven’t even thought about dropping her for an easy fuck. I’m getting old and learning how not to be a cliché. Jesus, I stand needing to get out of my head before I paint myself as an old geezer ready to retire.

I hear the men laughing and loud as I get closer to the dining hall. Stepping in I smile. Ford is trying to pull a pizza box away from Cassidy’s sister, Lecompte. “Commander Ford, good to see you made it. I bet there’s more pizza around.”

He stands at attention, then relaxes smiling my way. “The others have veggies on them. It’s just wrong. Good to be here, Commander.” His standing at attention slip makes me feel better. I’m not the only one struggling with ingrained responses.

I’m glad he let the box go. Lecompte takes a piece and hands it to him nodding her head at me. “I would have kicked his ass for the piece but thanks for the distraction.”

Everyone laughs and acknowledges my presence here. I like the relaxed atmosphere and easy way they interact with each other. We did this at the local bars in Delta. They’re a tight team. “As good as it is to see you already acting like a team, I’m giving you a night and day of R&R. Twelve tomorrow night is when you report back. If you’re late, you lose the next R&R. Have fun and stay out of trouble, men.”

Ford looks shocked. “Me too?”

“Yeah, Ford, and you too, Wheeler.”

“Sweet! Thanks, Commander.” Ford jumps up and half the team leaves with him .

Waite kicks a chair out for me and I take it. “It’s been a good week away, Rafael. How has it been here?”

Canon drops a beer in front of me. I look between Waite and Wheeler. “Interesting. Brice flew in with me.”

Waite sits back relaxing into his chair. “Brice?”

“Yeah. Fernandez was ordered to close the old FBI Office from here. I relieved her of duty and sent her back. I need you to wipe files clean so our team doesn’t get shit for running work she gave them.”

Carlson from Hostage Rescue and Swanson, a breacher, turn paying attention. Waite sits up straight. “She’s a fucking idiot. I’ll clean the files.” He’s as good as his word and I nod approval.

Swanson makes a huffing noise that all women seem to know. “Leaving a black mark on the new team was her objective. She’s not stupid, she’s a vindictive bitch.”

Carlson leans forward. “Cleaning the files will clear the men, right?” He’s FBI, so he knows what went down with the old office.

I want them to know everything right from the start, if there’s a problem, they need to know I’ll cover them. “Yeah. Waite will make sure nothing comes back on them.”Waite gives me a look but I keep going. “I’m not letting my men take a fall for her and I’m not hiding it. The support team had to follow an order that shouldn’t have been given. When I found out, I changed it. Clean the files.” I look from him to Wheeler hoping Wheeler doesn’t cause shit over this.

When Wheeler nods, Waite sits back and smiles. “Gladly, Commander. I got witnesses.”

I throw a roll at him. “Just do it, Waite.”

He nods taking a bite of the roll. Swanson laughs. I leave them to check the progress of the men in training. Agent Summer Waters is as good as her file reads. She’s got the support team pegged and is a challenging trainer that takes the job seriously. Outside of the job she’s a loud and obnoxious debater and jokester. I don’t think she cares what the debate is as long as she’s making the oppositional point. To me, that registers as intelligence. She apologized for giving me shit too.

Hitting the glass panel, the door opens and I can hear shots being fired. The sound relaxes me. Waters is standing a couple of feet behind Benavides until I walk in. She goes right to the computer knowing why I’m here. When the hologram is up, she steps back. I run through the men seeing the improvement right away. “Is this your input or them getting back to training daily?”

She laughs making her ponytail swing. “I’d like to say it’s me, but at best, it’s a little of both. Seriously, they’re not used to the mandatory daily training anymore. You have seven that ran regular training, the rest will level out soon.”

They’re not Delta ready, but they are good, so I can’t complain too much here. “The team will start on Friday morning.”

She nods looking happy about that. “I’m ready. We really do have the top of every field. This is going to be the hardest and most challenging job I’ve ever had. I can’t wait!”

I’m smiling again and shake my head. A burst of fire draws her attention away from me to Agent Schneider. “I’ll let you get back to it.” I leave thinking she’s going to love coming up with different exercises to keep it interesting and the men conditioned.

Checking time, I double-time it to my room to change.

