Yet, standing in the middle of the room, naked except for a pair of underwear—with a crotch that was wet from her orgasm—left Bridgette shifting her weight from one bare foot to the other.
“God, you’re beautiful,” said Luke. “I could look at you all day.”
As he watched her, she studied Luke in return. His shoulders were broad. The beginning of a beard covered his cheeks and chin. The fly of his jeans was stretched tight over his erection. She dropped her gaze.
“Look at me,” he said again. She lifted her eyes. “Are you uncomfortable being watched?”
Bridgette flipped a lock of hair over her shoulder. “No.”
Luke gave a small smile. “Are you lying?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
“I’ve thought about you over the years,” he said. “My fantasies always started out the same. You are standing about where you are now, wearing nothing but your panties.”
Running a finger from her throat, between her breasts, she asked, “What else do I do when you think about me?”
“Touch yourself,” he said.
Bridgette cupped her own breast, feeling the weight in the palm of her hand. She stroked her thumb over her nipple. In the two years since being a widow, Bridgette had touched herself more than once, yet that was always the most private of moments. What was she willing to do with Luke watching?
Then again, didn’t she want to be a fantasy made into reality?
“Like this?” she asked.
“Like that,” he said.
She moved her hand lower, skimming her palm over her abdomen and sliding a finger under the fabric of her panties. Her sex was swollen, and the slightest touch sent a surge through her body. She rubbed, unable to control the sensation that built and grew. Closing her eyes, she moaned.
“Look at me,” he said, his voice not much more than a whisper.
Bridgette opened her eyes and met Luke’s gaze.
“Come here,” he said, gesturing to the sofa.
She walked to the edge of the couch.
“Sit,” he said. “And spread your thighs.”
She did his bidding, light-headed with lust and the game they were playing. Luke knelt on the floor, between her legs, and stroked Bridgette’s thighs. His touch was torture—she wanted more of him, needed more.
She fondled her breasts, flicking a thumb over each nipple.
“Don’t look away,” he said. His breath warmed her core. “I always want you watching.”
“Always,” she whispered back, as he pulled aside her panties and placed his mouth on her.
* * *
Bridgette squirmed beneath Luke’s mouth. She wanted to close her eyes and just feel the rush of sensations. But she kept her gaze trained on his eyes as he worked his tongue over her sex and used his fingers inside of her.
In that moment, she left her body, unable to distinguish between her physical self and emotions. She rose higher and higher, leaving the apartment and Braxville and the whole state of Kansas behind. Still, Luke was always there—always watching. His blue eyes became her North Star as she exploded, shattering into a thousand pieces.
Gulping deep breaths, she re-formed into something—someone—brand-new. As if being loved by Luke Walker had rearranged her somehow. She had little time to wonder how. He stood, his gaze never wavering from hers and stripped out of his shirt. Next came his pants—his sex was hard. He rolled a condom down his length and positioned himself over Bridgette.
She tilted her hips, and he entered her slowly. She gasped with pleasure as he withdrew with the same deliberate movements, until just his tip remained inside. Bridgette gripped his ass, urging him to go deeper, harder, faster. She looked down to the point where they joined. Him, inside of her.
They were separate but fitted together perfectly.
“Look at me,” he said.
Bridgette was transfixed with the sexes joined and she dragged her eyes away. “Why?”
Luke drove into her hard. “I never want you to think of anyone other than me when we’re together,” he said, slowing his strokes. “For years, I’ve wondered about you. If you’re happy or sad. If you’ve seen the latest movie—and what you thought about it.”
Bridgett reached up and stroked his face.
“Tonight is about more than making fantasies become real. Tonight is about claiming you as mine—even if it’s just for a few hours.”
Luke’s breathing increased. His strokes became harder and faster. Bridgette didn’t know that it was possible, but she felt another climax building, a storm gathering in her belly. She cried out with her passion a moment before Luke threw back his head and growled.
For a moment, they stayed on the edge of the sofa, covered in sweat and panting. As Bridgette’s pulse slowed, she moved out from under Luke. “That was amazing,” she said.
“I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again,” said Luke. “I’m glad you’re back home.” He stood. “I gotta take care of the condom. Stay where you are.”
Bridgette took advantage of the moment alone and redressed in her panties and Luke’s flannel shirt. She stretched out on the sofa. For the first time, she noticed that the apartment was chilly. A blanket was draped over the back of the couch and she pulled it over her shoulders and legs.
For a moment, she stared at nothing.
Hadn’t she vowed not to get involved in life in Braxville? Wasn’t she just back for a few weeks to do her job? Her family’s involvement in the cancer cases was a problem she hadn’t anticipated.
And what about Luke?
And as sleep came to claim Bridgette, even she had to admit that Luke Walker would be an easy man to fall in love with for a second time.
Chapter 17
Bridgette woke, warm and with a feeling of being safe, cherished and loved. For years it was how she began each day—waking in the arms of her husband, Henry. For a moment that reality was as thin as a thread, and she felt as if her husband were still alive. Then the thread snapped, and she lost him all over again. A boulder of grief pressed down on her chest and her eyes burned, filling with tears.
