Page 38 of Fearless Encounter

Abe stood beside Genevieve. “We already have your statement. How about if I drive you home? I’ll make sure it’s safe there and post an officer to keep an eye on your place.”

Brooke hugged her sister. “You’ll be okay. It was a mistake. I’ll call you when we know more.”

*****

“It’s been less than a week since Meghan was abducted,” Gabriel said, as if reading her mind.

“It seems like forever.” Brooke closed her eyes and leaned against the headrest. She wanted to get back to Gabriel’s place, return to the safety of his protection—something that Meg didn’t have.

Gabriel reached over to squeeze her hand. “There isn’t anything you can do in the middle of the night. But I promise that early tomorrow, every effort will be made to find her.”

Brooke gave him the best smile she could muster. “I appreciate that. And thank God that Abe is looking out for Genevieve. She shouldn’t have gotten pulled into this mess.”

Gabriel didn’t respond, but she knew that he was thinking the same thing. It was a lucky break that she’d spotted the criminal earlier at the restaurant, so there had been an officer assigned to watch the place. She didn’t want to even think about what might have happened otherwise.

When Gabriel pulled into the garage, Brooke snapped out of her reverie. “I appreciate you and all you’ve done—you know that, right?”

“I do, honey.” He hesitated a beat before opening the car door.

The term of endearment melted Brooke’s heart. She loved him, although she hadn’t spoken the words. How could she not? He was kind, caring, capable. But more than that, he was a joy to be with and so darned good looking.

Gabriel escorted her inside but did not turn on a light. In the dim illumination of the room, he pulled her close and ran a fingertip over her cheek before touching his lips to hers. The kiss was intensely passionate, and Brooke leaned into him. She kissed back, breathing in his male scent.

When Gabriel pulled away to look into her eyes, she said softly, “I don’t want to sleep alone.” She couldn’t believe that she’d been so bold, but danger and passion were a powerful elixir, dissolving any inhibition.

“I don’t want you to,” Gabriel whispered in her ear, then kissed along her neck. He put his arm around her to guide her to his bedroom.

A thrill went through her, escalating desire to the next level. Yet Gabriel was in no rush. The electricity between them was palpable, but he seemed to want to enjoy the interlude minute by minute. That was something unfamiliar, as Brooke’s experience with men had been the opposite. Rushing to the finish line so she was left to catch up wasn’t Gabriel’s style.

He pulled back the covers, then turned to kiss her again before settling her on the pillow. When he got in beside her, Gabriel pulled her into his arms. “I just want to hold you.”

Brooke swore her heart stopped. The gentleness was sexier to her than any rough handling might have been. He held her, stroking her hair then touching her intimately. She didn’t feel self-conscious. It was the way he treated her, how he looked at her, that made her feel special. Gabriel’s admiration pushed aside her shyness, and she began touching his body in the same way.

*****

Gabriel held Brooke’s warm body next to his. He touched and stroked her feminine form, turned on more than he could remember. Being close to her, feeling her next to him, was disarming. She was welcoming, although slow to show confidence. He understood that. It had been a long time for him too.

The faint scent of shampoo in her hair was a perfume that had been stealing his heart for days. Gabriel had hesitated to act on his feelings, but had slowly been overpowered. Brooke was a charming, beautiful woman, but he could tell that she wasn’t sure of herself. He would change that and show her how attractive she was.

Kissing her deeply, Gabriel dipped his tongue into her hot mouth. Her moan encouraged him, and he began to undress her. With her blouse open and her bra undone, Gabriel lost his composure. He wanted to go slow, to savor being with her. Yet she was making that difficult as she began to undress him too. He helped her, and when they were naked in each other’s arms, she began to touch him with abandon.

“I want you,” he said in a husky voice, and Brooke’s sensual smile was all he needed. The next hours were heavenly. Gabriel made love to her, tenderly at first. But once was not enough, not for loving Brooke. He wanted more, not just that night, but formany nights. His heart swelled at the thought that she might feel the same.

In the dark, Brooke collapsed against him. Feeling her pleasure meant so much. He held her close, listening to her steady breathing, rewarded by her satisfaction. He felt enraptured, happy just to be with her. Brooke was special, and he was going to tell her—should have told her sooner. Lovemaking was his way of showing his feelings, but he was going to have to find the words—express it in a way that conveyed what was in his heart.

It seemed like only minutes before Gabriel opened his eyes again, but he realized that he’d been sleeping longer. It was still dark out, but outside light shone through the bedroom window. Brooke was awake and watching him. “How long have you been awake?”

“Not long,” Brooke said. “I like watching you sleep.” She brushed her fingertips along his jaw. “I think I could get used to it.”

And there it was, an offer of commitment. Gabriel couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. The urge to ask her to move in permanently was nearly overpowering. But he held back, unsure exactly why. “I’d like that.” He cringed at the inadequacy of his response.

Brooke held his gaze then moved closer to resume touching him in ways that drove him crazy. The night wasn’t over yet. Once more, they made love, this time slowly, as if not wanting it to ever end. Gabriel couldn’t fathom that the relationship wouldn’t last. He’d been alone for too many years, and Brooke was the woman he wanted.

Yet the danger hadn’t abated. Gabriel’s first duty to her was to end the trauma she’d been unexpectedly cast into. And torescue her dear friend. Until he did that, he had no right to ask for more.

Chapter 12

After the unforgettable night, Brooke’s body hummed, and her heart ached with need for Gabriel. He was an amazing lover, and one evening had spoiled her for anyone else. She knew what true lovemaking was and would be unable to accept less.

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