Stopping made perfect sense. It was the logical, smart thing to do. Keep her distance. Stand on her own.
Except logic floated out the window as Kate searched Riggs’s gaze for any sign he was simply using her for sex. Instead, passion and sincerity shone in his smoky eyes.
His protective nature touched her deeply. She’d been alone so long that she’d forgotten what it felt like to have someone care about her.
“Kate?” Riggs’s breath rasped out, making him sound almost...vulnerable. Slowly, he lowered his hands from her shoulders. “I understand.”
The tenderness in his tone and his willingness to walk away intensified her desire. Ever since she’d lost her mother, she’d been terrified of giving her heart to anyone.
But Riggs already owned it.
She was tired of being afraid. Of running from what she wanted.
Kate caught his arm, her heart on her sleeve. “Don’t leave. I...want you, Riggs.”
Her heart fluttered at the way his eyes softened when he smiled at her. With a throaty groan, he yanked her into his arms again and claimed her mouth with his. Kate succumbed to the heat burning between them and tugged at his shirt. Seconds later, he pulled it over his head and tossed it to the floor. The sight of his broad chest dusted in a soft mat of dark hair intensified her desire, and she raked her hands over his chest.
Riggs unbuttoned the remaining buttons on her blouse and gently peeled the fabric away. Cool air met her bare skin, yet she felt as if she was on fire.
She slipped her arms out of the sleeves and her shirt hit the floor beside his. His eyes narrowed, raking over her in a hungry look, then he eased her back onto the bed.
Seconds later, clothes flew off and hands and lips touched and teased, evoking erotic sensations that spiraled out of control.
Riggs trailed his lips across her naked breasts, sucking her nipples until liquid heat pooled between her thighs. She arched her back, moaning his name as he licked his way down her stomach, then he pushed her legs apart and dove into her damp heat with his tongue.
Her body quivered with sensations, need building as waves of pleasure rippled through her. He teased and tormented her with his tongue, then lifted her hips to allow him access as he made love to her with his mouth. One flick of his tongue across her sweet spot, then another and another, and she cried out his name as her orgasm rocked through her.
RIGGS’S BLOOD BURNED hot as Kate threw her head back in ecstasy.
He’d given her that pleasure. He didn’t want it to end.
He kissed her again, letting her taste her own sweet release, then snatched a condom from his jeans and rolled it on. Kate watched, her eyes darkening, her chest rising and falling erratically. Her breasts begged for attention again, and he stroked her inner thighs as he twisted her nipples between his fingers. She arched into him, gripped his shoulders and whispered his name on a throaty moan, the pull between them growing more intense.
Her excitement magnified his own, and he slipped a finger inside her heat as he tugged one of her nipples between his teeth and suckled her again. Her slick wet chamber clenched around his finger and he added another one, teasing her as he stroked her body.
“Riggs, please,” she whispered. “I want you inside me.”
She didn’t have to ask twice. He wanted to make her his, completely.
He kneed her legs further apart, then sank his hard length inside her with a groan. She gasped for a breath, and he pulled out then thrust into her again, penetrating her. Blinded by need, he repeated the motion, building a rhythm charged with raw desire. She gripped his hips and guided him deeper, their bodies gliding together, the friction building to a crescendo.
Sweat beaded on his skin as he thrust into her again and again. She dug her nails into his back, clinging to him as he rode her hard and fast.
Seconds later, Kate moaned his name as another orgasm splintered through her. He wanted to join her.
Holding her as the sensations built, Riggs gripped her hips, driving himself deeper, over and over, until their bodies shook with pleasure.
One deep thrust, then he pulled out and thrust again, lifting her hips so he could fill her deeper. She raked her nails down his back, the depth of her passion sending him over the edge. His release hit him, hot and mind-numbing.
And sweet. Even sweeter because he knew Kate didn’t give herself to any man easily.
Quickly disposing of the condom, he rolled Kate to her side and cradled her in his arms until she fell asleep, sated and curled against him.
KATE WOKE TO the sound of Riggs’s soft snoring. For a moment, she lay still, savoring the moment. His big body was so warm and strong that she felt safe and loved in a way she hadn’t felt before.
He’d treated her to a pleasure she’d never experienced because his lovemaking had been giving. Her breasts tingled just at the thought of his lips suckling her.
But sunshine poured through the window, a reminder today was the culmination of months of work and planning. The dedication ceremony was scheduled for two o’clock. She needed to make sure everything was on track.
Amy planned to meet her at the site early so they could set up the memorial display together.
