Page 78 of Lethal Danger

It had been exactly like that. Especially in the last year before he’d left. But he had never tried to put it into words like Rebekah had just done.

He’d forgotten that feeling. The darkness and suffocating sense of something evil at work. He shouldn’t send Jazz into that environment.

“And if your friend’s as cool as you say she is, she’ll probably be able to handle it. I’d guess it’s a lot easier to shake off if you only visit once.”

Unless the sense of evil was a sign of actual danger, maybe even physical danger to anyone hostile. To someone trying to trick Patch or spy on the community.

No, he couldn’t send Jazz into danger. He’d have to get ahold of her before the tour she planned to take this morning. He only hoped he wasn’t too late.

Twenty-Three

“You didn’t answer my last text.”

Jazz swung toward the male voice, muscles tense.

Hawthorne held up his phone as he walked to her behind the row of cars where she’d parked her SUV.

She breathed again, a smile stretching her face with probably too much obvious pleasure at seeing the gorgeous man she’d been thinking about all morning. “I thought you had to work.”

“So that’s why you didn’t answer me when I said I didn’t want you to come here?” A disarming grin quirked his mouth as he stopped a few feet from her at the rear of her SUV.

“I answered the first text where you also said that.”

“Yeah, with…” Hawthorne looked down at his phone, “Thanks, but I’m going. Winkey emoji.”

She laughed. “I appreciate the heads-up that it could be dangerous. But in case you haven’t noticed, the threat of danger doesn’t stop me from doing anything important.”

“Yeah.” His gaze skimmed over her face, his lips still curved in a smile. “I have noticed.”

Something about his expression and the way he said the words sent a shiver down her spine. She rested her hands on her hips to give them something to do. “So are you playing hooky?”

“Not exactly.” He squinted at her, the sunlight from behind her adding to his allure as it bathed his tanned skin with a warm glow. “I traded shifts with Barry Greer.”

“So you could try to stop me from going in?” She grinned.

“Well, not by force, if that’s what you mean. I’m not dumb enough to try that.” He glanced toward where she usually wore the knife sheath on her thigh. “I’m guessing you’re still armed somewhere.”

She winked. “Smart man.”

He laughed, spiraling another delicious tingle through her. “Okay, but I still don’t feel comfortable sending you in alone.” He glanced around the lot, probably catching sight of the woman walking to the Best Life building that Jazz kept in her peripheral. He stepped close to Jazz and lowered his voice. “Especially if someone in there is Sam’s killer or behind the fair attacks.”

Heat from his proximity emanated between them. Goodness, he was so perfectly tall, having to bend his head down toward her when they stood this close. He must be more like six-three or six-four.

Her breathing shallowed as she took in his handsome features, landing on those electric eyes. “Come with me.” Her words came out ragged and soft. As if she meant something romantic. Like the ideas spinning through her mind right now.

“What?” His voice sounded a little breathy, too. Was he feeling the same attraction she was? His gaze skidded down her face. Looking for her lips?

She instinctively moved closer. What would it feel like to be kissed by Hawthorne Emerson?

“Uh,” he took a quick step back, “I should go with you.” He glanced around like he was trying to see the person who’d walked by before. “Right. Good idea.”

Was he flustered? Jazz tried to hide the smile that fought to show itself. Sure seemed like he’d felt the sparks, too. She had never seen him uncomfortable before.

She tried to capture his gaze with hers, hoping to rekindle the connection they’d just shared. Or at least acknowledge it had happened.

His focus darted every which way, everywhere but at her.

Disappointment sank to her belly. Maybe he was one of those guys who took a while to admit his feelings to himself. Or maybe he thought she wouldn’t welcome his attention. She’d have to make sure he knew that wasn’t a problem. But outside a cult commune probably wasn’t the best place. She focused on the mission at hand. “I thought you couldn’t go in. That they won’t let you in.”

---