Page 14 of Taken by the Lawman

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“She’ll be here. I guarantee it,” Deegan said.

“Because the librarian told you she would?”

“Janie didn’t tell me that Mont would be here. She said this place draws all the younger crowd, especially on karaoke and live band nights.”

“Oh, Janie, huh?” Kiersten chuckled but it sounded more like a strangled choking sound.

“People are friendly around here. You should let it rub off on you.” Deegan made a second round through the parking lot of the bar. “This place is hopping so Janie was right.”

“You’re a riot. Did you by chance show Janie a picture of our target?” Kiersten wasn’t sold on the idea that the roommate would show up. She also didn’t like that it was getting late and the only clue they had was a promise from a local that all the young crowd came to Owl’s Bar on Monday nights. A neon sign boasted karaoke and half priced wings which was a good reason why they couldn’t find a parking spot.

“No, I didn’t, but trust me. She’ll be here.” He finally found a spot on the street and darted his truck in.

It was a good thing she’d bought jeans, a button-down plaid shirt, and cowgirl boots, as well as personal items today because her dressier jacket, slacks, and heels would have made her stick out like a sore thumb. Fortunately, Deegan fit in with his usual T-shirt, Wranglers, and hat. He seemed to fit in wherever he went, especially with the ladies. As they entered, every woman’s head turned to look at him, admiration evident in their glowing faces. Kiersten slid her arm around his and caught his side-glance. “We are a couple, right?”

There were no tables available, so they took seats at the bar and ordered a beer each. Although Kiersten wasn’t one to drink on the job, she did want them to fit in. Deegan seemed at ease, as always. She wasn’t sure much ruffled his feathers. That’s what made him skilled as an agent.

“Cheers.” He clanked his bottle against hers.

She brought her gaze up to watch him sip his beer. He had nice lips and strong cheekbones. When he wasn’t wearing a beard, he looked younger, but she didn’t find that she disliked the whiskers. Her mind naturally skipped down a path of curiosity…wondering what the crisp hair would feel like on her skin, on her most sensitive parts.

Clearing her throat, she shifted on the stool and drew in a deep breath.

He was right, she was stuck on that night—and the feelings he had evoked in her. When she’d walked into the room at the B&B, seeing the large bed and having desire wash through her, her control had slipped some and he’d seen right through her. Calling her out that she was afraid…and she was. A man like Deegan could turn her world upside down.

What if they had sex one more night, just to get it out of their system?

Who was she kidding? The thought was laughable. Sex with Deegan would only strike up every need and desire within her, awakening a seductive beast she’d wanted to tame for two years.

His phone beeped and he pulled it out to glance at the screen. When he shoved it back in, she smiled. “A girlfriend checking up on you?” Although she completely blew off the question as teasing, she truly wondered. He probably had more than one. A sensation started in her stomach and rose into her chest, almost suffocating her. What was it? Jealousy? How could she be jealous? She had no rights to Deegan and she didn’t want any.

Of course, she didn’t.

“No. I’m unattached,” he said with a wink.

There was that familiar feeling between her legs and in her limbs. That wink was the icing on the chocolate cupcake. Taking a long drink, she hoped the cool liquid would ease the fire in her. No such luck. “I find that hard to believe,” she admitted.

“Why?”

She smoothed her finger around the rim of the bottle. “Oh, just water cooler talk. Something about those eyes and dimples have women blushing. They’re always taking a stab at who warms Deegan Bronx’s bed.”

“I didn’t think you were the type to participate in rumors.”

“It’s my job to know everything that goes on. Is it true you and Hamilton’s assistant, Denise Parker, were dating?”

“Wow. A man buys a woman a coffee and he’s said to be in love. How about you? You’re really not attached to the Yuppie, right?”

“Brad is a nice guy.”

“I’m not asking if he’s nice.” Deegan leaned in. “I’m asking if he’s your man.”

“No. I don’t have time for a relationship.” Did she really want to tell him that she hadn’t been in a real relationship in years and had been seeing someone for sex only, and the best thing she had going on was hiring an agency to match her with a candidate to father her baby. Not to mention taking fertility drugs had her libido in overdrive and her emotions a livewire.

He nodded. “The bureau leaves little room for anything outside of crime fighting.”

She twisted her stool to face him and smiled. “And still here we are, neck deep in solving crime. Where are our capes?”

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