Riggs stirred, rolled over and opened his eyes. A smile tilted the corner of his sexy mouth, tempting her to stay in bed and make love to him again.
But today was too important to be late.
“Morning,” Riggs murmured.
Kate’s heart fluttered. She imagined what it would be like to wake up every day beside this incredible man, and realized she was falling for Riggs.
“I need to shower. I’m meeting Amy at the site,” Kate said. “We have to set things up for the ceremony this afternoon.”
He drew her to him for a long, slow kiss, and temptation almost won.
But the image of Cassidy and her son Roy taunted her, and Kate scanned the room for her shirt or something to cover up with when she got out of bed.
Riggs ran a hand over her bare hip. “You’re beautiful, Kate. You don’t have to hide that body from me.”
How had he read her mind?
A blush climbed her neck and she inhaled. “I need to get ready.”
“And I need to make love to you again,” Riggs said in a low whisper.
Kate stilled, her pulse clamoring as he cupped her breasts in his hands. “Riggs...”
“Yeah, it’s me, Kate. Remember how it feels for me to be inside you.” He pushed his thick length between her buttocks and stroked her, and pleasure shot through her.
One last time. She just needed him one more time then she could walk away and he could go to Cassidy or his next lover.
That thought hurt, but she banished it as her breasts throbbed beneath his fingers. He seemed to read her mind again, turned her around, lowered his head and tugged one peak into his mouth. Then he trailed his fingers down to her heat. He sucked the other turgid peak while his fingers claimed her, and she clawed at his back as erotic sensations pummeled her.
On the brink of an orgasm, he snagged a condom, rolled it on, rose above her and entered her with one swift thrust. Kate clung to him, parting her legs so he could dive deeper. He groaned, lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he pumped inside her.
His hips thrust forward, his hard length sinking so deep inside she felt him to the core. A second later, release splintered through her as if a match had been lit inside her and erupted into flames. Riggs captured her groan with his mouth as he kissed her, then he joined her on the ride as he came inside her.
PERSPIRATION BEADED RIGGS’S skin as he held Kate in his arms. When she’d first started to slip from bed, he told himself to let her. But then she’d blushed and looked shy, and he wanted Kate to know how much he wanted her. How much he liked her body.
Hell, he liked everything about Kate.
He trailed a hand over her hip as their orgasms slowly subsided and leaned his head against hers. “Kate—”
“Shh, you don’t have to say anything.” Kate eased from his arms. “I know how this works.”
He tensed at her tone. He disposed of the condom then turned back to her. “What do you mean?”
Kate folded her arms in front of her breasts as if she could hide the glorious mounds. But the image and feel of them were imprinted in his brain forever.
“I mean I have to go.” She licked her lips. “And when this situation is cleared up, I won’t expect anything.”
There she was, treating him like a womanizer again. “I’m not sure I do.”
Some emotion he couldn’t identify flickered across her face. “I know you like being a bachelor.”
“I like being with you,” he said.
A tense heartbeat passed. “What about Cassidy?”
His eyes narrowed to slits. “What about her?”
“I saw you with her yesterday,” Kate said. “And then there’s her son.”
Cold anger balled in his chest. “Yes, she has a son. But I’m not interested in Cassidy, Kate. I never have been.”
Confusion clouded her eyes then something akin to anger. “But you have a child—”
He reached for his clothes and began yanking them on, his movements abrupt. “You’re certain Cassidy’s son is mine, aren’t you?”
Kate rose and backed toward the bathroom. “That’s what I heard and—”
“And you believe it,” Riggs said in disgust. “I thought you were above taking gossip at face value, Kate.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he was too furious to listen. Or maybe he was just hurt. He thought he’d proved he was different than her high school image of him.
“Riggs—”
“Go shower, Kate. I’m going to do the same.” Without another word, he strode to his room then to his bathroom and slammed the door. He stared at himself in the mirror, furious with himself for letting down his guard.
He was sated from the best lovemaking he’d ever had.
And disappointed that he wanted their lovemaking to mean more.
He’d never felt those emotions after sex before. Had always just walked away, no attachments, no entanglements. No hurt feelings on either side.
He flipped on the water, undressed, then climbed beneath the hot spray and scrubbed his body as if he was as dirty as Kate thought him to be.
But he couldn’t scrub away the pain of her words.
Maybe you should have told her the truth.
Maybe.
But Kate had never asked. She’d just believed the worst of him. And that hurt more than anything.
KATE DREADED FACING Riggs after her shower. But she held her head high. Today was important—the day of the dedication ceremony. She had to focus and get through it.
