HIS Desire: An H.I.S. Novel (H.I.S. series Book 1)

by Kell, Sheila

  “Don’t worry about him. If he ever shows up here again, you call me.” His voice brokered no argument.

  “Okay.”

  Mary wouldn’t call. Kate would talk to Josh about watching over her. He wouldn’t mind doing it. She could count on him to call her or Jesse if Dan returned.

  Jesse looked at Kate. “You ready?”

  “Mary, do you need me?”

  “She’s got me, Kate.” Josh moved closer to Mary’s side.

  * * * * *

  Jesse and Kate rode home in tense silence. They arrived at her apartment, and she waited for him to unlock the door and check it. She felt like an idiot standing there waiting when she could check her apartment herself. He’d been helpful at Mary’s, so she’d let him play the alpha male taking care of the damsel in distress if that’s what he really needed to do. For a few days.

  He cleared her to enter.

  “Thank you for being there today, Jesse.”

  She could see him reigning in his anger with his jaw tight and his lips flat. What was Ken doing with Dan? Did she really want to know?

  Jesse surprised her by putting a hand on her shoulder, sending an involuntary shiver through her. “Kate, I told you where you go, I go. I would’ve been pissed had you tried to handle that on your own. I need you to believe me that there is a possible threat against you. You can’t take any chances.”

  “I still don’t believe you, but you’re right, I can’t take the chance.”

  His thumb began rubbing her shoulder. Her sensitivity to his touch shocked her.

  “I’ll not fight you, unless you’re unreasonable.”

  He nodded, seemed to realize what he’d been doing, released her and stepped back. “First, you don’t walk Dottie any longer. My men can do it. That is too much time out in the open.”

  She couldn’t argue about opening herself up as a target so easily. But she wouldn’t let just anyone take care of her dog. “I agree, but I’d rather have Joy walk her. She wouldn’t mind the extra pay.”

  “That’s fine.”

  “Jesse, I may be the target, but I’m not hiding in here.”

  He grinned. “From you, sweetheart, I’d expect no less.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  “If you don’t have anything planned for today, I’d like to go see Reagan. It’s Saturday so she’s out of kindergarten.” Jesse pushed his chair back from the dining table.

  “I don’t have anything planned. Go and see Reagan. I’ll be fine.” Kate stood, picked up their lunch plates and walked to the kitchen to rinse them, feeling something akin to relief that she’d have some time away from him. The more she was alone with him, the stronger the pull.

  She heard Jesse approach and release a heavy sigh. “Kate, I’m not sure why you aren’t getting this. Where you go, I go. So it stands to reason, where I go, you go. You’re coming with me.”

  She spun around, tripped on his foot and fell against his chest. She inhaled sharply at the contact and reveled in the smell of the soap he’d used, mingled with his fresh male scent then cursed her body for being turned-on by something as simple as his smell.

  He reached for her waist. “Whoa. You okay?”

  She nodded and attempted to step back, but his hands held her firmly in place. She froze as he moved one of his hands and tilted her face up to him. She closed her eyes because she knew what would happen if she opened them. His gorgeous golden-brown eyes were her weakness. She’d be lost in them, finding herself melting and wanting his kiss.

  “Kate, look at me,” he said softly.

  Her well-planned resistance failed. She opened her eyes, and their gazes locked. The smoldering heat in his eyes almost singed her. There was no chance of misunderstanding his desire for her.

  The back of his hand lightly stroked her cheek. Her skin tingled where he touched her. His gaze dropped to her lips and her tongue automatically darted out to dampen them. Could she be more obvious she expected to be kissed?

  “Kate.” He slowly lowered his head. His cell phone rang, startling them both. She jumped back as if she’d been burned by fire and bumped into the kitchen counter. Her body felt that way, felt as if a roaring flame had ignited inside her, touching her deep down.

  His eyes narrowed as he watched her attempt to separate herself from him. His arm circled her waist and pulled her close.

  He answered the phone and immediately a smile tugged at his lips. “Hey, sweetheart.”

  With nowhere to go, she stood there awkwardly trying not to get closer to him. The idea of him talking with another woman, and calling her sweetheart, irritated her. No man had affected her like this. She didn’t think she could fight where their relationship would lead. Relationship? What the hell was she thinking? It was nothing but sexual desire, plain and simple.

  Jesse laughed. “We’re coming to see you in a few minutes.”

  Her head snapped up to his sparkling eyes. He knew what she’d been thinking. Knew she’d been jealous. Jealous. She couldn’t be jealous. She had no reason to be jealous.

  “Yes, I’m bringing her with me.”

  His daughter knew about her? What did she know? Did she know about the danger or did she think Kate was another one of daddy’s girlfriends? She hoped he’d been a better father than to parade women he had no intention of getting into a relationship with in front of his impressionable daughter. Five-year-olds were smart. She’d understand her daddy’s work brought Kate there, not a chance she’d have a new mother.

  “See you shortly. I love you, too.”

  He laid the phone on the counter. “Now, where were we?”

  She put her hand on his chest, felt the heat radiating between them. “We were almost doing something we aren’t going to do.”

