Chapter Twenty-Four

Sam curled her knees up underneath her bottom and leaned back against the headboard.

“Jo Jo, you gotta wake up. Life is too short to let good things slide by. And that man, that deputy, that chance you thought you lost all those years ago is back and staring you right in the face. Don’t you dare mess this up.”

“I’m not sure when I’ll even see him again.” She sighed.

Her friend smiled, that wicked I-know-something-you-don’t grin that meant Joanna was about to be blindsided. “Don’t be silly. You’ll see him tomorrow.”

“What are you talking about? What did you do?”

“I have to take Andrew to work in the morning. There’s no way I’m leaving you all the way out here alone. You’re on pain meds. You could fall. Hurt yourself. So I made a little phone call. It’ll do him good, too, to take his mind off the case. You’ll both thank me, I promise.”

No. She wasn’t ready to face him or her strong feelings for him. Still so unsure of where they stood and mortified she’d stirred up such painful memories from his past, she wanted more time to prepare. Her ears burned from the heat rising to her head. To make the sobering matter worse, Sam laughed. “This isn’t funny.”

Her friend turned serious. “I agree. It’s not the least bit funny. But it’s something you have to do. Whatever the outcome, you have to face him. See this through. You’ll never be happy if you don’t. You’ll always wonder, what if? What if I’d opened up? Taken that chance?”

She started to argue, but stopped, knowing it was futile. “He’s coming here?”

“Yes, he’ll be here later in the morning.”

“Did you threaten him? Lie to him?”

“No, he sounded eager to see you.”

“Right.” He probably wanted to lecture her on how stupid it had been to sneak off without protection.

“This could be your second chance. Not many people get those.” She let her hands slide down to grasp Joanna’s tight fists. “All I’m saying is to give it an honest chance, hon. Lower those walls for once and see what happens.” She scooted off the edge of the bed and headed toward the bathroom. “I’m going to take a quick shower, get the lake water off my skin. Then we can curl up beneath the covers and talk all night like we used to. Whatever disagreement you and Ryker had can’t be as terrible as you’re making it out to be. I’m betting the feelings you share can bridge any gap.”

Joanna didn’t acknowledge her last statement, didn’t want to deal with the possibilities of them as a couple right now. She looked out the window at the darkness beyond, thankful to end the uncomfortable conversation. After the bathroom door closed, she rearranged the pillows so that her upper half sat straight up against the headboard and tried her best to stay awake. She switched her position, even pinched her arm a couple of times, but nothing worked. Finally, with a frustrated moan she gave into the exhaustion and let her weary body slide down beneath the warmth of the covers. Stupid pain pills.

…

The next thing Joanna knew, the sun bathed the room in a beautiful, warm golden hue and Sam was nowhere to be found.

“Figures,” she mumbled, slowly pushing the covers back and sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to collect her thoughts. She grimaced. Too many decisions to make without caffeine. What time was it anyway? She needed to pull herself together—Ryker would be arriving soon. An eagerness to see him and hash it all out played havoc with her nerves. They had a lot to discuss. The undeniable urge for coffee throbbing through her veins, she headed for the kitchen, her bare feet padding against the cool tiled floor, the ache in her leg more annoying than anything else now.

“Good morning, sunshine.”

The familiar masculine tone sent prickles of anticipation racing to her toes and stopped her progress at the top of the second step. She’d thought she was alone. “Ryker? What are you doing here already?”

“It’s ten o’clock, sleepyhead.” He smiled. “Sam let me in early this morning, and I slept on the couch. You were out cold when she left to take Andrew back to work, so she didn’t wake you. Said she’d be back later.”

Joanna fought off the irregular breathing, her attention drifting over the rumpled couch cushions. “I see.” As his gaze took an intimate, leisurely stroll down the length of her body, she remembered her skimpy nightgown and turned to bolt back to the bedroom. The sudden twinge in her leg surprised her as she turned too quickly, and she blew out the breath she’d hissed in. “Um, I should get dressed.”

