He glanced up at Greyson and grinned. “Give the sheriff a prize. Bekka Drake did indeed have a transit pass. We never thought to check because she had a car. Everyone assumed she drove to work. You’re my hero, Sheriff. I want to be you when I grow up.”
Emma just snorted. “Gee thank you, Agent. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Croft was impressed. A woman with a brain was an incredibly sexy thing, and he was extra lucky. She was all his or would be if he had any say in it.
“Now, it looks like we have another thread to tie Billy Barnes to the murders. He had opportunity to kill Bekka Drake and motive to kill Maggie Wilson and Connie Hart. He would have known that they were sisters. Maggie Wilson’s boss said she had lunch with her twin all the time.” Croft crossed to Emma and slid his hand into her hair and gently kissed her.
“Nice one, Agent Croft,” she said, softly.
“Wait until later,” he promised, and then went back to discussing the killer. “Now all we need is some substantial DNA evidence to tie this all up with a real tidy bow.”
“I’ll call over to the lab and see if there’s anything back yet on the trace evidence,” said Briggs, getting up from his chair and walking out of the room.
“I think that I owe you dinner for your spectacular ability to tie up loose ends.” Greyson murmured, leaning into Emma to breath in her scent. He ran his lips across the pulse in her throat, and enjoyed when it jumped erratically.
“I might let you take me out to a celebratory dinner if we do indeed get back the DNA, and it proves that Billy was responsible,” said Emma, as she put her hand on his arm. “I might even be persuaded to wear a dress.”
“I’m going to hold you to that, Sheriff. If it comes back that he’s our guy, I’ll take you out to celebrate. I hear that the next town over has a great little Italian place.”
Emma leaned against him. “Does it now?” She ran her finger across his lower lip. “Maybe we should go and investigate together.”
“Oh yeah, honey, let’s do that. Investigate happens to be my middle name.” Croft leaned forward to rub his lips across Emma’s. He was already deepening the lip lock when they were interrupted by Briggs rushing back into the room.
“Oops, sorry,” he said, coming to a stop. “I just thought you’d like to know that not only does the knife have Betty Kline’s blood on it, but there were fingerprints on the handle. Does anyone want to guess whose prints?” Briggs looked like he was going to explode in excitement.
“We won’t ruin it for you, Agent, by guessing. We’ll let you just tell us,” smiled Emma.
“I have a date riding on this, Curtis, with a beautiful woman, so please make me happy,” stated Croft.
“Don’t forget she’s going to be wearing a dress,” Emma added.
“How could I forget?” Already, the blood was pounding in his ears, but it wasn’t the dress that he was thinking about He was fanaticizing about what would be under it.
“Well, it seems the lab, in their excitement of having blood DNA, ran fingerprints through our system, and they popped. Billy’s prints were on the handle of the knife.”
“Why was he in the system, Curtis?” asked Emma.
“Unluckily for him, we have access to a Federal database. Since the US Postal Service is a government employer, they had his prints on file.”
Greyson grinned wickedly at Emma. “We have a face for our suspect, and I get a date with the beautiful sheriff. It looks like I’m the big winner for today.”
“You may even get very lucky after dinner,” she said, running her fingers down the front of his shirt
Briggs didn’t look as happy as his partner did. “Hey, what do I get?”
“You my friend get the satisfaction of knowing we are one step closer to catching a serial killer,” teased his partner. “Plus, you get to put out the all-points bulletin on Billy Barnes.”
“I think somehow, I just got the shaft. You get dinner with a sexy woman, probably incredible sex, and I get the paperwork.”
Croft began laughing as he held her hand possessively in his. “Partner, you have no idea. Now, stop thinking about Emma and sex, or I’m going to hurt you.”
She started laughing at the expression on the young man’s face. Yeah, Greyson was a complete and total caveman.
Lucky her!
Monday Evening
The rest of the day moved smoothly in Emma’s opinion. They put out their APB on Billy Barnes, finished up all the paperwork, and then were able to escape at the end of the shift.