  He arched his eyebrows. “Oh, really?” The laughter in his voice rang out.

  “Really. Now, let me by so I can get ready to go.” She pushed against his chest, surprised when he moved. She’d expected him to try to kiss her and felt a little disappointed he hadn’t. She had to get herself together. This couldn’t happen.

  * * * * *

  On the drive to Emily’s house, Kate tried to break the tension between them, asking questions about Reagan which Jesse happily answered. His love for his daughter shined brighter than the North Star when he spoke of her.

  She looked forward to meeting Emily. She learned that Emily was the baby of the family and had doubled up on her college classes to graduate early with a degree in accounting. It hadn’t settled well with the brothers that she’d talked about moving away after she finished.

  Kate asked about Emily’s daughter’s father, but Jesse quickly changed the subject. Okay. A taboo subject. She’d avoided a landmine by learning that before she asked Emily about him. It did pique her curiosity, though. The brothers didn’t seem the type to let a man walk away from Emily and Amber.

  A small brick house with about one-half of an acre of lush green lawn that extended to a wooded area came into view.

  “I don’t see your men.”

  “Trust me they’re there.”

  She surveyed the area but couldn’t find them. All the firepower Jesse and his men carried didn’t stop her from carrying her weapon. She wouldn’t be caught off-guard, no matter how many men surrounded her. She’d kept it in her purse instead of in the new holster as she didn’t want to scare the children. She didn’t wear a jacket like Jesse that concealed his weapon.

  Two men with visible holstered weapons on their sides walked out of the house and stood on the porch. So much for her concern over wearing a weapon around the children.

  Jesse stepped on the porch, but before he had an opportunity to speak, a squeal erupted, and he leaned down to catch the little girl launching herself at him. Reagan squeezed his neck with her small arms. She pulled back and put both hands on his face, and then kissed him with a loud smack.

  “Daddy, come see what I drawed.” She noticed Kate and pointed at her. “Is this that lady you have to protect?”

  With
his daughter held tightly in his arms, Jesse turned to Kate. “Yes, pumpkin. Reagan, I’d like you to meet Miss Kate Ross. Kate, this is my daughter Reagan.”

  Reagan smiled at her, the cutest tiny dimples appeared. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Kate.” She turned back to her father. “Did I do it right, Daddy? Did I do good manners?”

  He chuckled. “That was perfect, sweetheart.” He kissed her cheek.

  “Did you want to come see what I drawed, Miss Kate?”

  Kate beamed. “I’d love to, Reagan.”

  “Give us a minute, pumpkin, and we’ll be in there to see your beautiful pictures.” He set Reagan down and shooed her back into the house.

  She smiled up at her father. “Okay, Daddy, you have two minutes. I’ll be waiting.”

  Kate couldn’t hold in the light laughter that escaped her as she listened to Reagan give Jesse orders. She imagined he followed them.

  He turned to her. “What?”

  She sobered. “Nothing. She’s precious.” She bet Reagan had all the men twisted around her tiny finger.

  “Kate, these are my brothers, Brad and Matt.”

  Brad whistled. “Damn, Jesse. No wonder you chose to protect her and stuck us with the kids.” He gave Kate an appraising look. She felt nothing. Nothing like when Jesse did the same thing.

  A beautiful woman approached, and Jesse pulled her into a tight hug. Jealousy reared its ugly head again. What the hell was wrong with her? She shouldn’t be jealous. But, he’d lied to her. He’d told her he wasn’t seeing anyone when all along he’d been protecting her here. All the women I love are in the same place.

  He released the woman from the hug, put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tight against him. “Kate, this is my baby sister Emily. Em, this is Kate Ross.”

  What an idiot. Of course it was his sister. They were at her house. But she wasn’t what Kate had expected. She looked nothing like her brothers. She was petite, had shoulder-length platinum hair and baby blue eyes. She’d never seen a photo of their mother, but she guessed Emily looked like her since the men took after their father.

  “Emily, it’s nice to meet you.” She extended her left hand.

  Emily smiled and awkwardly shook it. “The same goes here.” She gave Jesse a sly smile. “Come on in but keep it down. Amber’s taking a much needed nap.”

  They followed Emily into the living room where Reagan had papers and crayons scattered on a white children’s table in the center of the room. Jesse pulled out one of the tiny pink chairs and attempted to sit, garnering giggles from his daughter when he purposely fell to the floor.

  “Silly, you’re too big for that chair.”

  “Silly, huh?” He moved to his daughter and tickled her.

  A child’s laughter, especially while being tickled, was one of the most uplifting sounds in the world. The contagiousness of it had Kate chuckling at Jesse’s antics. She’d never expected him to be so playful, so carefree. He behaved like a different person. A father who made a fool of himself for his daughter. The more she learned about the man, the deeper her feelings became.

  When he stopped, Reagan talked between catching breaths, “Again, Daddy.”

  He didn’t disappoint her.

  Kate’s heart expanded as she watched the interaction between father and daughter. She’d had a great life with the Ross’ but had always wondered what her life would have been like had her parents lived. Would her father have played with her like Jesse did with his daughter?