“Sam told me to tell you she’s doing a load of laundry. She’ll pick up more of your clothes before heading back.” He didn’t move from his position on the oversize couch, his bold inspection of her evoking all kinds of fluttering low in her stomach. Just the sight of him, his tall and ruggedly handsome presence dominating the room, those intriguing brown eyes lapping up every inch of her was enough to challenge the tight restraint on her self-control.

Good grief. No trace of the sadness she’d noticed at the hospital remained. He was here, right in front of her. Looking like he wanted to…

“Oh, she did, did she?” Joanna drew in a long breath. Darn Sam and her wanting to help fate along. “Well, isn’t that convenient.”

“Come sit down. I need to tell you something.” His handsome features morphed into a darker rendition of the expression she’d seen that day in the hospital when talking about his father. “And I don’t know how you’re going to take it.”

Thousands of ideas shot through her head. He was going to start this conversation about the two of them just like that?

He held up the soft floral print throw from the back of the couch, apparently aware of her embarrassment.

“Thank you,” she said, untwisting her hands from in front of her and moving forward, down the steps and into the living room to snag it. She quickly wrapped herself within its soft fuzzy warmth—both for modesty as well as security. It smelled like him. Heavenly. Feeling her heartbeat spike at the thought of him sleeping in such close proximity to her, she eased down on the opposite side of the couch, pulling her bare legs beneath the blanket, being careful not to agitate her stiff leg.

“There’s been a new development in the case.”

“The case?” Her choked tone betrayed her disappointment, his raised brow a clue he’d caught it, too. Great. So he was here to talk about the stupid case, not the two of them, and she’d made a fool out of herself by letting her emotions get the best of her. She let her head fall back against the cushion with a thud. She was going to kill Sam! She could have at least woken her up so she’d have time to get dressed.

He scooted closer across the leather seat, leaning forward, his strong hands gripped tight in front of him, his head turned to the side so he could see her face. “Keith is alive.”

Her entire body recoiled. Chills the size of marbles raced for the finish line. Of all the stuff she’d mentally prepared herself to hear, this never even crossed her mind. “What? What do you mean alive?”

“He got out before the building collapsed. He’s in pretty bad shape, but he’s alive.”

“Where did they find him? Which hospital is he in?” Even after all Keith had done, a strange urge to see him rose up inside her, the indignation so thick it lodged in her chest.

Ryker reached over and laid his warm hand on her leg just above her knee. “They haven’t found him. He’s still MIA.” He paused, pulling his hand back. “I believe he’s coming for you.”

“What on earth?” She yanked the throw tighter around her neck. “He’s alive? And out to get me? How did he escape that inferno?”

“We have little to go on, but we think Denise or her partner was close by. Picked him up from the warehouse and has been helping him ever since. We found the travel agent they kidnapped. And her statement worries me.”

“Wait. What travel agent?”

His hands tightened. “They kidnapped a woman. Set up several plane reservations and hotel accommodations around the country using her identity. Tortured her. Let her go.”

“Are you kidding me?” Another victim? She shook her head, trying to contain the frustration and helplessness from taking over. By the look on his face, Joanna knew what he was about to tell her would only make things worse. She had tons of questions of her own. Wanted to know who the woman was. Why they’d done such a horrible thing. If the woman was all right. All of which would have to wait. “What did she say?”

“She witnessed Keith kill Denise.”

Her hand flew to her mouth. “Keith killed Denise?” She gulped back the sick feeling in her throat, her eyes wide at the thought of him actually doing the deed. She’d hoped all this time to be wrong about the severity of his deteriorating mental state.

“Yes. And he made her suffer.” Ryker grimaced, and Joanna could only imagine the horror he’d seen. “He also had a message for me, although I think it was really meant for you.”

A slow whimper escaped as she melted back into the soft leather. “What was it?”

“Checkmate.”

She sat straight up, knowing the meaning instantly. “Oh God, Ryker. He doesn’t plan to lose.” Fear trickled through her veins like hot liquid metal.

They sat in silence as Joanna stared out the picture window at the peaceful lake, envisioning the sound of the water gently lapping against the rocks, trying desperately to understand how Keith got so messed up. He’d been a friend, a boy she’d laughed with, shared childhood secrets with, and played chess with. A game he took more seriously than any other. A game where she’d think she had him beat, only to find out how wrong she was with his next move.

