Speak No Evil_ A Novel - Allison Brennan [107]
“He should have been put away for life.”
“You’re right.” Nick paused, then asked, “Has he contacted you since he disappeared that night?”
Kyle shook his head.
“What about your mother? Your brother?”
“No! You don’t get it. He’s never coming back!”
“Why?” Nick quietly asked.
“He’s just not,” said Kyle.
Maggie spoke up for the first time, putting her arms around Kyle. “Why all these questions? Just because you can’t find out who killed Angie you’re coming after Kyle?” She stood straight and looked Carina in the eye. “Kyle was with me all last weekend, from when our shift ended at eleven Saturday night until we went to classes Monday morning at eight.”
Burns wasn’t talking anymore, so they left the apartment. Carina said to Nick, “Do you think she’s lying.”
“Maybe,” Nick said.
“Her alibi for Burns is too convenient.”
“I agree, but that doesn’t mean she’s lying. We never asked Kyle Burns for an alibi before.”
“Kyle’s reaction to his father is plain weird. Something’s going on there.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s after midnight. No way we can do anything more tonight.”
“Stop beating yourself up. We’ve done all we can.”
“Have we?” Carina rubbed her eyes and suppressed a yawn. “We’re close, but our hands are tied. No evidence, no arrest.”
“Do you want me to drive back?” Nick asked.
“Actually, that’d be great.”
TWENTY-NINE
NICK PULLED INTO CARINA’S DRIVEWAY and turned off the engine. She’d fallen asleep, her head on his shoulder. He looked down at her, his heart doing a little leap as he realized she’d become so important to him in such a short time.
For years, he’d believed Miranda was the only woman for him. Though they’d split up several years ago, in the back of his mind Nick had thought he’d never find another woman who had that special spark, that indefinable something, that appealed to him.
He was wrong. Watching Carina sleep, Nick felt as if he’d known her his entire life.
“Wake up, princess,” he said quietly.
“Hmmm?” She sat up slowly, stretched. “We’re here already?”
“You fell asleep.”
“Did not.” She grinned at him. “Maybe for a minute. Why don’t you come in?”
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
She didn’t miss his meaning. Leaning over, she kissed him lightly on the lips. “Did you dream of me last night?”
He took her face in his hands. “Last night and all day.”
Her lips parted and he kissed her, the playfulness leaving as he sank into her warm mouth. His hands spread on the back of her head, holding her to him, their kiss deepening until he found himself pushing her back into the seat.
He pulled back. Her eyes were closed, a smile on her lips. “You can kiss me anytime,” she said, her voice low and sultry.
“I hope to do more than kiss you.”
Her eyes opened wide. “Come with me.”
She jumped out of the car. Nick followed, slower. His knees weren’t as bad as the other day, but he wouldn’t be running any marathons.
She stopped at her door, frowned at him. “Are you okay?”
“I will be.”
“I have something for you.”
He grinned. “That’s what I was hoping for.”
She laughed. A warm, deep, infectious rumble that warmed his blood.
“Well, I was thinking of something for your joints.”
“I don’t want to think about them.” He made it up the three steps to her porch without falling. “I just want to lie down.” He touched her face again. He couldn’t not touch her. “In your bed.”
Her eyes darkened and she didn’t move. “Who’s seducing who?” she asked quietly.
“Does it matter?” he asked.
She shook her head, took his hand, and led him inside. He put his hat on the small entry table and pulled her into his arms.
“Hold that thought,” she said and reached into her purse. She held up a small bottle of what looked like lotion. “How would you like a massage?”
He swallowed. It was her tone more than the words that turned him on. “Can I be naked?” he asked.
Carina licked her lips. “That’s a requirement.”
She took his hand and led him down the short hall to her bedroom. She couldn’t help but smile, seeing the big cowboy standing in the middle of her ultra-feminine bedroom.
“Wait here,” she said suddenly