Page 84 of Elusive Promise

"Do you think we should go back to the city, Jared?"

"No. I think your friend, Damon, was right when he told you to stay off the grid."

She frowned. "I didn't join the FBI to be safe. And I can take care of myself."

"What would you do if we went back to Manhattan?"

"I don't know. I just hate waiting."

"Believe me, I share your impatience. I've been running through all the things I could have done differently so that we didn't end up here, but like I said before, regrets don't change anything. We can only move forward. Tomorrow we'll do that."

"I was really hoping we could find Jasmine before the ransom drop."

"The FBI might still find her. It sounds like there are a lot of people working around the clock."

"I hope so. At any rate, I want to go to the consulate in the morning, before the drop. If I can't be a part of the operation, I can at least stay with Anika and Kenisha."

"We'll go back to the city when the sun comes up."

"That's a long time from now."

He gave her a sexy smile. "We can play cards again. I'm sure there's a pack around here somewhere."

"Maybe." As she rolled her neck around on her shoulders, she felt a twinge of pain in her neck.

Jared's gaze narrowed. "Let me check your wound."

"It's fine."

"I want to make sure of that." He got up from his chair and switched on the light.

"You keep the lights on even though you're never here?"

He shrugged. "I like knowing the house is ready in case I need a place to go." He grabbed the bag he'd picked up from the drugstore earlier and brought it over to the table.

She took off her coat, already feeling warmer, and he hadn't even touched her yet. "When were you last here?" she asked curiously, as he pulled a chair close to her and lifted her hair off her neck.

"When I transferred the property into the trust three years ago." He paused. "I'm going to change the bandage."

"I'm sure it's fine."

"Well, I don't want you to get an infection on my watch."

"I promise not to sue you."

He smiled as he gently removed her bandage. "It looks good. No more bleeding. I'll just put a little more antiseptic cream on it."

"That stuff stings," she complained, as he opened the tube.

"You're a badass FBI agent. You can take it."

"Well, now I have to take it."

She winced as he applied the ointment but knew it was the best way to keep the wound clean. He applied a new Band-Aid, his fingers stroking the area around her neck a few seconds too long, stirring up all kinds of other feelings.

He was so damn close to her. It wouldn't take much to fall into another kiss.

But where would that lead?

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