Tears leaked down the side of her face, wetting her hair. Bridgette knew that her first thought upon waking had been right—she was safe and, well, at least cherished. She had fallen asleep on Luke Walker’s sofa, and he had joined her. In fact, he slept beside her now, with his arm over her waist.
He was warm and solid. His light snores relaxed away all her tension.
Yet, an ache remained in her chest—the exact spot that hurt every time Henry came to mind. But this time, the pain was bearable. As if maybe—just maybe—the worst of her grief was in the past.
And if that were the case, did she dare to hope for a future?
Luke stirred and drew a deep breath.
“Good morning,” he said, placing a kiss on her shoulder.
Bridgette snuggled deeper into his embrace. “Good morning,” she said, memories of their lovemaking surrounding her like a fog.
“You looked so peaceful last night, I decided to join you out here.”
“I don’t mind,” she said. “I miss waking up next to someone.” She turned to face him and placed her hand on his cheek. “This was nice.”
“So, I was thinking that we should spend today here,” he said.
“On the sofa?” she asked, teasing.
“If you want...” he began. “Or we can move to the bedroom. Or the shower.”
For the span of a heartbeat, she thought about ignoring her job and her duty. She couldn’t. Stifling a curse, she sat up. “I can’t.”
“Can’t what?”
“I can’t just spend the day with you,” she said, rising from the sofa. Her clothes lay across the floor. Stepping into her pants, she continued, “I need to talk to my father about how Colton Construction is the clust
er’s point of origin.” Bridgette paused. “I should probably call Elise Willis, as well.”
“The mayor?” Luke sat up. The blanket fell to his lap, revealing his chiseled chest. Bridgette’s mouth went dry and she looked away, searching for her socks.
“Why do you want to talk to the mayor?” Luke asked.
“Colton Construction is one of Braxville’s major employers. Aside from the economic impact on the town, we very well could have a health crisis.”
Luke scratched his chin. “I hadn’t thought about the economic impact.” He shook his head. “It’s hard to imagine folks wanting to visit Braxville if they’re going to be exposed to toxins.”
“Then you aren’t going to like my second concern any more,” she said. “All the men who got sick worked at the mall renovation. There’s evidence that the carcinogens might be there instead of with the construction company. Elise and I need to discuss if it can safely remain open.”
“Shut down the mall before the Boo-fest?” asked Luke. His voice rose an octave. “How is that supposed to make the town look?”
“Responsible,” Bridgette snapped. Fully dressed, she grabbed her bag from the coffee table and found her phone. “I’m going to send Elise a text and see when she’s available.”
After pulling up Elise’s contact, Bridgette sent a short message.
I know it’s early, Bridgette typed. But we need to meet—today if possible. Important.
Elise replied immediately. I heard you were back in town. Is there something wrong with Neil?
More than being the mayor of Braxville, Elise was also the ex-wife of Bridgette’s brother. Bridgette should have anticipated the question. She replied with two words. Work related.
The reply came in seconds. My office in an hour?
It gave Bridgette plenty of time to get ready and collect her data. See you then.
“What’d she say?” asked Luke. Clad only in his boxer shorts, he rose from the sofa.
“I’m meeting her at City Hall in an hour.”
“Correction. We’re meeting her,” said Luke.
“I understand that you’re concerned since your father’s now part of the cancer cluster. I can’t allow family members to be part of the investigation.”
“If that’s what you think,” he said, “then you don’t understand at all.” Before she could comment, Luke continued. “Julia is still out there, somewhere. Because of me—and our involvement—you’re a target for her anger.” He paused. “I have no idea what she might do next. Either way, it’s my job to keep you safe. Until she’s found and getting the help she needs, I’m your new shadow.”
* * *
In less than an hour, Bridgette was headed to City Hall. As promised, Luke Walker came with her. As always, he wore a flannel shirt and a pair of jeans. It was perfect for the crisp fall weather, and Bridgette had selected an aqua-colored sweater, jeans and boots.
It was Sunday, which in Braxville, meant that none of the businesses were open except the coffee shop. Occasionally, a car drove past. Otherwise, the downtown area was empty and silent.
“I’d forgotten how nice the slower pace of a small town can be,” said Bridgette. “In Wichita, there’s always busyness and noise. You have to drive anywhere you want to go.” She drew in a breath of cool air. “Like I said, this is nice.”
Luke hummed an agreement and said nothing more.
She wondered what had him preoccupied, but she had concerns of her own.
A single metal door bisected the back wall of City Hall. Bridgette used her keycard to open the automatic lock. The door clicked and she pushed on the handle.
Without comment, they rode the elevator to the third—and top—floor. The mayor’s suite took up a quarter of the story. Elise’s personal office overlooked the town park. There was a large wooden desk, along with a bookshelf in the corner. There was also a wine-colored velvet sofa and a matching set of chairs.