Before she joined Riggs in the kitchen, she arranged for someone to clean up the mess made by the pipe bomb at her house. The repair crew, a local one she’d used before, assured her they’d have it finished by the afternoon. The painting would have to come later, but at least she could stay at home tonight.
Riggs remained silent and brooding as she poured herself a cup of coffee. He was already sipping a cup as he watched the local morning news on TV. First the weather, then a story about Briar Ridge.
“Folks, this is Gretta Wright with a breaking story,” Gretta said with a smile. “I’m coming to you from the town of Briar Ridge, most known for the school shooting fifteen years ago. Despite protests from vocal locals, high school principal Kate McKendrick spearheaded efforts to demolish the old school building in light of a newer modern facility.
“But this week, while alumni have swarmed to town for a class reunion and the celebration for the new school, Kate McKendrick has come under fire. Literally. While driving home from a town meeting, her car burst into flames. Police have confirmed that the fire was no accident. Neither was the fire that was set behind Ms. McKendrick’s property. Threats to her also include graffiti on the high school and a pipe bomb that was thrown into her house.” She paused for emphasis. “An inside source also revealed that Ms. McKendrick received a threatening letter blaming her for the shooter massacring his classmates.”
Kate gasped.
“My God, how did she find out about the letter?” Kate pressed a hand over her heart. “The only people I told were you and Stone.”
Riggs’s jaw hardened. “Good question.”
Gretta’s voice cut through her thoughts. “If you have any information regarding these crimes or the attempts on Ms. McKendrick’s life, please call the local police.”
Frustrated, Kate flicked off the TV, poured her coffee in a to-go cup and grabbed her things.
Riggs followed, the silence stretching painfully between them as they went to their separate vehicles.
The reminder of the threat made Kate scan the area as she pulled from the driveway and drove to the building site to meet Amy. Amy hadn’t arrived yet, so Kate parked near the construction trailer.
Workers were already inside, probably discussing the plans.
Riggs didn’t get out of his pickup. Instead he drove away, a sign he was upset.
It was better this way. Better to stop the insanity before she completely fell in love with the man and he broke her heart.
Heaven help her. She had judged him. But how could she not? He hadn’t denied that Roy was his child. He hadn’t acknowledged him, either. Just like her father had never acknowledged her.
Her mother had tried to smooth over the truth, but it sat there raw and ugly every day of Kate’s life. He hadn’t wanted her. She’d been a mistake. He couldn’t be saddled with a kid. He’d had places to go and things to do and that did not involve a sniveling, needy kid.
Maybe if she’d been a boy, a son, he might have loved her. Or maybe not. Maybe he was just weak and selfish and...and why did she care anyway? Why had she spent every birthday and Christmas wishing he’d show up and tell her he’d been wrong, that he really loved her.
Just like Riggs would leave one day. If her own father hadn’t loved her, how could Riggs?
Roy Fulton probably felt the same way. He was a loner, had no friends. Kept his head in his computer and on his phone. Seemed sullen and angry. Maybe because he was fatherless, too.
What she didn’t understand was that Riggs seemed changed. That he was a good man. He even volunteered at the kids’ hospital. It didn’t make sense.
While she waited on Amy, she checked her notes on her phone for details she needed to iron out. Basically everything was set, though.
The mayor should show up at one thirty along with the town council.
A sedan swerved into the parking lot and Amy emerged, her arms laden with a box of photos for the memorial. Grateful not to be alone, Kate hopped from her car and greeted her, although she kept her eyes peeled in case anyone else was lurking around.
Riggs had promised to protect her, yet he’d left her alone. That spoke volumes about how much he cared.
RIGGS SHOULDN’T HAVE left Kate alone. But he needed some time away from her, needed to put distance between them and regain control of his emotions. Kate made him think crazy things about the future.
Things he couldn’t have. Like her. And a family.
She would be safe, he assured himself. The building crew was on site, and Amy was supposed to meet her any minute.
Dammit, how had Gretta learned about the letter Kate received?
Did she know who’d sent it? Or had Gretta sent the letter to stir up suspicion and interest for a big story?
Kate’s comment about Cassidy’s son still bothered him, too. She thought he was a deadbeat dad. A man who’d abandoned his child.
After the way his own old man had disappointed him, he’d vowed never to have kids. And if he had one, he’d do his best to be the kind of father he’d wanted.
For some reason, it was important that Kate believe in him. Trust him. Be the man she deserved. That meant owning up to the truth.
If he knew who Roy’s father was, maybe he could convince Kate he was a stand-up guy.