* * *

Cassidy

Slipping my heels on, I hope he’s not late. With the perfect Little Gucci clutch in hand, I check my look in the full-length mirror. I absolutely love LaFleur. She started the online company just for me. At least I like to think she did. All her designs are perfect for professional working women that need style but not the hassle of shopping. Who the hell has time for shopping? I’m an Assistant DA and own a bar. There is no work clothes shopping time in there. Now if it’s just splurge shopping, I’d make time. Tonight, I’m wearing an asymmetric design on a cocktail dress. It’s perfect for the dinner and sexy as hell. I love how the fabric flows longer in blue on one side. LaFleur had a line of chic designs before she opened the online store. I have so many of them it should be illegal. Girl crushing on a designer makes me smile. That’s how I answer the door to my ever-punctual Rafael with the jet black hair and light brown eyes.

“Damn, you look very handsome in a suit, Commander Saber. I’m glad you aren’t late.”

His eyes travel down, then slowly up my body and I freeze. Holy shit, that is so disgustingly offensive but feels so sexy, my insides from the waist down all clench at the same time. When his eyes reach mine, he smiles showing me perfect teeth and the dimple on his right cheek. “The need for a cigarette and to tell you that you’re beautiful are warring inside my head.”

I laugh feeling the same way. “Me too, thank you. We need to go, or we’ll be late.” I pull him down by his tie and kiss his lips gently, so I don’t mess up my lipstick. He makes a man noise letting me know he wants more. “Lipstick. You can mess it up later.” Pushing him back I step out.

He checks the lock as if I’m addlebrained. “I’ll hold you to that.” He guides me to his car. It’s sleek and powerful looking like its owner. At a foot and a half taller than me, I love it. I’m so used to attorneys and the men that hang at the bar, Rafael is fascinating to me. All man, military reserved, but playful and easy going when he’s relaxed. His tight and toned body demands a second look by every female around. Damn. Watching him walk around the front of the car has my insides tightening again. He strikes me as a bad boy but hasn’t done anything to show that rough or player attitude. I’m unnerved by the contrast between his looks and the way he treats me. I’m going to have to ask Harper. My radar seems to be off.

His body folds into the car like it was made for him. “The team is back. You still up for Sunday? ”

Nice, Harper is back and I can ask her about him. “I’m excited. Where is your house?” It’s got to be huge to fit the whole unit.

“By Merino Park. It’s a work in progress. The major renovations are done, but it’s not finished. I’ll get more done when this Ops cycle is over.” He sounds proud of it but hasn’t really told me much.

“I don’t get the cycle thing. You work three weeks on then three off?” His whole schedule is a little weird to me.

He doesn’t take his eyes from the road, but his hand moves to take mine. “I’m not required to be on-site, but I will for this cycle. I’m less than fifteen minutes from the office, so it’s not an issue for me to live away. The teams will run normal cycles. Three weeks on and three off. We’re always on call and they run regular agency jobs and training when they’re off-cycle. The men aren’t required to stay on-site when they’re off-cycle but military will.”

That clears it up. He’s not planning to live on-site. That means Harper will be around more. I’m so glad she took the job here. I know she liked D.C., but moving back home means I get to see her more. Mom is ecstatic. I wish Dad were still alive. He’d be so proud of her.

“You okay?” He squeezes my hand pulling me out of my daydream.

I give him a rueful smile. “I didn’t even notice we stopped. I was thinking of my dad. He’d be so proud of Harper. I’m glad she’s home.”

“Your dad was a good man. I wish I knew him better.” Leaning in, he kisses my cheek. “Ready?”

I nod and watch him unfold his body gracefully out of the car. He is definitely fascinating. Taking his hand, I slide out and keep it as he closes the door. “This is a fundraiser for the DAs charity purse. We donate to the low-income Christmas events, the teen shelter and a homeless neighborhood. There are three dinners a year. The barbecue in the park is my favorite, but they all go to the purse. ”

He nods guiding me through the door of the Federal Hill restaurant. “I came prepared.” He would, he strikes me as a man who’s always prepared.

This place always reminds me of a mansion in Newport. Gold leaf and painted ceilings are a far cry from the casual park event that I love. I need to keep in mind that we raise more money here than the park. I paste a smile on and hand our invitations to the ma?tre d. With a nod, we’re walking into the ballroom. Pulling up my society persona I mentally run through the charities and start mingling.

