Page 36 of Disarming Caine

There was no point in arguing with this woman. I forced a smile and changed the subject. “Last night, you said you’d only spend one night here. But that was hardly a full night’s sleep. Can I interest you in another?”

She grinned, nudging me before sliding out of the bed. “Hard to argue that point.”

“So, this is a yes?” I followed her out of the bed, wrapping myself around her.

“This is a yes,” she said in her silly pretend accent. She kissed my cheek and escaped my grasp. “But right now, I need to clean up and get ready for work.”

“What time should I expect you?”

“My last appointment’s at six, but it’s in Brenton, so probably around seven?”

“Why so late?”

“I have a full calendar this week. It was supposed to be a distraction until you got back.” She shrugged. “Nothing interesting, either. Paperwork, calls, and emails first thing. Couple hours with SIU after that. Site visits for the afternoon.”

“SIU?”

“Special Investigations Unit.” She took my hand, leading me to the ensuite. “Don’t worry. It’s just fraud and stuff.”

I followed her into the bathroom, with its bright marble-tiled floor and walls, a long vanity table with cushioned stool, and tall windows lining the outer wall. “That sounds more like the sort of thing you should normally be doing.”

She nodded, a flash in her eye making it clear I was right.

“I’vegotfiveminutesbefore I need to be out the door!” Samantha hollered from the bedroom.

“Perhaps showering together would be wiser in the evening?” I called back after the front door closed behind me. I’d ordered food and strong coffee, which had been waiting outside my door. It was likely all cold given our distraction in the shower, but providing her with another orgasm had been a higher priority.

She stumbled down the hall, hauling her cargo pants on, wet hair trapped in a braid, carrying a mass of clothes and her winter boots. It was impressive how fast she dressed, given I’d only managed to wrap a towel around myself. “That bathroom is as ridiculous as you are.”

“Wait until we have a bubble bath in the whirlpool tub.” I waggled my eyebrows, unwrapping a breakfast sandwich for her.

“I’m so hungry!” She dropped everything and took a huge bite.

“Your hair will freeze outside.”

She nodded quickly, tucking her shirt in, then pulled on a sweater with the Foster Mutual logo on it. When she stopped chewing, she opened her mouth again, and I provided another bite. Flipping her wrist, she checked her watch and covered her mouth. “I hate being late.”

“Sì, I know. Perhaps I should have a clock added into the shower.”

She rolled her eyes, but after a deep swallow, they shot open. “Shit! I almost forgot! Jimmy wants us to write a list of anyone who might want to hurt us or something. For his investigation. I’ll text you his contact info.”

“That will be a long list.”

She smacked my chest, took another bite, and threw on her jacket. “I’ve got the trio from Naples already. Oh, and I also forgot—Cass invited you over for Christmas dinner when I talked to her last night.”

“I would love that.”

“Word of warning… your arch-nemesis will be there.” Her words were light, but the way she paused gave her true feelings away.

“Iamsorry about how I reacted last night.” I held the sandwich out for her, but she didn’t take another bite.

Instead, she fixed her gaze on me and, for once, the honesty flowed immediately. “Listen, either you trust me or you don’t. And if you can’t figure out a way to get past this jealousy thing, we may as well just call it quits.”

A fist tightened around my heart at the prospect of losing her over this. “Bella, I—”

“I don’t have time to debate this right now.” She knelt to tie her boots, too easily avoiding me.

“I’ll make you a deal.” I knelt next to her. Two could play at this honesty game. “I’ll trust you about that. And you’ll trust me when I say you’re the one for me. No more doubts.”

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