Page 48 of The Murder Club

“I’m sure he will, but unfortunately, it might be a while before he gets around to it. I think Zac has his hands full.”

“True.” Bailey hadn’t forgotten the strain etched on her cousin’s face. Not only had he been up all night investigating Gage’s death but the rash of deaths was no doubt forcing him to recall the serial killer who had nearly taken his beloved wife. Bailey shuddered. “It’s one horrible thing after another.”

Dom’s jaw tightened. “And they’re all connected.”

Bailey shuddered again. “To me.”

“We’re going to find out who’s behind this, Bailey.” Dom reached out to squeeze her fingers, his voice hard. “That much I promise.”

Chapter 10

It was almost eight the next morning when Bailey strolled into the massive kitchen to discover Dom standing next to the stove. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt that was stretched tight over his broad shoulders. His golden hair was damp, as if he’d just stepped out of the shower, and Bailey shivered at the knowledge she’d no doubt been showering at the same time. The thought was obscenely erotic.

A flare of wry humor raced through her. She was obviously in a bad way. What would happen if they really did shower together? She’d probably self-combust.

Thankfully unaware that she was currently picturing him naked with hot water pouring over his hard muscles, Dom turned to send her a welcoming smile.

“Good morning. How did you sleep?”

“Like a log,” she admitted, not sure if it’d been exhaustion that had allowed her to collapse into the bed in a spare bedroom and pass out or if it’d been the knowledge that for the first time in forever, she wasn’t alone. More than likely it was a mixture of both. “I don’t think I moved all night.”

It was obvious by his smug smile that Dom assumed it was his presence that was responsible for her deep sleep.

“Good.” He turned back to the stove. “I’m making us some breakfast.”

Bailey wandered across the floor to lean against the counter. Close enough to catch the scent of the soap still clinging to his warm skin. Delicious.

“A man of many talents,” she murmured.

“Not really. I can scramble a few eggs and put bread in a toaster. That’s about the limit of my culinary skills.”

She didn’t tell him that she wasn’t talking about his cooking. “Later today I’ll run over to Grange and pick up a few things to make for dinner,” she offered.

He cracked the eggs into the skillet that was sizzling with butter. “That’s not necessary. Lia left the freezer loaded with food.”

“I know, but I like to cook.” She turned her head to glance out the window, not surprised to find the four dogs dashing around the enclosed yard. They were like giddy kids enjoying a sleepover with their bestie. “And it’s not as if I have anything else on my agenda. At least not until I decide what to do with my future.”

“You don’t plan on returning to the nursing home?”

She turned back to discover him staring at her with an unreadable expression.

“That depends on what happens during my meeting.”

“What meeting?”

“I had a voice mail from Logan Donaldson when I woke up this morning asking for me to come to the nursing home today at nine o’clock.”

“Are you going?” His gaze slid over her casual sweatshirt and jeans before lifting to take in the messy bun on top of her head.

“Yes.” There was a hint of defiance in her voice. She hadn’t bothered with makeup or fancy clothes because she didn’t care what the Donaldsons thought about her. Not anymore. “I’m still technically an employee at the Pike Nursing Home. But more importantly, I have several questions I want answered.”

He hesitated, as if he wanted to ask her not to go. Then, accepting she couldn’t avoid the place forever, he squared his shoulders.

“I’ll go with you.”

It was the relief that flooded through her that warned Bailey she was treading dangerous waters. It was one thing to lust after this man. Who wouldn’t? He was not only drop-dead sexy but he was genuinely kind and scrupulously honest. The sort of man a woman could lean on in times of trouble.

Bailey, however, had long ago decided that she was never going to depend on anyone.

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