* * *

Rafael

She’s incredible. I thought she was pulling away from me when we walked in. As soon as I saw her body tense, I figured she realized I don’t fit in here and she was done. Instead, she’s been the perfect spokesperson for the charities, spouting statistics, success rates and money needed. People listen to her and respond to the elegance and grace she’s oozing. I stand proudly by her side amazed at the transformation from the relaxed, funny woman I’ve known so far. I can’t wait to learn what else my little Cassidy is hiding in there.

She turns from the woman at her other side and squeezes my thigh. “You’re not drinking?”

Her hand on my thigh is challenging my control. I take her hand in mine and answer, “I had a beer. I’m on call. Do you want another?”

Her easy smile is back. “No, I want dessert and hoped you’d snag me one while you were up.”

I raise my hand for the waiter. “What kind of dessert?”She gives me a caustic look making me laugh. “Got it.” When the waiter stops I tell him to bring any dessert that’s chocolate.

“I knew you were smart.” She leans closer, so I lean down and get a kiss for being smart .

“Who are you kissing? Not that I don’t approve but damn!”

Sitting up straight I watch the loud woman with her raised eyebrows look between Cassidy and me. “This is Rafael Saber and you’re too late, he’s mine. Rafael, this is Donna, also known as my outspoken best friend and ambulance chaser.”

I nod as she sits across from me. “You look like you’re hers. I’m always too late. Nice to meet you. Since she hasn’t said a word about you. I’ll take it as this is serious. Ouch!”

Clenching my jaw, I look down in time to see Cassidy’s foot move back in place. “Behave!” she says in a stage whisper.

“Ambulance chaser? I’m a corporate lawyer,” Donna says in the same loud whisper.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Donna, best friend and corporate lawyer.” I throw out hoping to keep from laughing. Cassidy is chock full of surprises.

Donna reaches across the table, so I shake her hand. “You’re not from around here, so I’m going with Navy, Guardsman or cop. An improvement from the twerpy lawyers I usually see. Ouch!”

I look down again. This woman is going to be bruised all to hell. Cassidy leans forward. “Behave!”

“All right. I can’t believe you’re kicking me, here of all places. Rafael is good for you. So how did you meet?” Donna is going to get kicked again.

“The bar. I was working through some issues when she sat down and threw pickup lines at me.” I squeeze her hand hoping not to get kicked.

She laughs and I relax.“It’s true. He was a million miles away. He was Delta, but now he’s FBI.”

The silent auction is announced and we get up to walk the outside of the room where all the junk is set out on tables. Donna walks on the other side of Cassidy which suits me fine. Cassidy keeps her hand on my arm while they banter back and forth making me laugh but not requiring me to answer anything. An old wooden ship’s wheel catches my eye and I stop. I could make something out of that. Pulling the sheet, I look at the two bids and put mine down.

Donna pulls the sheet then throws it back on the table. “You’re crazy! What are you going to do with that? I thought he was Delta, aren’t they the smart guys?”

Cassidy glares at her. “Behave and lower your voice. It’s a fundraiser. Go buy something crazy.”

I still haven’t said a word, but I’m smiling. Donna leaves us and we walk looking at the other tables. “Interesting friends you have.”

She laughs. “You don’t know the half of it.”

“Oh, but I will, Cassidy. I want to know all your faces, what all those little smiles mean and all your secrets.”

She stops at an ugly lamp with crystals in every color glued together for the shade. “You’ll have to beat the secrets out of me and we have time for you to learn the smiles. This is perfect!” She pulls the sheet over and I’m trying to keep my breath level.

I wouldn’t mind beating the secrets out of her, but I’m not sure she meant it the way it hit my ears. “Sounds intriguing and perfect for what?”

There’s one of those smiles. “It was meant to intrigue and a housewarming present for you?”

My eyes snap to hers. She’s serious. “Jesus, you’re killing me here and no for the lamp.”

She smiles bigger. “Did you ever see the Christmas Story leg lamp? This will be perfect to pass around at Christmas.”

That’s an ugly fucking lamp for anyone to have to look at. “As long as it isn’t passed to me. Let’s go back to intriguing.”

She pulls my tie and I bend for a kiss feeling whipped but going anyway. “Intrigue is good. I feel off balance with you. I like knowing you don’t have me figured out either. ”

I have nothing to say to that, so I guide her to the next table thinking about her feeling off balance. At least I’m not ordinary and predictable.

* * *

Cassidy

“Lava cake! I hope it’s not cold.”

