Every Step She Takes (Who's Watching Now Book 2)

by Jannine Gallant

  Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her tight, bodies aligned everywhere that mattered. Her hand dropped away, and he pushed inside her warmth. Then lay perfectly still.

  “Condom.”

  Her hands gripped his hips and tugged him deeper still. “Don’t need one.”

  His breath came in panting gasps. “We used one before.”

  “It was a mental thing. One last barrier, but I’m on the pill.” She smiled, her eyes full of warmth and need. “I don’t want anything between us this time. I trust you.”

  The simple words started an ache in his chest. She was a woman who had been hurt in the past, who had more than a few issues. He wanted to solve every one of her problems. He wanted to heal every pain. He needed to be her everything.

  Right now all he could do was give her as much pleasure as she gave him, make her cry out and tremble in his arms. Looking into her eyes, he’d see a satisfied glow, a look of pure wonder. Or die trying.

  He kissed her, mouths seeking and finding, tongues mating. The taste and texture of her ramped up his need. His hands smoothed along her skin then burrowed into her hair. All the while he held still inside her, pulsing with a desire so strong perspiration dotted his brow.

  Grace moved restlessly, her eyes unfocused. Her hands clenched and unclenched on the hard muscles of his back.

  “You’re making me crazy.”

  He pressed his forehead to hers. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Good.”

  She laughed. Wrapping her legs tight, she rolled hard, flipping him onto his back.

  “Now, who’s in charge?”

  He couldn’t answer, couldn’t breathe. She rose over him then pressed down. With smooth, gliding strokes she brought him to the edge. Her face changed, tightened and went slack as the world exploded around him.

  When she dropped onto his chest, he cradled her in his arms and kissed her hair. The pounding rhythm of his heart matched hers as they pressed together. After an eternity, his pulse slowed.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever get complacent about making love to you. It’s new and different each time.”

  Satisfaction filled him. “So, you’ll only compare me to me?”

  Her lips moved against his chest in a smile. “I’ll have to. No one else even comes close.” Her hand stilled on his shoulder. “That’s a little scary.”

  “Doesn’t have to be. Not if it keeps us needing only each other.”

  He couldn’t imagine wanting any woman but Grace. Ever again. She filled his mind and soul. She made him think about happily ever after instead of satisfied for now. That was scary.

  “I suppose we should get up and take a shower.” She raised her head and grinned. “Then I’ll let you cook me breakfast.”

  “Can we take a shower together?”

  Her eyes darkened, and she drew in a breath. “An excellent idea.”

  “I have my moments.”

  She stroked a thumb across his cheek. “You certainly do.”

  * * * *

  Grace forked a bite of French toast dripping with syrup into her mouth and sighed. “This is the best I’ve ever tasted, but don’t tell my mom I said so.” She ate another bite and licked syrup off her finger. “It’s a good thing I don’t have a weight issue.”

  He turned his back to the stove. “Your mom likes to cook?”

  “Yep. She thinks all her kids are too skinny.”

  “I don’t know about that. Seems to me you have curves in all the right places.”

  She glanced up from her plate and smiled. “Speaking of my curves, you’ll have to keep your hands off them this weekend. My mother likes to pretend I’m still a virgin since I’m not married.”

  He choked on his coffee. “You’re how old?”

  “Thirty-four.”

  “Got you beat by two years. I thought you were planning to stay with your sister?”

  “I was, but her spare bed is a sleeper couch in the living room. Rachel knows I’m not a virgin, but she has three daughters. So, no sleeping together there, either. Mom and Dad have way more room, so we’ll stay with them. They’ll be thrilled.”

  “They will?”

  “They will. Just as soon as I tell them, which will be after I finish my breakfast.”

  “Want another piece of French toast?”

  “I think three is enough.”

  His grin melted her heart.

  “You burned a lot of calories in the shower.”

