Page 211 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

He shrugged. “Who knows? The sheriff ruled it an accident. Max doesn’t believe that though.”

“Do you?” Becca pressed him, wondering why he was being evasive.

“We’ve hung out a few times. He seems an okay guy. Intense but okay. I think Max is just trying to find someone to lay the blame on. Maybe to get the focus off himself.”

“So you think Max killed Laura?” Why was she so reluctant to believe that?

“Max is my brother.” Nick flashed a smile. “I know he’d never hurt anyone. And I would never incriminate him.”

“Are you saying you know something that would incriminate him if you told it?”

“You’re putting words in my mouth. You should be asking Max these questions.” He smiled. “Enough of serious things. Let’s enjoy our drive home and forget about stuff like murder and mayhem.”

It was more what he wasn’t saying that alarmed Becca. She managed a smile and chatted about her schooling all the way home.

Nick opened the door for her and took her hand as they walked toward the house. Nearly every window blazed with light.

He parked out front then killed the engine and leaned back in his seat. He slid his hand along the top of Becca’s head and leaned toward her.

Her mouth went dry, and she fumbled for the door handle and quickly opened it. “I’d better get inside.” She saw him start to reach for her and slipped from his grasp.

He frowned and she heard him sigh loudly, but he didn’t complain verbally, though he slammed the car door more loudly than necessary.

“Looks like everyone is up,” Becca said, walking ahead of him.

He caught up with her and took her arm. “Are you afraid of me, Becca?”

His fingers on her arm made her feel panicked but she fought it. “Not at all. I just thought I should get in and check on Gram.”

“She’s fine. Let’s take a walk in the garden.”

“I’m really tired,” she said. She wanted to tug her arm from his grasp but refrained.

“I’ve been wanting to get you to myself for days,” he said. “I’m going to woo you, Becca. You’re the woman I’ve been waiting for.”

“Me or the money?” She blurted the words before she stopped to think.

His grasp slackened. “That was uncalled for. I asked you out before I knew who you were.”

“That’s true,” she admitted. “I’m sorry. I’m just so confused by everything right now. Let’s put off serious discussions for now, okay?”

“You sure you want to face the gauntlet? Gram probably announced her intentions to the family and they’re all plotting how to get their share.” Nick grinned and turned to start to the house.

Relief flooded Becca at his acceptance of her reticence. She liked Nick, but only as a friend. She didn’t think she could ever feel more than friendship for him. And she didn’t trust that his interest was in her and not in Gram’s money.

At the bottom of the steps to the porch, he paused and pulled her toward him. His fingers touched her chin and tilted her lips up to meet his. Becca tried to draw away, but his hands held her trapped.

“Nice night.” Shayna’s voice caused Nick to jerk away.

He turned and his hand dropped from Becca’s chin. “I didn’t see you skulking in the shadows,” he said.

Shayna got up from the porch swing. “I wasn’t skulking. Sorry to interrupt your romantic moment.” Her voice was caustic, and she walked in angry, jerky movements to the front door. “Carry on.”

Becca used the interruption to escape. “Thanks for a wonderful evening, Nick,” she said, hurrying up the porch steps. “I’d better go check on Gram.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Max pretended not to notice Becca come rushing inside with her lipstick smeared and her face flushed. He tried to stifle the feelings of jealousy that rose to choke him. He failed. Gritting his teeth, he tried to recapture his thoughts on his manuscript, but it was no use. He’d lost the muse.

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