He clenched his jaw. Answer it.
She picked up the phone. Hello?
Im through playing games, lady.
Her hand went to the bruises on her neck. Is that what you were doing?
Silence greeted her on the other end. She looked at Kane. Keep him talking, he mouthed and edged closer.
II have something you want, she said into the phone.
You ready to start up again?
The question startled her. She hadnt expected him to make that kind of suggestion. She avoided answering. Im ready to turn over whatever I have toWho did you say you work for again?
The gravelly laugh on the other end sent chills racing through her. Lady, Im no dummy. This isnt about work. My mothers sick. She wants the crosswords your aunt used to do. The ones she bragged about. Im sure theyll keep a sick old lady busy.
I have them.
Tomorrow, noon. Ditch the boyfriend and be at The Silver Café. A click sounded on the other end.
Not enough time, Kane muttered.
I tried.
I know. He eased the phone out of her hand. Her fingers ached and she realized shed been gripping the receiver way too hard. Just like the fear that gripped her heart. But she could handle this. She had to handle this.
What else did he say? Kane caught her shoulders with both hands.
His touch steadied her. She forced even breaths into her lungs and replayed the conversation in her mind. He knows about the crosswords, that my aunt was responsible for those. And he wants to meet tomorrow, atat Realization dawned. Hes been following me.
What makes you think that?
He wants to meet at the restaurant you took me to. Thats not a coincidence. Ive never been there before you. I didnt even know the place existed. He said to ditch you and show up alone. How does he know about you? How long has this guy been watching me? Her voice rose along with her hysteria.
Kayla. Kane shook her gently. Hey. Hes just trying to rattle you.
Well, hes done a good job.
Then back out. No one would blame you and I sure as hell would welcome it.
You know I cant. She met his gaze.
Then dont let him win. Dont let him make you think you arent safe. He drew her into his arms. His warmth enveloped her, his strength supported her. Because you are.
KANE DIDNT KNOW HOW LONG he held her. Only that at some point, they lay down on the bed until her breathing steadied and relaxed. The first time he tried to untangle their legs, she resisted. He must have dozed off because the sun now shone through the window where moonlight had been.
He called Reid from the kitchen phone. His boss answered his home line on the first ring. Meetings on, Kane told him. Noon today. Kane didnt like it, but he had no choice.
Hed given up all leverage where Kayla was concerned. Shed cut him loose and he hadnt argued. Even if the phone call hadnt interrupted them last night, he wouldnt have fought the point. Shed given him his freedom, something hed had anyway, but for some reason, she thought he needed her permission to walk away.
Shed been clear on that point. She didnt want anything from him. Though it was exactly what he needed to rid himself of any unwanted guilt, the thought rankled. Why the hell didnt she want more? And why the hell did he care?
Hey, McDermott. You wake me up to breathe into the phone or you want to discuss backup?
Focus. A little after noon today, hed have that ability back in spades. Yeah, boss. Kane gave details about Kaylas phone conversation. The meeting is at the same place the department sprung for dinner the other night. Its crowded at lunchtime, so Id just have some well-dressed undercover cops drop in for a meal and make sure Im in the booth behind them.
No deal. If he followed her the night you two did the town, hell spot you in a second.
The captain was right, but damned if he could just send Kayla off on her own. Either Im there, or the meetings off.
Reid should have come down hard on him for asserting authority. He didnt. His harsh laugh echoed across the phone lines. If I didnt know better, Id say you were after my job, McDermott.
Id rather rot than sit behind a desk, Kane muttered.
Reid laughed again. Okay, just keep out of sight. Make sure she hands over the books and opts out of the partnership. He takes them, we move in. Thats it.
Ill coach her. She wont even breathe at the wrong time.
Yeah, I trust you to be on top of things. Are you ready to end this? Reid asked.
Kane knew the older man meant more than the case. Hed switched into paternal mode. Reid didnt do it often, but Kane appreciated the attempt. Too bad he didnt have an answer that would satisfy either one of them right now.
KAYLA FISHED THROUGH HER closet for the third time. Silk blouses, linen slacks and sensible pumps. Had she really expected the contents to change just because she had? Even during the days shed worked nine-to-five as an accountant, wearing corporate suits and stuffy blouses, she hadnt altered her wardrobe on weekends or days off. She was lucky she owned even one pair of jeans, considering shed had no desire to wear them.
Until now.
Until Kane.
There was no way she wanted to walk out of this house looking like the woman hed met three days earlier. Not when she felt so different inside. Raiding Catherines closet was the only solution. A few trips to her sisters room and shed made her decision. She pulled a pair of black cowboy boots over her jeans, then eased another of Cats V-necked tops, this one a buttercup cotton, over her head.
