Prickles rose up Ice’s spine as Kathy gushed in her sexy Southern drawl. He reined in his anger, but when he saw her all aglow with gratitude for the silver tongued Aussie, the rein slipped. “Hell, this isn’t a damn date,” he thundered, startling the other two. “As nice and cozy as Havoc’s plans are for the two of you Kat, he’s here to do a job, so can you get it together and hurry things along. I want to see you settled in your apartment before I have to leave for my flight.”
“Good Lord Shane, what’s got into you?” Kathy glowered at him. “You’ve got nothing to be jealous about—I’m only doing what you asked. You’re embarrassing me and being unreasonable to Havoc, he’s given up his free time to fall in with your plans, so I think he deserves a little more consideration than this.”
Kathy gave him a much deserved dressing down. Hell, he was acting crazy. Heat burned up his neck and with a thunderous face he glared at Havoc, whose Cheshire Cat grin was firmly fixed in place.
“Sorry babe, I know you’d never play me false.” Play me false? Geezus, did that crap just come out of his mouth? “Come on, we’ve really got to make a move,” he made the excuse, transferring his gaze to his watch.
Kathy took his hand, and he led her next door, the big smug Aussie following in their wake. She unlocked her apartment and stood aside, enabling Havoc to give it the once over while Kathy and he said their good-byes.
“I’d better be off then,” he muttered after kissing her good-bye. “I’ll be back Tuesday night.”
As he turned to leave, Kathy stroked the line of his jaw with her fingertips. “I miss you already.”
His chest tightened, he didn’t want to leave her. The boys would take this assignment seriously, and she would be in safe hands, but that didn’t stop him from feeling that he was deserting her.
Ice dragged her to him and lifted her off her feet, molding her to the length of his body. “Promise me you won’t take any chances babe—just allow the guys to do their job okay?”
“I promise.” Her eyes glistened.
“I’ll be back before you know it.” He brushed his lips across hers one last time. Over her shoulder, he could see Havoc watching from the living room and gave him the nod.
Havoc was astute and strode over, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Come on Kathy, let’s put on a DVD and eat chocolate, this big galah will be back before we’ve even had time to miss him.”
“Bye Shane.” Her lips quivered as she gazed up at him.
“Look after her Havoc.” Ice closed the door and left the building. He would have to hurry now to reach the plane on time.
* * * *
Kathy and Havoc settled down to watch the DVD’s and the evening passed pleasantly. Havoc was an easygoing, likeable man, well-read and well-traveled. His mom was a Texan and his dad Australian. Together they’d had three kids, but when his dad died, his mom moved the family back to the States. He clammed up after that, and she thought there must be a bit of a mystery there, but he was reluctant to say more, and she was reluctant to pry.
It was late when they called it a night. Kathy showed Havoc to the spare room and went to her own. As she settled beneath the sheets, her last thought before drifting off was that she no longer liked sleeping alone.
The next morning, Hawk arrived bright and early with fresh bagels and banana muffins for breakfast. They looked delicious, but Kathy, feeling a little queasy, had to beg off. She hoped she wasn’t coming down with anything.
After breakfast, Havoc left, leaving Hawk in charge, but promising to return Sunday night for his next shift. Hawk suggested they go jogging, but because she wasn’t feeling up to scratch, they decided to give it a miss and instead filled in their time playing board games, reading the papers, listening to CDs, and chatting. Hawk was also easy to talk to, not shy or gauche as she’d first thought. He even confided he was seeing a new woman who was several years older than he.
As the morning stretched into late afternoon Kathy suggested a walk to the French bakery. They were both fed up with being indoors, so sipping cappuccinos and shooting the breeze, Hawk agreed, was a pleasant way to spend an hour.
Kathy had just finished her second cup when Hawk got to his feet.
“Wolf will be arriving soon, time we made a move,” he said.
When they arrived back at her place, Wolf was indeed there, cell in hand. “I was just about to call.”
“Sorry Wolf, I hope we haven’t kept you waiting long.” Kathy apologized for both of them as she turned the key in the lock.
