The in Death Collection Books 11-15 - J. D. Robb [380]
“You’re not going to speak or contact anyone about this. As far as Wordsworth is concerned, you’re meeting him tomorrow. Were there any plans to confirm the date?”
“Only to cancel. I was to let him know by noon if I had to cancel.”
“Stand up a minute.”
When Stefanie obeyed, Eve rose as well, circled her, judged build, height. “Yeah, two can play the disguise game. When we’re done here, you can play it two ways. You can pack what you need and I’ll arrange to have you put in a safe house tonight. Or if you want to stay here, I’ll have a couple of cops stay over with you. Either way, you’ll sleep better.”
“Oh yeah, I’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”
Eve wasn’t the only one putting in overtime. McNab was on a mission of his own. He’d fueled himself up for it with two bottles of home brew, which were currently burning at his stomach lining. He wasn’t drunk. He’d stopped short of getting drunk. Because he wanted to be clear-headed when he kicked Charles Monroe’s pansy ass.
Unaware he’d become the target of a jealous and slightly queasy e-detective, Charles nibbled on Louise’s fingers. They were sharing a late supper in his apartment.
“I appreciate you agreeing to start the evening so late.”
“We both have odd schedules. It’s wonderful wine.” She sipped. “Wonderful food. And I like your home very much. More than a restaurant.”
“I wanted you to myself. I’ve wanted you to myself all day.”
“I told you I haven’t had much luck with relationships, Charles.” She rose to wander to the windows. “I’m single-minded, driven, and haven’t given any relationship I’ve been in the attention it needs. Deserves.”
“I think your luck’s about to change.” He turned her to face him. “I know mine has. Louise.” He lowered his head, skimmed his lips lightly over hers, once, then twice, drawing her in. He circled her into a dance, deepening the kiss when her arms came around him. Bringing her closer when she trembled.
“Come to bed with me,” he whispered. “Let me touch you.”
Her head fell back as his mouth trailed along her throat. “Wait. Just . . . wait. Charles.” She eased back. “I’ve thought about this. I spent entirely too much time thinking about this today, and last night. Since I first saw you. Part of my problem is overthinking things.”
She stepped away, needing a little distance. “There’s such a pull. I haven’t felt a pull like this . . . ever,” she managed. “But I’m not going to bed with you. I can’t.”
He kept his eyes on hers, nodded slowly. “I understand. It’s difficult for you to accept the idea of being intimate with me.”
“Difficult,” she said with a half laugh. “No, I wouldn’t say difficult.”
“You don’t need to explain. I know what I am.”
She shook her head. “What you are?”
“Licensed companions don’t generally have a lot of luck with personal relationships either. Not real ones in any case.”
“I’m sorry.” She held up a hand. “You think I won’t have sex with you because you’re a professional? Charles, that insults both of us.”
He walked back to the table, picked up his wineglass. “I’m confused.”
“I don’t want to sleep with you now because it’s happening too fast. Because I think what I’m feeling for you goes deeper than that, and I’d like a chance to find out before . . . I’d just like to slow down a bit. I’d like to spend more time getting to know each other. I wouldn’t be here now if what you did for a living was a problem for me. And if you think I’m so petty and narrow-minded that I’d—”
“I could fall in love with you.”
It stopped her short, stole her breath, just the quiet way he said it. “I know. Oh God, I know. Me, too. It scares me a little.”
“Good, because it scares me a lot.” He crossed back to her, lifted her hand. “We’ll slow down.” Kissed it. Then her wrist. Drawing her in again, he brushed his lips over her temple, her cheeks.
Her pulse