Glancing in the mirror, she ran some styling gel through her hair, when she caught site of Kane standing guard in the doorway.
Ready for action. How do I look? She turned toward him.
His scowl spoke for him. This isnt a date. What the hell do you think youre doing, dressing like that?
She recognized his roar. Shed gotten to him on some level that made him uncomfortable. Mission accomplished, she thought and smiled. Ill take that as a compliment. So you like it? She smoothed the oversize top down over her hips.
Damn right I like it. You look great. His smoky gaze lit on hers.
Her grin widened. Thank you, Kane, she said with a deliberate lilt to her voice.
The tension eased and he smiled back. So the files were right. You are a quick learner.
Im the best.
I know that, he muttered. Now take it off.
Excuse me?
You dont want to arouse the guy, you want him in and out as fast as possible. You want to convince him you want out of the business, not that youre looking to be hooked up with his next client.
Jeans and a cotton top, Kane. Its standard dress for most women.
Youre not most women, he muttered. Now do this one thing for me. You dont want that kind of reaction from the guy.
I didnt think. Not about anyones reaction to her outfit but Kanes and shed already gotten that.
Thats the point. Youre taking this whole meeting too damn lightly.
If youre talking about the clothes, Ill change.
Kayla wasnt one to argue with reason, no matter how bossy the command sounded. Besides, this was her golden opportunity. Her one chance to have Kane see he could be emotionally involved without harmful or, worse, fatal repercussions. Everything rode on this meeting turning out as planned. She would follow his advice, but she would also show him that she could stand on her own.
But if youre talking about attitude, you ought to take a lesson. Will obsessing over it change the outcome? You prepped me and Im ready. Ill be wearing a wire and I know youll be as close as possible. Ill be surrounded by protection.
And you dont move from your seat. Either he wants the books or he doesnt. You got that?
Considering you told me at least ten times, how could I forget? Relax, Kane. Take a lesson from me. After her initial panic last night, shed realized nothing would alter fatewhatever it held. Somehow, the knowledge eased her fear and helped her remain calm. I cant control the future, she told him. But I can enjoy now.
He threaded his fingers through hers. The comfort she found in his touch amazed her, as did the strength of her feelings. Shed only known him a short time, but it was enough.
Is that what youre doing? he asked. Enjoying now?
What else?
Changing before my eyes. He tugged on her hand and she drew closer. Their bodies aligned until she felt his weight and heat pressed intimately against her. His arms wrapped around her waist, moving her into the V of his legs. His erection hardened and grew against her stomach. A harsh groan escaped his lips, telling her he was unbearably aroused.
At that moment she knew she could have one last time with him. One last time. His hips jerked forward and she swallowed a moan. She licked her dry lips. You tempt me, Kane.
Only fair since you drive me out of my mind. His lips lowered, capturing hers. This kiss wasnt urgent and out of control, it wasnt slow and determined with seduction as the result. His tongue delved and played inside her mouth, devouring, arousingremembering for the future.
Kayla had no doubt. In Kanes mind, this was goodbye.
SHE ORDERED A DRINK from the waiter, as planned. Kane breathed a sigh of relief. Hed heard her loud and clear through the wire she wore. Now he settled in to wait.
Five after twelve and the lunch crowd had all taken their seats, fellow cops with big appetites and good instincts. Hed still rather be inside himself rather than eavesdropping from the managers office just outside the dining-room entrance.
Its time. A male voice interrupted Kanes train of thought.
Actually past time. Ive been waiting since twelve, like you said. The edge in Kaylas voice was unmistakable. Relax, sweetheart.
Change of plans. I cant stay long.
Too bad, Kayla said. II just ordered a drink and I was hoping youd join me.
Perfect, Kane thought. Keep him talking and keep him in the restaurant. Kane leaned forward in his seat.
Not that you dont tempt me, honey. You do. Hell, with a body like yours youd tempt a monk, but Im in a rush, somaybe some other time.
That might be possible if I wanted to continue the business-which I dont.
I dont know what youre talking about. Like I told you on the phone, my mothers sick and I want some of your aunts crossword books to keep her busy.
Damn. The guy suspected a trap. Kane hoped like hell Kayla stuck to the plan. Give him what he wants, he muttered.
You know, my aunt was really into these books. Id hate to just give them to someone who didnt appreciate them the way she did. Im sure you understand. Kane could practically see her batting those big green eyes for effectat the same guy whod wrapped his arm around her neck without a second thought.