Page 55 of Seized by the Lawman

“Hmm, didn’t someone mention her before?”

He tapped her nose gently. “Yes, a very smart and intuitive woman. Unfortunately, we can’t ask her.”

“Why not?”

“She’s been out of the office because her aunt passed away. We’ve made several phone calls, but she hasn’t answered.” He moved slightly, brushing his nose against her hair.

“Send someone to speak to her.”

“It would be a wild goose chase. If she were truly where she said she was then she’d answer her phone. She’s the least of our worries right now.”

“You don’t think something has happened to her, do you?”

He shrugged. “Anything’s possible, but we did ping her phone off a cell tower yesterday in South Carolina, which makes no sense.”

“That’s suspicious.” There was a quiver to her voice that she couldn’t hide. The quake happened all the way down her legs. She took a step back and bumped the wall.

He took a step too, not touching her, but so close he might as well have been touching her.

“Carson doesn’t believe she’s guilty. He thinks she was forced into helping the bastard. But someone had to know my passcode and have the key to my desk.”

“Claire wouldn’t have those things, right?”

“I can’t figure out how she would, but she’s been working around lawmen for a long time that she could have picked up on pointers, or maybe the son-of-a-bitch calling himself Andy trained her. Either way, she’s not innocent.”

“Did she have the code to the gate?”

“Carson has it. He had it written down. She has access to his office.”

Melly nodded. “If you can find her I’d bet she could shed some light on all this.”

“Riddle and Jamison are on it, but as I said, it’s not the most important thing right now.”

“I don’t want to have to see this guy again,” she admitted.

“Don’t worry. That won’t happen. I promise.”

Her knees wobbled and she leaned into him. He rewarded her by wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his chest against her tingling breasts. She couldn’t resist him even when they should be enveloped in the case and not the chemistry that swirled around them. He planted a kiss on her temple, her cheek, her jawline, and then on her lips. She sank deeper into his embrace, bringing her arms up around his neck. Here was where she wanted to be—needed to be. “I trust you,” she whispered.

He lowered his mouth to hers and swept his tongue beyond her lips and she opened to him fully. He tasted so good and his large hands felt so right on her. She found the hem of his T-shirt and slid her hand inside, scrolling her palm over his tight abs, his broad chest and flat nipples. He sucked in a breath and she swallowed his moan. He drew back, pressing his forehead against her. “I’m so fucking turned on. But we should stop.”

“I don’t think a cold shower could stop this.” She threaded her fingers in his hair, loving how the soft, thick strands had grown so fast. Most women would envy how fast. His scruffy jaw brushed her chin and she loved the feeling, wanting to feel it on other parts of her body. She pulled her hand from under his shirt and she took his hand and gave a jerk of her chin. “I know a place…” She smiled.

“You do realize Kace is right outside?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be very quiet.”

“Please tell me you haven’t taken other horny men up there.” His eyes dazzled.

“No.” She teasingly pinched his arm. “I used to go up and read when I was a kid.” She took the first rung to the loft ladder, then the second and third, looking down at him. He was still watching her. “Are you coming or are you afraid of heights?”

“I’m just admiring the view.”

His smile kicked up her heart. “Then hurry and admire it without clothes on.”

That got him started. He was up the ladder and chasing her. She dropped onto the bed of straw, giggling when he plopped down beside her, tickling her stomach. Laughter faded when they kissed and passion took shape. Before she knew it, he had her shirt off and was caressing a nipple through the lace fabric of her bra, bringing the nub to life.

“Have I ever told you how lovely your breasts are?” His husky voice vibrated her thighs.

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