I wait for him to sit wishing he’d hurry. Of course, my boss has to chat now. Dammit. Rafael looks down at me and smiles. “Go ahead. That must be killing you.” He turns right back to Evan and asks about the teen shelter. Rafael is the man! I get to eat my lava cake in peace while listening to them talk about his unit helping out the charities.

Donna sits without a word and devours her cake. She’s watching them and gives me a look every now and then with her eyes laughing at me. “You’re so gone. I’m happy for you,” she whispers when they take a couple of steps to the side.

“Behave. I really like him,” I whisper back like we’re still in school.

Nodding she leans closer. “He can’t take his eyes off you. How is he in bed? Ooh, I can just imagine.”

I kick her again. “Stop it! That’s disgusting. Do not imagine him in bed.”

“I can dream.”

She’s had a rough time with men, but her imagining Rafael is icky. I imagine enough for both of us. “I’ll let you know when it happens.”

I laugh at her shocked face. “You haven’t?”

I have to look around to make sure he’s not close. “No. It’s been four days.”

She looks over at him still talking to Evan. When her eyes travel down his body, I kick her. “Ouch, stop kicking me. He doesn’t look like a guy that waits for the fifth date. I’d have done him the first night.”

“Holy shit that is rude. You know me better than that. If I’m not worth anything to me, I’m not worth anything to him.” Dammit, her smile turns to a frown because I just made her feel like shit. “Sorry, Donna, I just mean that I’m not into the friend with benefits thing. I want a real life with a real man. He’s been perfect so far. Look at him, he has no problem with my colleagues, even Evan.”

She smiles, but I see the hurt in her eyes. “He’s not smiling, but he is talking to the jerk. I need to find a guy like him. He looks like a player. It must be you.”

He does look like a player. I can’t believe he’s here with me. “He didn’t ask for more than my number the first night. He’s taken me to dinner, we’ve sat at the bar and taken a walk around the neighborhood. We’ve talked about everything from politics to religion. It’s been interesting and I got to know who I’m inviting into my bed. I really like him,” I say it gently and hope she sees he didn’t do much to get that invitation. Jumping into bed on the first date has been disastrous for her.

She looks thoughtful. “I’m doing that from now on. I need a new rule.” Her and her rules.

I can’t help but laugh. “You never follow them. Why bother?”

“I want a man to look at me like he looks at you. I can follow this one to get that. He hasn’t even slept with you and he’s hooked.”

I roll my eyes and follow hers right to Rafael’s. They’re smiling my way. I stand and lean toward her. “I am too.” As soon as I’m close, he puts his hand out and lays my hand on his arm. What a gentleman, it fits with my society persona, it must be a military thing. I love it. “I suggest the lava cake,” I tell him.

Watching him laugh, I wonder again why he’s here with me. The man is absolutely gorgeous in a rugged, sexy kind of way. A Latin Marlboro man. I grind my teeth to keep from laughing. My Dad had the poster in his office for years. I bet that guy is as old as dirt now. I grind my teeth again .

“Are you okay?” Concern is evident on his face and Evan is watching like we’re the newest show on TV.

“Yes, of course. I think I’ll get a drink.”

He holds his hand above mine on his arm. “Excuse us, Evan.” Turning he guides me away. “I was bored with him, thank you.”

“He’s as interesting as sawdust,” I say blandly. One date was enough for me.

I like his deep chuckle. “He doesn’t know much about the charities either.”

Oh shit. “The office clerk runs the events and keeps track of all that. Evan’s like a spokesperson.”

He chuckles again. “As long as he doesn’t have to answer questions. I’ll need her name to coordinate the help he’s willing to take without any idea of what’s needed.”

He doesn’t like Evan much. I don’t either, but he’s a good boss and decent DA. Well, he isn’t chasing me around the office and has left me alone since our date three years ago. “She’s a he, Parker. I’ll give you his number. The people we help are real and deserving. Evan is just a figurehead.”

He hands me a glass of wine then turns to look at me. “I’ve heard you talk all night long. I have no doubt the causes are worthy and help is needed.”

That’s a relief. Evan needs to stick to the talking points that I know Parker handed him. “Thanks. We have three shots at raising money. I hope he doesn’t blow it for us.”

I like the smile he’s wearing, it’s a new one. “You cleared his way. I should have offered the help to you, but I thought it was his community outreach thing. We’ve always done them, so this saves me the work of finding legitimate causes the unit can get behind. You already did the work.” He smiles showing me his straight teeth and that dimple.

