Page 34 of Wanted by the Lawman

He stood up. “Hey, I’m a good judge of character. You’re a little spitfire, but far from being a criminal.” He winked. “By the way, I’m taking the notes with me. And before I forget, I have something to give you.”

“A ticket out of town?” Some of the light came back to her eyes.

“Sit tight while I go grab it from my truck. Okay?”

“Sure.”

Although he did bring her something, he needed a reason to get some fresh air. Unfortunately, the cool breeze didn’t help one bit. If anything, the cold made him think of getting warmer which brought images of cuddling up close to soft curves. Of course, Wynn had the curves he wanted to caress, kiss and...grr.

Even retracing his steps in the snow and getting his pants wet didn’t deter his thoughts, or the stretching of his zipper.

What the hell was he doing? Things were getting crazier by the minute. He should call his brothers, or even Rudy, and let them handle the situation. He couldn’t keep a clear mind when his feelings were getting involved. He knew what they would tell him. Run as fast as his feet would carry him. He meant it when he’d said he believed she wasn’t a criminal, but that didn’t change the fact that he couldn’t see past the hold she had on him. He’d been the same way with Sam, not seeing the facts through a blur.

Inside his truck, he slid in and grabbed his phone. He hit a familiar number and his brother, Cullen, answered. “Can we meet later? It’s important…yeah. I’ll see you then.”

After hanging up, Zander sat there for a moment staring at Wynn’s house.

Where the hell was his life headed? He’d come home from the SEALs, hoping for an average life, maybe put away a few criminals before he retired. Getting involved with Wynn was anything but average. Almost stupid. She wasn’t ready for a relationship any more than he was, and that should be a plus, but instead he found himself listing that as a con. All the simple things in his life were changing now that she was in his life.

He’d been foolish before, thinking he could change a woman, or change for her, which caused him to make a mistake in loving her. Yet, he didn’t regret the time he’d spent with Sam because he’d learned a lot about himself. Learned that he couldn’t settle ever again unless he knew, without a doubt, where his heart was—knew he’d found someone that accepted him, and his career. Watching his mom and dad, he knew no relationship was perfect, hurdles had to be jumped, but at the end of the day he saw them come together and forget any issues. He wanted that and here lately he knew what he was missing.

Loving Sam was the past, all of it, and he needed to leave it there and move on. His desire to get into Wynn’s bed needed to stay hidden behind an impenetrable wall. Never again would he love and lose and she was a risk.

When he stepped back into the kitchen, he saw her taking puffs off an inhaler. “You have asthma?”

She turned. “I have a mild case, but all the dust in this house has made it worse.” She looked down at his arm load. “What do you have there?”

“Remember I said you needed a larger coffee maker? Here’s one that makes enough for two. And here,” he held up the small toolbox. “I think everyone needs to have a set of tools.”

Her eyes lit up. “You brought me tools?”

“They’re used, but I have enough to share and I thought you could use them around this place, just in case.”

“That’s sweet. I certainly could use them”

“Well, I think you’re about the only woman I know who’d be happy getting tools. There’s also a bolt lock in there. It’ll be safer than that measly lock you have on the front door right now. You won’t have to worry if the door is locked either.”

“Coming from the man who doesn’t feel it necessary to lock his doors.”

“Do you have a Glock?”

“No.”

“So, there’s the reason why I can take my chances and you can’t.”

She moved in and gave him a tight hug, his second for the day. It only lasted a mere two seconds and certainly wasn’t meant to summon sensations in his body, yet he was on fire. A scorching heat burned through him. She pulled back, looking at him through dark lashes. Her eyes were so bright that he could have easily lost himself there. The thought sunk an invisible fist into his gut and he had a hard time swallowing and concentrating. Images of her on her knees in front of him, the soft sound of his zipper lowering as she stared up at him almost undid him. “I’ve never been given a coffee maker or tools before. You’re my first.”

Damn, he could practically feel her wispy hair brushing against his bare skin, feel her mouth wrapped around him…touching him.

“Again, thank you,” her voice trembled. “I can never repay you for your kindness.”

“I’m not asking for payment, Wynn.”

“You say that now.” She blinked.

“Are you comparing me to the ex?” He snapped up a brow.

“I know, I shouldn’t do that. Have you ever just felt like your world was turned upside down and you couldn’t get upright?”

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