Page 140 of Sin With Me

“What are you talking about?”

“Hello, Emma.”

My head flew up. Right there, at my parent’s house, was Eric. He stood up and away from the table as soon as I crossed the threshold of the room. Wearing a pair of darker jeans and a t-shirt, he was barely recognizable without his cowboy hat. Eric looked as stunning as the evening I’d met him. All tall and sexy as hell with his scarred brow rising by a fraction, knowing so well what the sight of him had done to my body in a split second. And a sleeve tattoo? My mouth dropped open as I took in his right arm, beautifully inked. I made a mental note to inspect the design when we were alone. If I’d thought he looked hot yesterday, well today Mr. Cowboy was scorchinghot.

“What the hell isthis?”

“Emma!” my mother scowled.

“I’m sorry, Mom, but going behind my back and inviting my client to a family dinner is where I draw theline.”

“May I have a word with you?” Eric took three large steps and was standing in front of me. He knew very well that at this moment there was no way I could or would say no to having a moment alone with him. Maybe he could give me an honest answer.

He guided me out of the house onto the back porch. The slight touch of his palm at my lower back didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, it made me tingle with uncomfortably delightful heat, which spread from that spot all over mybody.

We leaned against the railing. The ocean waves hitting against the shore were louder this evening, and I hoped they’d camouflage our conversation enough that no one else could hear it. “I want you on this case. I don’t think I can trust anyone else with it, and please don’t make me retell my childhood story to your brothers. They just want to know you’re not going away with some wacko you just met. So play nice at dinner, answer their concerns, and Friday morning, we’ll be on our way to Ogden, without anyone else to question your work, authority, or research methods. Can you do that for me, Emma?”

“When did they contactyou?”

“Last night. The message asked for utmost discretion. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you, Emma.” He brushed the side of my hand with his, carefully so that no one would see it. I could already feel pairs of eyes staring at us through the window. “But I couldn’t risk the chance that they’d take you off the case. You still want me, don’t you? As your client.”

Of course I want you!Why was I so confused? It was a simple job. Why were my brothers messing with my head somuch?

“This will be good for you and for me. I promise. I see you need this time away from home as much as I need you to help me. Show them the mature woman that you are. Prove yourself to them as the amazing investigator that I know you are.” His whisper, so close to my cheek, flew along my skin like a teasing ribbon of lust. I instantly felt my breasts swell and the butterflies in my tummy flutter withneed.

“How do youknow?”

“Call it a gut feeling, Emma. You were meant to come into my life to help me. I know that to be true the same way I know the sun will always rise in the East and set in theWest.”

The tingles in my hands and arms dissipated. This man had a way of easing my anxiety and soothing my worries. He made me feel like I was important and the only one in the world. Since David’s death, Eric was the first one to make me feel like a woman.

“All right. If they’re playing me, I can play them even better.”

“That’s my girl.” He grinned and everything inside me melted. Could I really concentrate on my job around him? I had to. I had to prove not only to my brothers but also to myself and Eric just how good I was. Most importantly, there was no way I’d fail my Cowboy.

We headed back to the dining room, and after proper introductions to everyone, we sat down toeat.

“Is he your boyfriend?” Jack asked out loud, pointing toEric.

“No, Jack. Eric’s a client.”

“Can he be your boyfriend? He gives good piggy back rides.”

He doeswhat?

Eric simply shrugged and Jack continued. “I heard Mamma say to Auntie Allie phat you need a man who can give it pho you so good phat you’ll stop looking for a wooser.”

“Jack!” Kendra interrupted him. “You need to stop eavesdropping and twisting Mommy’s words, honey.”

Julian frowned at his wife, and I couldn’t help but giggle.

“Some things never change in this house.” My father laughed out loud. “Too bad you can’t remember how you were, Em. I think Jack takes after you more than anyone.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“What do you need to give her phat’s so good?” Jack’s attention was now onEric.

“Ok, Jack. I think it’s bath time for you, little man.” Kendra moved his chairback.

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