  She’d burned calories, all right—twice. Her stomach fluttered—and it had nothing to do with too much syrup. Not sleeping together in Vine Haven was probably for the best. She needed to take a step back. If she didn’t, she’d fall completely in love with this man. She was halfway there already. Her hand shook as she set down her fork.

  “I’ll go make that call.”

  He slid onto the stool next to her, his plate loaded with French toast. “Are you planning to tell them about the shooter?”

  “God, no. Two years ago, this weird freak stalked my sister and kidnapped my niece. They weren’t hurt physically, though Rachel has nightmares once in a while. Still, I don’t think my mom could live through having another daughter in danger.”

  “So, you’ll tell them what? We’re dating?” He raised a brow.

  She sighed. “I suppose so.”

  “Don’t sound so thrilled about it.”

  Grace scowled. “You don’t know my mother. She’ll probably start picking out china patterns and phone all her friends to tell them little Gracie finally caught a man.”

  He stopped chewing for a moment then swallowed. “Surely you’ve brought home men before?”

  “Nope.”

  His eyes widened. “Why not?”

  “Because I didn’t want to get my mom’s hopes up when I knew the relationships wouldn’t last. I think the last guy I formally introduced to my parents as my boyfriend was back when I was still in high school.”

  “Gee, I feel special. What happened to that one? Did you dump him, too?”

  Her fingers tightened around the edge of the counter as she took a moment to steady her voice before answering. “He died.” Pushing back her stool, she stood. “I’ll go call my parents. Thanks for breakfast.”

  His eyes held hers, steady and full of concern. “You’re welcome. You know, if you ever want to talk, I’m a good listener.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Walking away from Travis took an effort. She was tempted to throw herself into his arms and hold on tight, but that wasn’t the way she rolled. She didn’t dump her hang-ups on other people. When her therapist had pointed out that fact, it was in a voice laced with frustration. Then the woman suggested she find someone else to work with since she obviously wasn’t helping.

  Grace hadn’t bothered.

  Retrieving her phone from the nightstand, she sat on the edge of her bed. The covers were a tangled mess. Warmth crept through her. Making love with Travis was—spectacular. He was a giver not a taker. He gave and gave and gave until there was only need burning hot and bright inside her. The emotion came afterward. Lying with her cheek pressed against his chest, she hadn’t wanted to leave him. Ever.

  But nothing that good lasted.

  Straightening, she punched in her parents’ number and tapped her fingers on the edge of the mattress while it rang.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Grace! Rachel told me you were in Alaska. Why didn’t you call me back? I left you a message.”

  “I’ve been busy, but I miss you guys. How do you feel about house guests for the weekend?”

  “We’d love it.” She paused. “Did you say guests?”

  Grace pressed the heel of her hand against her forehead and took a breath. “Someone I met in Alaska is in town, and he likes wineries. I thought I could show him around ours.”

  “Him?”

  “Mom, don’t make a big deal out of it.”

  “Of course not. I’m just
pleased to meet one of your friends.”

  Grace rolled her eyes. “Oh, I’m bringing a dog, too.”

  “He has a dog?”

  “I have a dog. Wylie. He’ll like you since food seems to be his top priority in life.”

  “Your friend’s?”

  “My dog’s. Geez, Mom, have you had coffee yet this morning? Wylie is my dog. Travis is my friend. Travis Barnett.”

  “I can’t believe you adopted a dog.”

  “I didn’t exactly adopt him. He adopted me. Anyway, we’ll be in Vine Haven before noon.”

  “That’s wonderful, honey. It’s been way too long since you visited. Does Rachel know you’re coming?”

  “She does. I have to go. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  “I can’t wait to tell your dad. He’ll be thrilled. Bye, Grace.”

  She disconnected and flopped backward onto the bed.

  “How’d it go?”

  Opening her eyes, she blinked at Travis who leaned against the doorframe. “Not too bad. With so little notice, I’m hoping it’ll just be family for dinner tonight and not the whole town. She seemed nearly as excited about Wylie as she was about you.”