“Don’t worry, you’re safe, Jo Jo. They’ve put added security in place and even stationed several patrol cars outside Sam’s house last night as a precaution.”

Her gaze darted to the window by the front door. Sure enough, a patrol car sat in the driveway. “Didn’t work the first time.”

“There’s no reason to believe Keith would know where you are now, right?”

“He’d know I was with Sam.” Joanna’s scalp shimmied across her skull. The labored breathing last night in the dark? Had it been her imagination? Or one of them?

She couldn’t speak. Couldn’t bring herself to tell Ryker because she didn’t want it to be true.

“You’re turning pale. You need some water?”

“No. I’m just trying to process this.” She twisted beneath the throw so that her body faced his, her feet beneath her. “How could you let Sam leave if Keith and this other man are still a threat?”

“She’s not alone. Andrew left with her, and a patrol car will follow her moves.”

“Is this a ploy to draw Keith out?” She lowered her gaze; she’d never be able to forgive him if this was the case.

“No.”

“Because that would be low on so many levels.” Her voice shook.

“I’d never put a civilian’s life on the line to find a criminal. That’s not the goal. We want to find them, yes, but not at the risk of endangering you or anyone else. My objective is to keep you safe.”

“Safe. I don’t know what that is anymore.”

“I hope you know I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Again, that didn’t work so well the first time,” she said, eyeing the bandage barely peeking out from beneath his black shirt, and he winced. She was so damn tired of being a victim.

“But I’m smarter this time.” He drew in a heavy breath, his body stiff.

She lowered her head, suddenly unspeakably sad by her insensitive jabs. What was wrong with her? He was there to help. None of this was his fault. She needed to move forward, put the blame where it belonged. Keith Coleman was not her friend, never had her best interest in mind a day in his life. He was a selfish jerk, a manipulative ass out to control every facet of her life. Ryker had proved time and time again to be the complete opposite. What they’d shared that one night hadn’t been cheap or mindless, or a ploy to use her to get to her father. And he hadn’t run off at the first sign she might like to take the relationship further either. Shoot, he’d come after her twice now, and she couldn’t deny the feelings he stirred inside her. The emotions they shared were real. She saw that now—in the depths of his eyes, the strong set of his jaw, and the compassionate concern for her safety.

“Oh, you are, are you?” She reached out and covered his hand with hers as a peace offering. “Smarter, I mean.”

“Yes, ma’am.” There was that Southern drawl that made her feel safe, topped off with the sexy tilt of his head.

“You’re a mess.” Her heart ached for the connection only he could provide.

“One I hope you can fix.”

“Fix? How on earth do you suggest I do that?”

“Now that your father is going to make a full recovery, give me a chance. Give us a chance.” Ryker lifted his hand to feather back a lock of her hair with his fingers. The look of promise as he stared deep into her eyes stole her next breath.

She swallowed the large block of hope, of fear of the unknown rising and housing itself smack in the hollow base beneath her heart.

“If it doesn’t work out, I’ll be out of your life for good. No questions asked.”

“Sounds fair.”

His eyes, dark and carving a path right to her soul, sparked with anticipation. “Good.”

“Good. Now, how about some breakfast? I’m starving. Looks like Andrew didn’t take Sam’s breakfast duty seriously.” She scanned the empty countertops in the kitchen, noticing no signs of breakfast and smiled at the lone strand of Christmas lights still flickering from the night before.

“You sit right there. I got this.” He pushed himself up off the couch and headed to the kitchen. “What do you feel like eating?”

“You make it, I’ll eat it. I can’t get the taste of that hospital food out of my mouth.”

“I agree. That stuff tastes nasty.” He’d opened the third cabinet before finding a frying pan. “Eggs are always good. Easy on the stomach.”

“Perfect. Fried over easy. And toast, please. With butter. And grape jelly. Lots of grape jelly.” She pulled the blanket tighter around her body and shuffled her way over to the granite breakfast bar, maneuvering herself onto one of the short barstools.