Emma found herself riding back to her cabin with Agent Briggs while Croft disappeared back to their place to get ready for the celebratory dinner. She desperately tried to argue with Briggs that she didn’t need him sitting out in her living room while she prepped for her date, but he wasn’t hearing it. Emma suspected that Croft had threatened his life, if the man even thought about leaving her side.
She took her time getting ready, since this technically would be their first date. Yeah, she’d already slept with him, and let him move his cat into her home, but this was a real date.
Those were far and few between in her life, and she wanted to make it memorable for both of them. Besides, the prospect of looking all girly for Greyson heated her body and blood. The man was sexy, and she needed to make sure she met the bar he’d set.
Emma hopped out of the shower smelling like lavender and quite relaxed. It was a really nice feeling to take an evening off and simply be herself. She’s been so stressed about the murders that a few hours of quiet would be greatly welcomed.
Part of her was feeling guilty. While she was out having dinner, she’d sent out the deputies on duty to continually drive around town, keeping their eyes and ears open.
A girl was entitled to a couple of hours of down time. Wasn’t she?
Emma went to her closet and stared into the sea of apparel. Most of the clothing in front were part of her Celestia work gear. They were all jeans and one horrid uniform that she wasn’t ever planning to wear. Pushing them all aside, she was preparing to break out the big guns for Greyson. Emma wanted to feel like a woman tonight, not a gun toting sheriff.
When she finally found the section of dresses and sexy attire, she grinned. Everything there reminded her of her life in the big city. It was the last time she actually socialized, and seemed appropriate she wear something from that time in her life. It was going to be a hard decision until the dress caught her eye. She had bought it before her brother was murdered and never had the opportunity to wear it out. It was perfect for the evening. It made exactly the right statement. She smiled as she proceeded to slip into it.
Now all she could hope was that the man would be speechless. Was it wrong that she prayed he went deaf, dumb, and blind when he saw her?
Oh well, a girl could dream.
Back at his cabin, he finished shaving and stared into the mirror. Time had been kind, but still it had gone fleeting by. He was getting older and really, there was nothing but his career to show for it. He had always wanted to work for the FBI, but at one time, he’d also wanted a wife and a family of his own. All his sisters were happily married, and he even had some entertaining nephews and nieces that reminded him of how much fun it was growing up as a kid.
Croft towel dried his hair, staring into his own eyes in the mirror. “Don’t screw this up pal, you get one shot at the first date,” he warned as he turned and headed for his suit. Part of him wished that she had never seen him dressed up, so he could catch her off guard.
The entire shower, he wondered what Emma would be wearing on their date. Earlier, he’d tried to get her to tell him, and she’d simply shrugged, grinning. Whatever she picked, he was hoping she smelled like her customary lavender. The scent made him feel all warm and tingly, or possibly it was her that made him feel these emotions. Either way, he knew it was going to be hard to keep his hands off her.
Completing the finishing touches, he stared in the mirror and grinned. Yeah, he was ready for her
and their evening.
Now, he hoped he did her justice.
Briggs was sitting on the couch when Croft entered the cabin. He had taken Emma’s keys, so the door could remain locked, just in case. When Briggs saw his partner, he glanced up from the work he was doing on his tablet. “Hey, slick, you clean up real good.”
His partner just laughed. “Yeah, I’ve been known to do it on occasion for the right girl.”
“Nice flowers.” Briggs pointed at offering in his partner’s hand. “Red roses? You’re going hard core on date one.”
Didn’t he know it? If he had time to buy an engagement ring, he would have pulled that out of his pocket tonight. “Tomorrow’s Emma’s birthday, and I’m trying to score points with her.”
“Good luck, boss, but she’s too smart for that. I guarantee she sees right through your attempt at charm.” He grinned at his friend and how hard he was trying. “Do you want me to get her?”
