Page 96 of End Game

She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch before looking up again. “He stands beside her, if that’s what he wants.”

“He does?—”

She placed a finger against his lips. “Don’t say it, unless you mean it. Unless you can accept all of me. Even the so-called despicable parts.”

“I’m beginning to see there’s more to your parts than I realized.”

Her lips twitched. “About damn time.” She shuffled closer until their bodies touched. “I think your investigative skills need honing, Agent.”

“Are you offering your assistance?”

She nuzzled her nose against his. “I think I could show you a thing or two.”

Unable to deny himself any longer, he hooked one hand around her waist and drew her in until their breaths were one.

46

Kayla stretched up on her toes and put every longing, every lonely night, every lingering glance she’d had for this man into the kiss.

She didn’t know how long they stood there wrapped in the moment of hope and happiness, but she eventually became aware of male whistles and giggling teens.

With reluctance, she pulled away and was gratified to see he wasn’t keen on the separation either. He threaded his fingers through hers.

“May I ask you something?” She had difficulty getting the words around her thickening throat.

“Of course.”

“Your family. They sent you to investigate me?—”

“No, sweetheart,” he interrupted. “Not investigate. No one really knew what to do with the information from Aunt Joan.”

“Liv would’ve known.”

He nodded. “They love you, Kayla. Their intentions, no matter how misguided, were pure.”

“And yours?”

“Probably less so . . . in the beginning. But I always knew you were too smart to sink your career on a single vote.”

Kayla closed her eyes, and felt shame singe her ears. “Maybe I’m not as smart as you think.”

He studied her for a long moment. “Maybe,” he kissed her forehead, “you protect your family as passionately as Zeke protects his.”

He knew she was Brodie’s godmother. Her G-man didn’t need any assistance honing his investigative skills.

“Maybe.” She rose on her toes again and kissed him. “What did you need to speak with me about?”

A shadow darkened his features, and he glanced up and down the street. “Is Wade with you?”

“No, he dropped me off.”

“Is he coming back for you?”

She shook her head. “My ride share should be here any second.”

“Cancel it. I’ll drive you home.”

A thrill of anticipation set her heart racing as she retrieved her phone and called up her app. She would happily pay the cancellation fee for a night of makeup sex.

---