  “Good. I don’t want to complicate your life.”

  She sat up. “You won’t. I suppose I should pack. I told my mom we’d be there by noon.” Standing, she headed to the dresser and pulled out shorts, tank tops, and T-shirts then tossed underwear on top of the pile. “I don’t suppose you’ll let me walk Wylie before we leave.”

  He hesitated long enough to make her wonder what he was thinking.

  “Let’s get out of the city first and then walk the dog. Where’s your car parked?”

  “It’s in a private garage two blocks north of here. Pink house with roses out front. The older woman who lives there doesn’t have a car, so I talked her into renting the garage to me.”

  “Of course you did.”

  She frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Just that you can be very persuasive. I’ll go get the car while you finish packing. How long do you need?”

  “Fifteen minutes. Crap, maybe a few more. I have to clean up the kitchen. I can go with you, though. It’s a short walk, even carrying luggage.”

  “I already did the dishes, and I’d rather you didn’t come.”

  Her eyes narrowed. Something about his tone… “What happened?”

  “Nothing. Give me the keys, and I’ll be right back. If you could wait for me in the lobby, that’d be helpful. I doubt I’ll find a place to park.”

  His gaze didn’t quite meet hers, but she didn’t push. Crossing the room, she pulled her keys out of her purse then handed them to him.

  “Wylie and I’ll be waiting. I assume you can drive a stick shift?”

  He snorted, tossed the keys in the air then walked over to the nightstand. A little quiver worked down her spine when he tucked his Glock into its holster and pulled his shirttail down. Grabbing the bag, he hefted it then turned to leave.

  “You’re sure nothing’s wrong?”

  “Just taking precautions.” He smiled. “Be right back.”

  The door closed with a thump. Wylie wandered into the room and sat at her feet.

  Grace fisted her hands on her hips then glanced at the dog. “I bet you know more about what’s going on than I do.”

  Lifting his back leg, he scratched behind his ear then stretched out on the carpet.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll drag it out of him later.”

  As Travis had pointed out, she was good at getting what she wanted.

  Chapter 16

  “Cool car.”

  Grace pried her fingers off the armrest and turned to stare at him. “Do you always take off like a bat out of hell?”

  “Not always, but your Porsche handles like a dream.”

  “It better. I’m pretty sure I’ll be making payments on it for the rest of my life.”

  “Some sacrifices are worth it.” Travis smiled then checked the rearview mirrors. No one was following. Just to be sure, he made a hard right at the stop sign then an immediate left down an alley, eliciting a yelp from Grace.

  In the foot well were he’d been flung, Wylie rose on shaky legs to crawl back into her lap. Her arms circled the dog in a tight grip.

  Dodging around a garbage can, Travis paused for a second before darting out onto the street. “If Nielsen’s in the neighborhood, I don’t want him following us.”

  Her hands clenched in the dog’s fur. “You think he would?”

  “Just a precaution. My guess is he’s hanging around the hospital, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

  “My dad used to tell me that when he was teaching me to drive. ‘Slow down, Grace. Better safe than sorry.’” She braced her feet as he squeezed between a slow moving sedan and a freight truck. “I feel his pain.”

  He cast a quick glance her way before returning his attention to the road. “Right now I’d say Wylie is the one feeling the pain. You’re going to pull his fur out by the roots if you hold on any tighter. You’re safe with me.”

  She leaned back in the seat and sighed. “I know.”

  He merged onto the Bay Bridge and turned on the radio to cover the echoing clamor of traffic heading east. “We’ll stop once we cross the bridge and let the dog have his walk.”

  “How about walking him on Treasure Island? No fog today, so the view will be spectacular.”

  “Great idea.” He changed lanes, making his way toward the exit midway across the span. Leaving the bridge, they cruised down the quiet street leading toward the old Naval base and parked.

  Grace let the dog out of the car and slammed the door. Lifting her face, she breathed deeply. “What a beautiful day.”