He looked over his shoulder, his brow raised in a playful rendition of you better watch it. “You sure you should eat all that?”

“What? I’m hungry. And I like jelly.” Why the heck did she feel so comfortable in his presence? This couldn’t possibly be normal. Especially under the circumstances.

Keith was still alive. Injured and on a mission to find her and do God only knew what when he found her. And yet, she’d never felt more at peace. Honestly, the ease at how perfectly Ryker fit into her world intimidated the living daylights out of her. And she liked it. Not to mention the security he offered. She felt capable of surviving whatever life threw her way from here on out as long as Ryker was there with her, watching over her, protecting her. This man truly cared for her. He had no desire to manipulate her situation.

“Hungry is good.” His husky tone insinuated he might be hinting at something else, and her skin flushed.

Oh yes. A totally different type of desire coursed through this man.

She decided to divert the conversation. “Is the travel agent going to be okay?”

“Yes, she’s a bit bruised and freaked out, but she should be fine in time. She has a baby, so that might help her recover quicker.”

“A baby? Poor woman. I still can’t believe Keith is behind all this. Growing up, he never showed any signs of brutality toward people or animals, or signs of mental illness.”

“Sometimes it’s those we think we know the best who surprise us the most.”

“I guess so.”

In no time, he’d cooked the egg, found a plate in one of the top cabinets and slid the perfectly fried egg out onto it. Then popped the bread out of the toaster, laying the slices neatly beside the egg before placing it on the counter. “Your breakfast, madam.”

“Fork? Butter and jelly?” She pleaded with her eyes, too, batting her lashes.

“Oh, yes. Can’t forget those.” He opened the drawer in front of him, lifted a fork out and handed it to her. “Here you go. Anything to drink?” Making his way to the refrigerator, he moved effortlessly, even with a slight limp. Like he was secure in his role of master chef, as well as protector.

“Water, please.” She cut into the yolk, watching as it oozed out over the plate, her taste buds sparking to life. “You ever get married?”

“No. Married to my job.”

“Have any serious relationships you’d like to discuss?” After cutting up the egg and heaping a hefty portion onto her folk, she took a bite. The flavors exploded in unison, initiating a low, satisfied groan from her empty stomach.

“Nope.” He placed the butter, jelly, and bottle of water in front of her, along with a knife and spoon. Then he leaned over the counter, his arms resting on the counter as he watched her. “Okay, Miss Nosy. How about you?”

He smelled good. Looked good. Way too good, leaning over like that, his muscled biceps straining against the sleeves of his shirt. “Me, either.” She gave the toast a generous slathering of both butter and jelly, unconcerned by the look of astonishment on his handsome features at her non-existent portion control. Even used the spoon as a joke to scoop up the extra yolk and excess jelly on her plate.

Gaze locked on her, he said, “Good?”

“Yum.” She took another bite, but this time used her buttered and jellied bread to hoist the delicious bite into her mouth instead of her fork, licking the remnants off of her fingers.

“You’re making me hungry,” he said, a low chuckle escaping him, the wicked look in his eyes causing a flurry of old memories to surface.

“What time did Sam say she’d be back?” Pushing the empty plate away, she repositioned the throw so that it no longer hung low on her shoulders. He’d tried his best to keep his gaze from drifting to the exposed skin of her collar bone as she ate, but she’d noticed him lose the battle several times. And she’d sat there, letting him get an eyeful.

He cleared his husky throat. “She said sometime after lunch. I think she’s going to stop by and check on your dad at the hospital, too.”

“I called the hospital early this morning. He’s on schedule to be released later this week.”

“That’s good.”

“Yes, it is.” A mountain of relief rained down on her when she’d heard the good news. “Well, I can’t wait for Sam to return. I’m raiding her closet. I can’t walk around like this all day.” She nodded to her current state of dress.

“I wouldn’t mind.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you wouldn’t. You men are all alike.”

“Not all of us.”

She made the mistake of lifting her gaze to meet his, and the desire in those brown depths sent a bolt of longing coursing through her like a raging tidal wave. She swallowed hard.