He had to confront Cassidy. After all this time, he needed her to tell him once and for all who’d fathered her baby.
Determined to get to the truth, he sped toward Cassidy’s. He had no idea if she’d show up at the celebration today, but she worked at the Cut and Dye, so he went there first.
Several cars were in the lot, more than usual, which made him curious if alumni were primping for tonight’s dance. He pulled into a spot and parked, glancing around as he walked up to the entryway.
As he entered, hair dryers buzzed and the scent of hair products in the air hit him, almost smothering. There were four stations, each occupied with a client. Two were white-haired ladies while the other two clients looked to be about his age. He didn’t recognize them. More alumni.
All eyes turned his way, whispers and voices echoing around him. Cassidy looked up and shot him a scowl when he motioned that he needed to talk to her. She spoke to her client then hurried over to him and gestured for him to step outside.
Once on the sidewalk, she jammed her hands on her hips, irritated. “What do you want, Riggs?”
“I want to know who Roy’s father is,” he said bluntly.
Cassidy narrowed her eyes into a scowl. “Why the hell are you asking me this now?”
“Because everyone in town thinks I’m his father and that I abandoned him, and I want it to stop.”
Surprise flared in her eyes followed by a wariness that seeped through her lips as she pressed them into a tight line. “It’s been years, Riggs. No one cares anymore.”
“I care,” he said. And Kate did. “What did you tell Roy?”
“My son and I are none of your business,” she said.
“It’s my business if Roy thinks I’m his father and I won’t acknowledge him.”
She heaved a breath then pushed her dyed-blond hair away from one cheek where the wind had tossed it. “He doesn’t even know about you,” she said. “Did it ever occur to you that I kept his father’s name quiet to protect my son?”
She didn’t wait for a response. She turned and stormed back into the salon, leaving Riggs to wonder what exactly she meant.
Why would Roy need protection from his father?
KATE AND AMY spent the next two hours setting up the display. They showcased photographs on a tall blackboard to emulate how impressive it would look in the front hall of the new school.
The other part of the memorial was just as important. Amy had been working diligently for months collecting information on the students who’d survived and their accomplishments. One wall would feature photos with clippings of students who’d gained notoriety in some way, along with quotes and sayings from others about how the shooting had changed the trajectory of their lives.
Another board held copies of the sketch of the new sports fields and football stadium which they’d been promised would be ready by fall.
When she and Amy finished the display, they stood back to admire it. “I hope we have a good response to this,” Kate said. “I want it to be inspirational for all the students at Briar Ridge High, past and present.”
Amy squeezed Kate’s shoulder. “I hope so, too, Kate. It’s a wonderful way to honor the students and their loved ones.” Amy glanced at her watch. “Hmm, I’m going to run over to the bakery to pick up the cupcakes for the celebration. I saw the news this morning, though. Will you be all right here?”
Kate nodded although, truthfully, nerves clawed at her. “I’m okay. The mayor should be here soon anyway, and the contractor is still at the construction trailer. Go pick up the cupcakes.”
Amy looked reluctant to leave, but Kate checked the time and encouraged her to go.
Just as the dust settled from Amy’s departure, the contractor exited the trailer, threw his hand up and waved, then jumped in his truck and peeled from the parking lot.
A gust of wind stirred, whistling through the trees as a dark cloud moved above, casting a shadow across the ground.
The hair on the back of Kate’s neck prickled. Then the sound of footsteps crunching gravel echoed from behind her.
She swung around to see if another worker was in the trailer, but a cold voice stopped her.
“Don’t make any sudden moves or I’ll shoot you right here.”
A second later, the cold barrel of a gun dug into her back.
HE JAMMED THE GUN into Kate McKendrick’s back. He hadn’t wanted it to come to this.
But Kate had pushed and pushed. Now everyone in town was talking about the shooting and asking questions about why Ned had done it and who might have helped him. He’d seen that nosy reporter’s morning story about someone being after Kate.
She’d suggested the person who’d set the fire in the woods and tampered with Kate’s car might be Ned’s accomplice.
She had no idea how close she was. And how off base.
He hadn’t been an accomplice.
He was part of the reason crazy Ned had turned that gun on the students at school.
Not that they hadn’t deserved it. Some of them had.
There were others that hadn’t been shot who were to blame, too.
Kate had dredged it all up.
And if that reporter kept poking her nose into everything, soon the truth would be exposed.
“Walk,” he ordered as his hand gripped the gun.
He liked fire better than shooting. But he was desperate now and running out of time. He’d get rid of Kate any way he had to.
Then his secrets would be safe.