“It’s good to see you,” said Elise, giving Bridgette a quick hug. Elise wore jeans and a button-down blouse. Her dark blonde hair had been pulled into a low ponytail. The mayor looked like she always did—smart, competent, and ready to work for the betterment of the community. “And you, too, Luke.” He got a hug, as well. “I have to admit, I was surprised to see your text. You said it’s important and work related.”
“I recognize this,” said Bridgette, running her hand over the sofa’s arm.
“You should,” said Elise. “Your mother gave me all of this furniture when she redecorated a few years ago.” She paused. “Now, have a seat and tell me why you’re here.”
Bridgette dropped onto the sofa and Luke took a seat in one of the chairs. Elise leaned her hip on the corner of her desk and faced them both. “I’m actually here because of my parents,” Bridgette began.
Drawing her brows together, Elise said, “I thought this was business related.”
“It is,” said Bridgette. “The Kansas State Department of Health has assigned me to investigate a cancer cluster in Braxville.”
“I’ve been briefed.”
“Then you know that I’m in charge of the investigation.”
Elise nodded. “Have you learned anything?”
“Unfortunately, I have.” For a beat, she was at a loss for what to say. “Every one of the cancer victims worked for Colton Construction.”
Elise sucked in a breath and leaned back. “Are you sure?”
Bridgette had a file with copies of all her paperwork. “I’m positive,” she said, holding out the folder to Elise.
For several minutes, the mayor flipped through the pages without comment. Closing the file, she shook her head. “What do you do next?”
“I have no choice. Colton Construction needs to be closed down,” she said, her chest tightening with each word. “We should consider closing down the mall, as well.”
“It will devastate the local businesses if people are worried that they might get sick by going downtown,” said Luke. It was the first opinion he’d offered since they’d arrived.
“They should be worried,” said Bridgette.
“As far as I’m concerned,” said Elise, “public safety is my top concern.”
“If there is something in the mall that’s making people sick,” Luke began, “why are there only a dozen cases of cancer?”
“What do you mean?” asked Elise. “I thought we’d be happy with just a few cases and not a town epidemic.”
“I know what he’s getting at,” said Bridgette. “Hundreds of people go through the mall each day. Thousands in a week. People work there, spending hours of their day. If that’s the case, why would only twelve of them get sick over a span of two decades?”
“Exactly,” said Luke.
“For now,” said Bridgette, a headache forming behind her eyes, “we’ll test air and water quality in the mall. Until we have results, it can stay open. But if there are issues, I have the authority to close down the facility and I’ll use it. No questions asked. Agreed?”
Luke nodded. “Agreed.”
Elise asked, “What are you going to do about Colton Construction?”
“There’s a strong connection to the cancer cases. Until I know that the office compound is safe, I have to close them down and start testing,” said Bridgette. “I’m going to visit my dad as soon as we’re done here.”
“Shouldn’t someone else make that visit?” Elise asked.
“No,” said Bridgette. “This is my investigation. This is my demand. I’m not putting that responsibility onto anyone else.”
“It’s also your family and could cause a real dispute between you and your parents.” Elise paused. “And there’s another problem I can see.”
“Which is?” Bridgette asked, her headache intensifying with each beat of her heart.
“If Colton Construction is absolved of culpabili
ty in the end, the investigation could look like a sham because you are in charge.”
Jaw tight, Bridgette said, “I’m a professional. I can handle it.”
“Like you said, it’s your decision.” Holding out the file Bridgette had brought, she continued, “You’ll keep me apprised of any findings?”
Rising to her feet, Bridgette took the folder. “I will, and thanks for meeting with me, Elise. It’s good to see you.”
“You, too.” Elise opened her mouth, seeming to consider what to say next. With a shake of her head, the mayor snapped her jaw shut.
“What did you want to say?” asked Bridgette.
Elise said, “It’s nothing.”
“It’s obviously something. We need to be able to communicate to make it through this investigation. Please, ask me anything.”
Elise folded her arms. “How’s Neil? I haven’t heard from him in a while and, well, I was just wondering.”
“I saw him on Friday,” said Bridgette. “He was in good spirits. Should I let him know that you asked about him?”
Elise chewed on her bottom lip. “No,” she said after a beat. “I’m happy he’s doing well.”
The conversation wrapped up quickly. Luke and Bridgette left City Hall, and within minutes they were walking down Main Street. “I hate to impose,” said Bridgette. “I need a ride to my dad’s office. My car was towed yesterday and won’t be ready until tomorrow.”
“I meant what I said earlier. Until the police find Julia, I’m your shadow.” Luke shoved his hand into the pockets of his jeans as he walked. “Why go to your dad’s office? It’s Sunday morning. Won’t he be at home?”
Bridgette shook her head. “Ever since I can remember, Dad’s gone to work on Sunday mornings. He says he gets more done if the office is empty.”
Luke nodded and they continued to walk. “Are you okay with all of this?” he asked.
Bridgette didn’t need him to explain what all of this meant. She knew. Moreover, she’d been asking herself the same question.
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