  He tore his gaze from the rise and fall of her breasts to glance out over the bay. “It certainly is. Shall we walk along the shore?”

  Shoulders bumping, they strolled side-by-side down the path. The view of San Francisco’s skyline stole his breath. Or maybe it was the pleasure reflected on Grace’s face. Strands of hair whipped across her cheek, and she pushed them behind one ear. Her eyes were bright when she glanced his way.

  “You seem to know your way around San Francisco well enough.”

  “I spent a couple of weeks in the city after I left the SEALs. At one point, I thought about starting a business here, but I ended up moving back to Seattle.”

  “Why?”

  He shrugged. “The lure of the familiar, I suppose. My family’s there, though my parents now spend half the year in Arizona. I’m close to both my brothers.”

  She shoved her hands in the pockets of her shorts, her gaze following Wylie as he veered off the path to sniff a bush. “I have one sister in San Diego and a brother in Portland. My parents and Rachel and Will are all in Vine Haven. Close enough to see whenever I want, but not too close.”

  “Will’s your oldest brother?”

  She nodded. “You’ll meet him and his wife this weekend. Their two boys are both in college. Rachel has three daughters, all living at home. She got so lucky when she married Kane. He loves those girls and treats them like they were his own.”

  “What happened to their dad?”

  “He died.” She held back her wind tossed hair. “Bryce Carpenter was a cheating ass.”

  Travis stopped. “Bryce Carpenter, the quarterback?”

  Grace turned to face him. “Yep.”

  “Wow.”

  “Kane’s worth ten of him. The last couple of years, my sister’s been happier than I’ve ever seen her.”

  “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.”

  “Rachel will love you if she thinks there’s even a chance we…” She bit her lip.

  He took her hand and squeezed it as they stared across the bay at the distinctive skyline with the Transamerica Pyramid pointing skyward.

  “I’d like to think there’s a chance.” His grip tightened when she would have pulled away. “We haven’t known each other very long, but the co
nnection between us is strong. Don’t tell me you don’t feel it.”

  “I do.”

  “Then just go with it, Grace. Stop worrying about the future and enjoy the present.”

  “Fine. For this weekend, at least, I promise not to be a stress case. Happy?”

  He laughed and tugged her into his arms. Dropping a kiss on her lips, he pressed his forehead to hers. “You always make me happy—or at least keep me entertained.”

  She shoved hard against his chest and ran. “No, Wylie. Don’t you dare!”

  Leaping across the rocks, she snagged the end of the trailing leash and jerked the dog backward. He whined pathetically but came away from the dead seagull lying at the water’s edge.

  “Can you imagine what he’d have smelled like if he rolled in that?”

  Travis shuddered. “I’d rather not. Shall we go?”

  “I think we’d better. We’ll barely make it to Vine Haven before lunch as it is.” She climbed back up to the path then smiled and squeezed his arm. “I don’t want to risk another possible doggy disaster.”

  “You’re quick and alert. That gives me some level of comfort.”

  “Why do I get the feeling you aren’t talking about Wylie anymore?”

  “We can’t stay at your parents’ house forever, and Nielsen—”

  His phone vibrated, and he pulled it from his pocket to glance at the display. Fritz. “Hold that thought.” He pushed the connect button. “What’s up?”

  “We have a name. Mason Rogers. He took an advanced physics class with the real Archer Nielsen his junior year. His student ID photo matches our artist’s sketch.”

  “What do you know about him?”

  “He spent his early childhood in the Bay Area. His parents are both dead. His father beat his mother then slipped and fell, hitting his head on the hearth. Alcohol levels indicate he was staggering drunk at the time of death. Mason was just a kid when it happened, hiding under his bed through the whole tragedy.”

  “Jesus.”

  “The wife called the police. Her husband’s death was eventually ruled an accident though at the time, the cops speculated she killed him.”

  “What happened to her?”

  “She died of a heart attack around the time Mason finished high school. They were living in a crappy area of L.A. He doesn’t have any siblings.”