I just shake my head. “Glad to be of service to you. ”

He looks around then leans down. I feel his breath against my ear and stifle a moan. “I’d like to talk about that service and what I might be able to provide.” His voice drops low sending a shiver down my back.

It would not do to fan myself right now. “I’m not sure if we’re still talking about the charities or not, but I’d like to hear about services you can provide.” My mouth is so close to his I turn and kiss his lips.

He clears his throat as he stands straight. The smile he’s wearing has my body smoldering. “Time to mess up that pretty lipstick, Cassidy?”

Oh damn. I’m so glad he didn’t look at me like this the first night I met him. I would have fallen in bed with him right then and there.

“They’re announcing the auction winners you two. Break it up, or the sparks flying around you will catch the drapes on fire.” Donna takes my arm spinning me around.

“What are you doing?” I’m pulled to the table with the hideous lamp.

“Stopping you from ripping his clothes off in front of your jerk face boss. Take a breath and say thank you. Every man here was watching your heavy breathing.” She looks at the attendant. “She’s Cassidy.”

I move to the side keeping my head still but look as far as I can see in this position. People are watching me. Dammit! I am supposed to be graceful and elegant here. At least the auction is done, they can’t take back their bids. I hope. I feel him behind me before he takes my hand.

“Please don’t bring this to my house on Sunday. That lamp is butt ugly.” I can hear that smile in his voice but hand the attendant my credit card without looking up.

“Sunday? She’s going to your house?” Donna’s got that smirk on. Oh, how I want to kick her again.

“Yeah. It’s a get together for the unit with their families. You’re welcome to come too.” He’s inviting Donna ?

She laughs. “I’ll be there. Harper can give me a ride. Should I bring anything?”

I watch that slow smile make it all the way to his eyes. “Mmm, chocolate anything.” The look in his eyes and low pitch of his voice hits my whole body. I watch the smile spread making that look down right sexy.

Oh, dear Lord. Donna looks at me seriously. “Did your ovaries just explode?”

I kick her.

* * *

Rafael

It’s close to one when I pull up to the bar. The well-lit entrance door is on the side, away from the bar entrance. I’m glad to see the security lights. Taking her key, I’m surprised when the door opens directly to her apartment. She hits the alarm panel and we walk up the six stairs to her living room. She’s been quiet for the last hour. Dancing may have been too much, but I wanted her to know that I could and holding her against me wasn’t an opportunity I was willing to miss. Her boss left her to clean up and tally donations. I already hate the guy. “You’re wiped, Cassidy.”

She drops her purse on the side table. “Thank you for staying. I feel bad that you did and yes, I’m beat. This isn’t how I imagined tonight ending.”

I put the keys and ugly lamp down and turn, stunned again by those beautiful light eyes watching me. Even tired she’s beautiful. “I had a good time tonight.” Pulling her toward me I bend and mess up the lipstick that’s left on her lips. Just the contact with her mouth lights something in me and I need more. Fuck, if she doesn’t give it to me wrapping her arms around my neck and holding me in place. With my hands moving down her back I hold her against me. Turning for air, my mouth travels to her eyes. Laying a gentle kiss on each I watch her head tilt to my shoulder. She’s done. “My service tonight is letting you sleep, Bella. ”

She makes a grunt/moan noise that has me smiling. “I want to say sleep is overrated, but I’ve been up since five-thirty and my body isn’t believing it. I’m getting old,” she mumbles.

I shake my head smiling, she’s thirty-one, not ready for the geriatric ward just yet. “I’ll let you sleep, Bella. I can pick you up on Saturday, but I have to warn you, it’s because I want your help. I’ll cook you dinner when we’re done?”

Her head barely moves but her eyes open. “What are you making?”

“Whatever you want, but chocolate is dessert.”

Her eyes close. “K.”

I kiss her head and steady her stepping back. If I stay any longer, I’m not leaving tonight. “I’ll pick you up at twelve. Goodnight, Cassidy.”

She lifts her face and I kiss her cheek. She never opens her eyes. She’s cute when she’s tired. “Call me tomorrow, so I know this wasn’t a dream.”

Locking the door, I hear beeping from the alarm keypad and wonder how she made it down the stairs. Cassidy Warner is killing me and I’m loving every minute of it.