“Nah, I just arrived and I’m a bit early, I thought I’d cook dinner.” He held up the bag of ingredients.
Hawk shouldered his way into the apartment, opening doors and peering into closets before giving the all clear. “What’s on the menu?” he wanted to know.
“Chili Con Carne.”
“Heck, too bad I gotta go.” Hawk looked genuinely disappointed. One thing she’d learned about Hawk was that he loved to eat.
“Wolf makes the best darn chili I’ve ever tasted,” Hawk clarified as he haphazardly stuffed his gear into a duffle bag. “There’s nothing to report, all’s quiet,” he added before taking his leave.
“She must be one hot mama for the kid to pass up my chili.” Wolf hedged, angling for a confession, but she remained non-committal about Hawk’s love life.
Wolf’s chili was every bit as good as Hawk claimed, and the dinner conversation was enlightening. Wolf was different from the other men—they talked, he questioned. He had a devil-may-care attitude combined with an aloofness that made him very hard to read. “Do you have brothers or sisters?” she inquired in an attempt to draw him out.
“I have a sister, Loretta. She’s just a kid, much younger than me.” Wolf’s face lit up when he spoke of her.
“How old is she?”
“Almost twenty-one.”
“That’s hardly a kid, Wolf.”
“I’ve been responsible for her since she was ten, so I guess she’ll always be a kid to me.” Wolf didn’t elaborate further, instead he skillfully steered the conversation away from personal issues by challenging her to a game of Scrabble.
“You’re on,” she agreed getting the board from the cupboard. The game was well underway when the first interruption came with the phone running hot. It was Olive Green returning her call. She’d left a message earlier thanking Oliver for her assistance. Olive, in turn, wanted to check on her. When the second call interrupted their game, Wolf reached for the handset.
*
“Ms. Bellamy’s answering service.”
There was only a slight pause before a female voice came back with a curt, “Who’s that?”
“It’s me, who’s that?” he countered, with a smile in his voice.
‘”This is Liz speaking, I’m Kathy’s friend, who are you?”
“I’m Zach, and I’m Kathy’s friend too.”
“May I speak with her?”
“Certainly, she’s right here on the couch snuggled up next to me, I’ll put her on.” He passed Kathy the phone. “I’ll make us some coffee,” he offered, standing up and walking to the kitchen to give her some privacy.
“No, he’s just a friend … there’s nothing to tell.”
Overhearing Kathy’s end of the conversation, Wolf chuckled as he spooned instant coffee into two mugs. It was plain Liz was tenaciously quizzing Kathy. He could hear the exasperation in her voice as she answered Liz’s questions.
“You are the nosiest lawyer, if you must know I’ve been seeing Shane… I was going to tell you … next time I saw you if we were still together.”
“No, he’s Shane’s friend … yes, very cute.”
Wolf’s lips curved upward, he’d never heard himself described as cute before.
“No, he’s away … that’s none of your business.”
The kettle shrilled, making any further eavesdropping impossible. Wolf placed the coffee, along with a couple of tempting muffins, on a tray and carried it through to the living room.
Wolf gave her a bland look and handed her the coffee. If that’s what she wanted to believe, fine. But he wasn’t buying it just yet.
Helping himself to a muffin, he dropped to the rug. Kathy joined him on the floor, and they continued their game. An hour later with two games finished the score was one all.
Kathy stifled a yawn for the second time in as many minutes. “Do you want to make it best out of three?” she asked.
“I think it’s time you hit the sack,” he said, getting to his feet and pulling Kathy to hers.
“Are you going to turn in too?”
“Nah, if you don’t mind I’ll watch the box for a while.”
“Be my guest. I’ll say good night then.”
“Yeah, see you in the morning.”
* * * *
Sunday dawned bright and sunny. The aroma of bacon and eggs wafting from the kitchen had her mouth watering and her stomach growling as Kathy threw back the covers and popped out of bed. It was Frosty’s turn for duty today, and with Sarah due any tick of the clock, they’d probably just be hanging around the house, so jeans and a T-shirt were a safe bet.
