Page 64 of Killer Knows Best

A knock at the door cuts through the silence, and I hop up to check the peephole.

It’s Jack.

I swing the door open to find him standing there, windswept with a pizza in one hand and a very unimpressed cat in the other as leaves fly around him like crimson confetti.

“Well, well,” I tease. “If it isn’t someone I’ve been dying tosee. Come here, Misty,” I say, taking the cute kitty from him. “Stone, you can come in, too.” I wink his way and he offers a lopsided grin.

“Extra pepperoni, extra cheese?” he says, hoisting up the box.

“I’d kick you out if it wasn’t,” I say as I shut the door behind him.

I let Misty down, and Buddy immediately chases her throughout the cabin.

“I wasn’t expecting the cat,” I say as he hands me the pizza, and I set it down on the coffee table before wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands find my waist and he pulls me closer.

Jack Stone holds the scent of a fresh shower, fresher cologne, and all of the pheromones my body requires to sit up at attention. The fire only adds to my smitten mood.

“I figured, like me, Misty needed to get out of the house,” he says, his voice low, and I take a moment to take him in. That dark scruff on his face, dark tousled hair, those neon eyes of his filled with dark intent. I can work with this.

“How is your mom?” I wrinkle my nose as I ask because I’m almost afraid to hear the answer.

“Feisty as ever.” He takes a deep breath. “Jet is with her, keeping her company. I figure they’re safe enough in the hospital, away from the ills of drugs and alcohol.”

“You do realize that place is a walking pharmacy.”

He closes his eyes for a second. “Let’s hope they lock up the meds like they’re supposed to.” His hands warm my back as his gaze pins onto mine.

“What are you thinking?” I ask.

His lips twitch. “I’m thinking, kissing you is a privilege, not a right.” He ticks his head to the side as if to ask the question.

I nod, biting down a smile. “You’ve earned it.” I take him by the hand. “In fact, if you don’t mind, I’m awfully tired. I wouldn’t mind kissing you while lying down. Say—in the bedroom?” I lift a brow and inspect him.

Jack’s mouth falls open and he glances around as if waiting for a different reality to set in.

“Really?” He tips his head, a devilish smile curving on his lips.

“Really.” I shrug. “I guess it’s my lucky night.”

“You mean it’smylucky night.”

I shake my head as I lead him deeper into my cabin. “I meant mine.”

“You think we can hit the hot tub afterward?”

“Only if you’re good.”

“Oh honey”—he pulls me close before picking me up off the floor with one swoop of his arms—“I will be very,verygood.”

And he is.

Tenforty-five

Text from Hale

Incident in progress. 12th and Kensington. Multiple casualties. I need all three of you down there now.

Jack and I groan in unison at the sight.

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