“No, I think I can find her,” Croft answered. As he turned, he didn't have to go far. Emma appeared in the doorway, and he swore his heart stopped in his chest
They both stared.
“Hello, Grey,” she said softly.
Greyson Croft was caught completely off guard. Yes, he knew she’d be beautiful, but she looked almost…ethereal. Emma had chosen a simple black dress that wrapped around her neck and left her shoulders bare. It emphasized her lean body and full breasts. On her feet, she was wearing what appeared to be stilts that arched her feet and made her legs appear even longer than they were. “Hello, beautiful,” he said as he continued to allow his gaze to slide back up her body.
Briggs just whistled, still unable to form a sentence.
Croft ignored his partner and continued to check out his girl. Emma’s hair was free and left to cascade down her back. It looked like a copper cloud of silk. Around her neck was a simple silver chain with a Celtic knot of some sort. She spun in a circle, and Croft was able to see the back baring dress from all angles.
“Well, how do I look?” she asked, looking from man to man and back to Croft again. She stopped in front of Croft, hoping she’d picked a good dress.
He stared.
“Hello, are you in there?” She couldn’t help but laugh. Catching him silent and off guard was an abnormality. “Babe?”
She put her hand on his arm and all he could smell was lavender, and his stomach flipped. “My God, woman, are you trying to kill me?” was all he was able to get out. She smiled and grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pulled his lips to hers. When she broke the kiss, Emma stepped back to look at both men.
“While you two just stare, I’m going to go get my wrap. I’ll be right back.
Croft watched her walk away and didn’t know what to say. Was it possible that he’d gotten this damn lucky?
As she crossed the living room, Emma made sure that she put every ounce of seductiveness that she could muster into to the walk. Once in her room, she closed the door and leaned up against it. Her stomach was fluttering, and she was fighting off a furious blush.
Emma wasn’t prepared when she walked into the room and saw Greyson standing there in his suit. He had to be the most delicious man she had ever seen. Emma was so hopelessly in love with him that she knew that she would never get away. She could still smell his cologne and see him in his black suit and shirt with the top button opened at his throat. He looked all-powerful and fully masculine. Not to mention, he brought her flowers.
She really couldn’t remember the last time a man did that.
“Deep breath and stand up straight!” she demanded to herself, grabbing her wrap off the bed. Heading back into the room, she prayed her skin wasn’t giving away the heat coursing through her body. When she reached his side, Emma ran her hand down his sleeve delicately. “Are those for me?” she asked, pointing at the flowers.
“Yes, happy early birthday, honey.” Giving her the flowers, he took the time to slowly give her a kiss. It was probably a really bad idea, since now he wanted to drag her back into her room.
When they broke apart, neither spoke but instead, they stared deeply into each other’s eyes.
Agent Briggs cleared his throat.
Finally, Emma found her voice. “I’ll put them in water,” she said, running her hand down his cheek, lovingly. “I adore them, Grey.” Emma breathed in their fragrance and left the men to stare. There was a big mushy part of her heart for Greyson. How could she not be touched that he remembered her birthday? It had been a few years since anyone cared to celebrate with her.
Greyson stood there until Briggs finally broke the silence. “Damn, Croft. Just holy shit!”
He knew what his partner meant. “Yeah, tell me about it.” His heartbeat was finally regulating, but his mind was wandering.
“She looked good enough to eat. You are quite possibly the luckiest SOB on the planet. I never thought I’d say this, but old man, I want to be you tonight.”
Croft lifted a brow. “Don’t make me hurt you, Curtis. If you’re picturing my woman naked, you better stop because the ‘old man’ doesn’t like to share--even his fantasies,” answered Croft, turning to stare the young man down.
“I’m just saying,” he began, pausing when his partner glared at him menacingly. “Never mind. I’ll shut up.”
Emma returned to the room and handed Croft her wrap so he could help her into it. She briefly leaned back up against him so she could feel his warmth.