“I’d like to prove that fact to you.”

Another swallow. Not one single word she wanted to say came out. He was already making his way around the granite island toward her, and all she could do was sit and watch him advance, loving the way he made her feel.

“Jo Jo.” He stopped beside her, spinning the barstool around so that their bodies were inches from touching. The scent of his cologne tickled her senses further. “I’ve never forgotten you. Your sweet voice, those amazing eyes so full of life and hope. What passed between us that night.”

Finally her brain cranked a gear. “Ryker, I…” But she stopped at the throaty tone in her voice. If that wasn’t a come hither invitation, she didn’t know what was.

His jaw flinched, his control wavering, and she knew the invitation had been received. “Yes.” He stroked a lock of her wild hair from her cheek, and she remembered she hadn’t even combed it.

“I’m not sure this is a good idea. I mean—”

“What’s not a good idea?” He took a step closer, his knees bumping into the soft flesh of her inner thigh. “Us here together? Me touching you?” His fingers trailed a line of burning heat down her cheek, stopping to gently caress her bottom lip. “Wanting you?”

Her entire existence swelled at the word want, and she forced back the tight moan of hope at the base of her throat. Ever since her mother left, she’d never felt wanted a day in her life. And here stood a man wanting her in ways she’d never imagined would hit her so deeply. How could she deny something that felt so right?

Without a word she stood, letting the throw slip from her shoulders to her waist as she placed her arms around his strong neck. The twitching in his jaw increased, the ravenous look in his eyes making her tingly inside as she released the breath she didn’t know she’d held.

“I’ve never stopped thinking about you, Jo Jo.”

“Shut up and kiss me.” Raising a brow, she urged him on by pulling him closer, afraid any second she’d change her mind. And damn it, she didn’t want to change her mind. For once in her life she knew what she wanted and was willing to risk it all. But he needed to hurry. She heard that little voice of denial already pecking at the base of her skull.

Warm lips covered hers, softly at first, a sweet tenderness that made her go limp. But when she melted against him, his arms wrapping her in a hungry embrace, the kiss transformed. Firm, demanding, as if he’d been longing to do this for years.

Her appetite for him competed with his as her hands roamed freely over his taut shoulders and muscled biceps, ever careful not to touch his bandages. And she dared to go lower, her fingertips slipping down his sides past his trim waist. She needed to see and feel the effect she had on him. But he stopped her progress with a firm grip, breaking the kiss. “Not unless you’re one hundred twenty-nine percent certain. Cause I’ll die this time for sure.”

She laughed, placing both hands on his face and feeling the tension as he clenched his teeth. “Um…one hundred twenty-nine percent?”

“Only number that popped into my head,” he said, nipping the tip of her nose with his teeth.

“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life, Ryker.” She trailed kisses along his chin, teasing his lips open with her tongue as she rose up on her tiptoes and shoved the throw the rest of the way to the floor, exposing so much flesh she felt the hot rush of desire spread over her like wildfire. Then she molded every inch of her over-stimulated body to his hard glorious form. She couldn’t get close enough. She needed more. Wanted more. So much more.

The low, deep groan from Ryker sent her heart ramming against her ribs. She pulled back, breathless, almost lightheaded from the passion. His eyes glimmered with a naughty wickedness, his thumbs working circles of pleasure over her taut nipples through the thin material of her nightgown.

She swallowed hard, the intense blaze of desire working its way over her entire body. Without a word, she backed away, breaking the spell, and laced her fingers with his, tugging gently until he followed her down the long hallway to her bedroom.

“You have no idea what you’re doing to me.” Joanna couldn’t help but smile. Thankful, for once, she could return those feelings. A surge of sweet desire spurred her on.

When they came to the doorway, he took over, lifting her with his good arm and using his other to balance her legs as he carried her over to the bed. “You’re so beautiful,” he said, laying her down onto the polka dotted sheets. “More than in college, if that’s even possible.”

“You stalling, Rambo?” she asked, using the tip of her toe to trail a zigzag pattern down the tight muscles of his chest to the button of his jeans.