Wolf was busying himself in the kitchen when Kathy entered. “Mm, that sure smells good,” she said, inhaling the delicious aroma. “You’ve even set the table, how nice.”
“I’m very domesticated, now sit yourself down and drink this.” He handed her a mug of tea. “Just how you like it, milk with one sugar. Ice said you also like a cooked breakfast on the weekend.”
“Thanks.” Kathy accepted the tea and slid onto a chair. “He shouldn’t have said anything. He pampers me big time, and I should be the one cooking your breakfast.”
“Don’t sweat it,” Wolf said as he dished up the works and set it in front of her. The helping was so enormous Kathy didn’t think she could jump over it let alone eat her way through it, but smiled and accepted it gratefully.
Hungrier than she realized, Kathy ate three quarters of the meal before pushing her plate aside. The tea was too strong and tasted like it had been brewed for a week, but she sipped at it slowly determined to get it all down. Wolf had gone to a lot of bother, and she had no intentions of hurting his feelings.
“Mm, that was yummy, but I feel guilty. I should be waiting on you. After all, Shane roped you into this…”
“Let’s get this straight sweetheart, Ice didn’t twist my arm, or the others either for that matter, we were all concerned for your safety, and with Ice away none of us would sleep easy knowing his woman was in danger.”
His woman. Kathy blinked. Wolf had verbalized what she’d been thinking. Yes, she was his woman, his team obviously thought so too. The knowledge thrilled, sending a warm glow through her body and had her riding a high wave all the way to Frosty’s house.
Wolf didn’t stay long when he dropped her off, and with the exception of the children, they all walked down the drive to see him on his way.
“Give me a buzz if you need me, okay bro?” Wolf climbed back into his truck, with the birth of Frosty and Sarah’s child imminent every avenue was covered. Kathy and Sarah waved good-bye.
“Later buddy.” Frosty tapped the roof of the vehicle twice as Wolf pulled away. Kathy had guessed right, the family had planned a lazy day at home. Frosty said he was content to work in the garden and keep an eye on the kids while Sarah relaxed on the lounge catching up with Kathy and learning about her ordeal first hand.
* * * *
The following two days proved uneventful. The guys made sure she was entertained as well as safe. On Monday night, Wolf arrived on time to take her to the movies. He seemed to like Anne but was offhand with Len. When she asked why, he said Len was a try-hard, and try-hards and yes-men never impressed him. He was also wary of anyone who couldn’t look him in the eye, and Baker did his best to avoid eye contact all night. Wolf conceded that his opinion also plummeted when they went for coffee afterward, and Len kept vying for her attention. She didn’t think that was true, but it explained Wolf’s intimidating behavior. Shane wasn’t there to stake his claim, so Wolf did it for him. He’d shifted his chair nearer her and leaned in close, effectively blocking Len out as they discussed the entertainment value of the movie. When Len wanted to buy them all another coffee, Wolf refused and whisked her off home.
* * * *
Kathy was keyed up when she woke next morning, ecstatic that the evening would see Shane back. She’d missed him more than she could say. He filled her dreams and consumed her thoughts, and tonight she’d make his homecoming special by showing him just how much she’d missed him.
Up and dressed before Wolf had a chance to prepare breakfast, she had just started scrambling eggs when he appeared all tousle haired and dreamy eyed.
“You beat me this morning,” he said scratching his bare belly.
“It’s my turn to cook. Do you want tomatoes with your eggs?”
“Yeah sure, throw some on.”
“How did you sleep?” she enquired.
“Not as good as you it seems. You’ve lost that peaky appearance, and you’re positively glowing, and all because the Iceman’s coming home would be my guess.”
“You could be right.” Her face brightened into an infectious grin. She set a plate before him and one for herself, and they both tucked in.