His body reacted immediately, and he leaned down to kiss her on the bare shoulder.
Briggs broke the spell. “Now, kids, be back by midnight and call if you’re going to be late,” he added, snickering.
“Don’t wait up. I plan on keeping Grey out late tonight,” she teased, winking. “I’m sure he’s not too old and can handle it.”
“Oh, I’ll be up all night.”
Emma snickered at his innuendo.
He paused, staring back at Briggs when Emma walked out the door. “Just know that I will kill you if you’re here when we get back.” He hustled out the door after his woman, not wanting her outside alone.
Briggs laughed as he packed up his laptop and papers. There was no doubt he’d inflict bodily harm.
Could he blame him?
Emma was quiet all the way to the restaurant. Croft had taken his and Briggs car so that Emma wouldn’t have to climb up into the Jeep in a dress. Although the idea of watching her outfit slide up her legs wasn’t an unpleasant one.
“Are you okay, honey?” he asked, concerned.
“Yeah, I’m just thinking what a nice night it is, and how good it feels to relax for a little while,” Emma answered, watching him drive. Her heart was still pounding over how handsome he looked. “Thank you for the birthday flowers. I love roses. They’re one of my favorites.”
“When I stopped by the florist, they remind me of you.”
“Did they now?” she grinned.
Greyson reached over, taking her hand in his and interlocking their fingers. “You always smell like a garden and your skin is soft like a rose petal.”
“Why Agent Croft, I do believe there is a romantic streak in you.” A smile curved across her lips.
“I do believe you bring it out in me, Emma.” Only you, he thought. No one else had ever come close.
Emma leaned over, leaving a peck on his cheek.
“I think this is the place,” he said, as he pulled into the parking lot. Jumping out, he raced to Emma’s door to assist her exiting the confines of the car. Greyson’s heart fluttered as she reached up to take his hand, all the while smiling brightly at him.
This night was up there with one of the best nights of his life.
Croft possessively wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled Emma against his side, so he could feel the warmth of her body. Automatically, her hand snaked under his suit jacket and rested on his hip. It occurred to him that it was the most amazing feeling in the world.
Walking through the restaurant, he felt like the luckiest man in th
e world. It was mind boggling that a woman like Emma could love and want him as much as he needed her.
After they were seated at the candle lit table with the checkered tablecloth, Greyson enjoyed watching Emma completely relaxed. It was one of the few times that he had seen her at peace. “Did I mention you look absolutely beautiful tonight?” he stated as she drank her glass of wine.
“I don’t believe you did. Although, I did get that impression as you stood in my living room staring at me. It was that or I looked horrifying.”
Greyson shook his head. “I thought for a few moments that I might swallow my tongue.”
Emma just smiled into her wine and made a mental check in her column for a victory. “Well, if you’re going to be honest with me, then I might as well be too.” She put her glass down and leaned forward to whisper to Croft. “My first thoughts were how sexy you looked.”
It was his turn to smile. “It’s good to see I still have it in me.”
“Oh, I don’t think it’s ever going to be a problem for you, Grey. You’re incredibly handsome.”
“I was just thinking that I’m really fortunate to be on this date with you. Honey, you truly have spectacular legs.” He picked up his wine and went to take a sip.
At that moment, Emma rubbed one leg right past his calf brushing it ever so slightly. She nearly laughed as his hand jerked.
“Doing things like that,” he stated before continuing, “will put me into an early grave.” Now he was smiling wickedly. “But I assure you, I’ll enjoy every second of it.”
His eyes in the candle light were molten and the wicked grin made her all hot and bothered. Emma covered her mouth with her napkin as she laughed. “Then I think we’re going to have a very interesting evening.”
“God, I hope so!”
They moved closer together as they ate their dinner. There were shared whispers and kisses as the night progressed. Emma even rested her hand on his leg at one point to join them together.
Celestia is Falling (A Croft & Croft Romance Adventure Book 1) Page 42