Page 38 of Whatever You Need

“What’s so funny?”my little spitfire asked. She didn’t look amused.

My hands instinctively went to her waist. “You. That was pretty damned hot.”

She pushed on my shoulders; a playful laugh escaped. “I’m so disappointed in you.”

“For what?” I pulled on her hand so I could bring her close. I gazed down at her creamy white skin against my tan. Her fingers were soft to the touch where mine were rough and calloused. We were opposites in almost every way possible, yet I’ve never been more drawn to anyone in my life.

“That’s the girl you were hung up on?” She shook her head in disappointment. “I expected more from you. I mean don’t get me wrong, she’s beautiful and all, but you could do so much better.”

Amelia handled tonight like a champ. I was afraid my family would put her under a microscope, but after all the wet kisses to the cheeks, and constant hugs, it was obvious my family loved her. Which kind of sucked too, because they were going to be pissed at me when they found out we weren’t really together. Yet, the fact that she went along with the charade and stood up for me, had me seeing her in a different light.

And let me tell you, I was really noticing her. Her long blond hair was tossed back into a shiny ponytail and her lips were coated a shimmery gloss that made it hard to look away. I could not stop staring at her.

She might have been a corporate powerhouse outside of these walls, but it was impossible not to see the sweet woman who visited my grandmother every Sunday. I couldn’t ignore the kind, caring girl who connected with my family tonight as if she belonged in my life. If there was ever a picture of a perfect woman, I was looking at it.

It was becoming clear that Amelia West was going to be my downfall. I was a fool to believe that I could keep things with her simple.

“Will you come home with me tonight?” I asked, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice. I wanted more time with her, but I didn’t want her to think that I planned this out.

Her eyes softened; she seemed surprised that I would ask that. “You mean spend the night?”

“Yeah.” The idea of having her in my bed didn’t scare me as much as I thought it would. “Your standoff with my ex kinda turned me on.” I winked, playing off the seriousness of the conversation. Truth was, I had no idea what I was doing. I just wanted to spend more time with her tonight. And if that included touching and kissing, then that was even better.

“Marco.” She placed her hands on my shoulders and stared into my eyes. Her gaze was searching, and I had no idea what she was looking for, but I hoped whatever it was, she found it. “What are we doing here?”

That was a good question. One I didn’t know how to answer.

I squeezed her hip. “I don’t really know, let’s just roll with it.”

She looked unsure and I was reconsidering my offer. It made no sense why she seemed so guarded.

She shook her head and glanced up at me. “You are a hard man to say no to.”

“Then don’t. Just say yes.”

Her eyes flashed down to the carpet, and I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe she really didn’t want to come home with me. Maybe she just wanted me to drop her off at her door tonight and part ways. Maybe that scene in the other room was all an act. Maybe the drama with my ex was more than she bargained for. I suppose I could have read the situation wrong, but I don’t think I did.

“I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. I’m sorry. It was just a suggestion. I can bring you home.”

I swear when it came to my professional life, I could solve some of the hardest cases. I was good at listening and paying attention. However, when it came to reading women, sometimes I felt clueless.

She shook her head. “No, I want to. I’m just surprised you asked me that’s all.”

“Does that mean you want to come home with me?” I asked, feeling my palms sweat with nerves. Why did it seem like I never knew where I stood with this woman?

“I do, but I didn’t pack an overnight bag with me.”

I pulled my eyebrows together. “Is there anything you need? Any medicine you take that can’t wait until morning?”

“No, but I don’t have a change of clothes handy.”

I leaned in and kissed her lips. “You can borrow something of mine. Come on.” I pulled on her hand before she could change her mind. “Let’s go say our goodbyes.”

The drive back to my place was quiet, and by the time we pulled into my driveway, I was feeling self-conscience. There was nothing special about my neighborhood. It was a typical middle-class suburb with single-family homes. But as I stared at the ranch that I purchased a few years ago through the windshield of my car, I was starting to wonder if this was a good idea.

I didn’t bring women back here. I was a cop, so I needed my privacy. I couldn’t risk the chance of some crazy hookup finding me. I pressed the remote for the garage door opener and pulled my jeep inside. I pushed the button to turn the car off and straightened in my seat.

“Are you ready for the tour? Just keep in mind that I’m in the middle of renovations.”

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