He jerked his shirt up over his head, exposing the muscled chest she’d felt through the material. The white bandage on his left shoulder was the only blemish on his perfectly sculpted torso, and the idea of how it got there only made him sexier.

He went to the button of his jeans, and she watched in heightened anticipation, fighting off the urge to hurry him along. Drawing out the moment, the pleasure. That way she could cherish this memory forever.

In all of Ryker’s wildest dreams, he’d never imagined anything like this. He’d wanted to talk to her, assure her she was safe and let her know how he really felt. The kiss was only meant as an innocent peace offering. Something to break the ice, show her he could contain his urges. That was what made him different from the others.

But she’d advanced on him. And his plan flew out the window, along with all his common sense the minute her body pressed against his. He knew he was in trouble and fought hard to figure out how to stop the hunger inside him, to keep himself from taking her right there on the damn cold kitchen counter. But thankfully, she’d made a move of her own. And now she lay before him on the bed, her hair spread around her head like a halo, her eyes dark, erotic, begging and promising to fulfill him like no other.

She reached for him, pulling herself up using the front of his open pants as leverage. Then she helped him undress the rest of the way, her magical fingertips spiking tiny prickles of delight over his skin as they edged his jeans and boxers down the sides of his thighs. She took extra care to put minimal pressure on the wound near his left knee.

He groaned, closed his eyes, let the feel of her touch strip him to the center of his core.

“My turn.” He grasped her wrist with one hand, pulling her to stand in front of his naked form, supporting her weight to keep the pressure off her injured leg. She lifted dreamy eyes to his and his heart faltered.

“I’ve missed you,” she said.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment.” With lightning speed he drew the thin nightgown over her head, relishing in the sight of her perfect breasts seconds before crushing them against his bare chest.

“Oh, I think I do.” She nibbled at the curve of his neck, her hands on the move again, trailing down his chest to…

“God, woman. You must be a witch.” He eased her backward onto the bed seconds before those magic fingers touched him again and covered her warm body with his as he kissed her mouth. Her neck. Those heavenly, perky mounds.

A low whimper escaped from her throat, and she arched her back, bringing her treats closer. His erratic pulse leaped as he hungrily explored her soft flesh. He’d wanted to go slow, take his time, memorize every detail, every pleasure-filled sound. But that wasn’t going to happen in this lifetime, or any other. He was strung out, needing release.

His hand slid between the valley of her breasts, his mouth following the luscious curves and then moving to capture one of the taut rosy buds between his teeth. Bliss raked through her, her body quivering beneath his as he suckled the hard tip. She was so beautiful, tasted so sweet. And watching her melt beneath his touch splintered his control. Aching to be one with her, to move inside her, his hand continued on across her stomach, down her waist, to the intimate contours of her inner thighs.

“Oh, please…now. I need you now, Ryker.”

Blood pounded through his brain as well as his lower extremities. He wanted her with the same desperate craving he’d felt all those years ago. The only difference was the fact that she wasn’t drunk. And she clearly wanted him, too. The realization heightened the moment. With an unfamiliar moan of his own, he captured her lips with his, savoring the sweetness with his tongue as he kneed her legs apart and felt her tremble.

“Please…” she said against his lips.

He broke the kiss, pulling back to watch her beautiful face. Then slowly, sweat beading on his brow, he lowered his body to mere inches from entering heaven on earth and she gasped.

“Ryker!” She arched upward, her fingers digging into the muscles of his backside, trying to force him down. But he held off, didn’t go inside her. Instead he relished the breathless way she clung to him, begging for fulfillment. And then he could wait no more.

He plunged and she matched his rhythm, moving in unison with him as each thrust became more intense until the need gave way to an explosion rocking him to the core of his soul. His groan came a heartbeat before hers. Giving, taking, sharing as if fated to be one. He was shocked by the force, by her reaction that matched his. His breathing, raspy and shallow, paralleled hers as he collapsed onto her sweat-drenched body. He kissed her neck, her temple, loving the salty sweetness of satisfaction on her skin.

Life finally had meaning.

And he wanted more.

So much more.