Kathy and Wolf passed a harmonious hour together until it was time for him to drive her to school. She locked the apartment and followed him onto the street where he’d parked the night before. Ten minutes later, she bid Wolf a cheery good-bye and entered the school grounds heading for her classroom. The sooner the day was over, the sooner Shane would be home, and she’d be in his arms.
Although it had been a tedious day where not everything went according to plan, nothing could dampen her spirits. The clock was winding down. Havoc was already at the gate waiting to escort her home when the bell sounded. Easily recognizable in his Akubra, he looked like a gentle giant, but appearances were often deceptive and he wasn’t a SEAL for nothing. He towered over the women who flirted with him while waiting to collect their offspring. Amused, Kathy watched him nervously shuffle from one booted foot to the other—surprised he seemed out of his element. More than one pair of eyes raked him suggestively, and as she approached the group, relief erupted across his face.
“Well it’s been a pleasure chatting with you ladies, but if you’ll excuse me now, I’ve got an appointment with the teacher.” He tugged the brim of his hat in a gesture of farewell and taking her arm, ushered her toward his pickup.
“Quiet a fan club you’ve got going there.” She chuckled as they walked along.
“Only being neighborly.” His reply was sheepish, as if he was uncomfortable with all the attention thrown his way.
“What is it with you SEALs, did you get a bulk discount on pickups?” she asked changing the subject. “You all seem to be driving the same sort of vehicle.”
“I guess you could say we all decided to update at the same time, and yeah, we did negotiate a good deal. So, how was your day?”
“Surprisingly fast.” Her bright and bubbly response couldn’t quite conceal her underlying excitement at Shane’s imminent return.
“I told you, Ice would be back before you knew it.”
“Yes you did, and of course you were right, but I’ve missed him something fierce,” she admitted.
Havoc was noncommittal.
They stopped in front of her apartment building just as another car pulled up behind. She closed the passenger door and stiffened as she recognized Detective Jesse McKenzie step onto the pavement.
Havoc jumped between her and McKenzie, shielding her with his body, and ready to do battle on her behalf. For such a big man he moved with lightning speed, taking them both by surprise.
“It’s
all right Havoc. This is Detective McKenzie, the officer handling my case.” She laid a gentle touch on his arm to set his mind at ease.
“You must be one of Jackson’s men.” McKenzie offered his hand.
“Lucas Kincaid.” Havoc confirmed, shaking the other man’s hand and sizing him up in the one action.
“There’s been a development, can we talk inside?”
Kathy nodded and led the way upstairs, her stomach churning anticipating bad news.
Havoc sat on the couch, wrapping his arm protectively around her as she sat rigid, waiting for McKenzie to speak.
The news he brought was both good and bad. “The DNA results identified Charles Dawson of San Diego as the perpetrator.” McKenzie told them. “When the arresting officers arrived at his apartment, they were confronted by neighbors claiming Dawson hadn’t been seen for days. Even though it was a rough and tumble neighborhood, he was a familiar figure in the complex, and his absence was noted.” McKenzie explained as Kathy and Havoc listened in silence. “The neighbors also complained of a bad odor coming from his apartment and claimed it had been getting worse as the week wore on. The officers drew their own conclusions and broke in. Dawson lay dead on the floor from an apparent overdose, he was a known user, so the sight that greeted them wasn’t all together unexpected.”
Kathy’s mouth formed a silent circle. Havoc squeezed her shoulder supportively as McKenzie continued.
“Of course there’ll be an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. Dawson lived alone. Kathy, your photograph was found in his apartment, which would suggest for one reason or another, he became fixated on you. The case for all intents and purposes is closed,” he concluded.
Kathy and Havoc walked the detective downstairs and saw him off. Relieved that the nightmare was over, and positive that Havoc would want to get back to his own life now that there was no threat to her, she turned to him and said, “I guess you’ll be going too, but before you do, thanks for taking such good care of me, it must have been a pest.”
“You’re not a pest, and if you don’t mind I prefer to wait until Ice gets back. Tell you what though, how about I pick up some fried chicken and a couple of beers to celebrate.”
Desire Unleashed Page 21