  Emily lightly touched her arm. “Come on. I was about to make Reagan a snack. This could go on for a while.”

  The twins sat on the pale red couch and turned their attention to the sports channel on the television. “Don’t forget us. We need a snack, too. We’re growing boys.” Brad winked at Kate.

  Emily put her hands on her hips. “Well then, get your asses up and get something. You know where the kitchen is. And quit trying to flirt with your brother’s girlfriend.”

  Kate looked around. Did they really think she was Jesse’s girlfriend? Surely, he’d explained the situation and her appearance at his sister’s house. “Um, I’m not, um Jesse’s girlfriend.”

  The looks that passed between the twins and Emily told her they thought differently.

  “Really, he’s just trying to protect me.”

  Brad stepped forward and raised his eyebrows. “Well, then, how about we change out bodyguards?”

  Kate didn’t know how to respond. Earlier she’d thought of having AJ find a replacement for Jesse, but she wasn’t sure how to take Brad.

  Emily laughed. “I’m glad to see something has taken away your surliness, brother, but you’re wasting your breath. He’s not even paying attention.” She turned to Kate and motioned her to a compact kitchen. “I know it’s a bit small, but it’s all Amber and I need while I’m going to school.”

  “It’s cozy.”

  Emily shrugged. “It’s a rental.” She reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a bag of grapes, a block of cheese and two apples. “Are you able to pull grapes off the stem?”

  This one-handed thing annoyed her. “I think I can manage.”

  As they prepared a small three-sectioned princess plate for Reagan, ensuring nothing touched, and a platter for the men, Kate’s curiosity got the best of her. “What happened to Reagan’s mother?”

  Emily stilled. “Did Jesse not tell you?”

  Kate shook her head. “I didn’t ask him.”

  “I think you need to ask him. Now, let’s bring this to my guests.”

  * * * * *

  Jesse stood frozen outside the kitchen. He’d never discussed how his wife died with anyone outside his family, except to say it had been a robbery gone wrong. The blame he piled upon himself couldn’t be shared. And he didn’t need people adding more blame to him because he should’ve been there to save her and not bullshitting with his brother. He should’ve known something had been wrong when she’d taken so long.

  Kate would see him as a failure. If she knew about his culpability in his wife’s death, she’d make him leave because she couldn’t depend on him. He wouldn’t let that happen. She needed him, and he would be there.

  He cared about her, and his focus should be on keeping her close for protection, not for lovemaking. Without trying, she’d innocently turned him inside out.

  Kate’s eyes widened when she saw him, knowing he’d heard her.

  He forced a smile and reached out for Reagan’s plate. “Here, I’ll take that.”

  Emily swatted playfully at his arm and he acted wounded. “Of course, I do all the work, and you reap all the rewards.”

  He chuckled and preceded them into the living room. The twins both reached for the platter before Kate could set it down.

  “Devon’s here.” Brad put an apple slice in his mouth.

  A minute later, deep male laughter floated into the room. At least now he could focus on the case instead of on Kate’s lush body.

  His brother and two men entered, and he introduced them to Kate. He watched her reaction to Devon. Without being conceited, he knew he and his brothers were considered handsome men. But, much to AJ’s dismay, Devon was the most fawned over. Women said he had a sensual appeal about him. Whatever the hell that meant.

  Jesse relaxed when she didn’t react any differently to Devon than when she’d met his other brothers.

  “Uncle Dev! Uncle Dev!” Reagan reached her arms up in the child signal to pick-me-up.

  Devon did just that and gave her a tight hug. “Hey, pip-squeak.”

  She pulled back and wrinkled her nose. “I’m not a pip-squeak. Aunt Em says I’m a big girl.”

  He tweaked her nose. “What’s my angel been doing today? Have you been good for Aunt Em?”

  He loved how great his brothers were with his daughter. They’d been his salvation after he’d lost Jen. None of them knew what to do with a two-month old but were determined to give her all the love they had. Until he’d hired someone to help, Emily, as a t
eenager, stepped forward and had taken charge. She required the men to change diapers and burp Reagan in no time.

  “Of course I’ve been good. And I drawed today, Uncle Dev. I did a picture just for you.” She squirmed in his arms. “Put me down so I can show you.”

  Devon chuckled and set her down. He ruffled the hair on top of her. “Go get it so I can see your masterpiece.”

  “Hi, Mr. Joe and Mr. Steve.” She skipped off.

  Six grown men stood transfixed by the little girl, broad smiles spread across their faces.

  “She gets cuter every day.” Devon turned to Jesse.

  Jesse stood taller, prouder. “She does. And more damn independent, too.” She was at the ‘I’ll-do-it-myself’ stage and refused to let Jesse help her. It gave him mixed feelings. On one hand, he had pride in her new found independence. On the other hand, it disappointed him that she no longer needed him all of the time.

  While they’d chatted with Reagan, fawning over her pictures, Emily, Joe and Steve moved chairs from the dining table to the living room for more seating. Emily herded Jesse’s daughter out of the room, trying to convince the little girl that she should nap like Amber. Reagan refused to leave the room until the men promised they’d be there when she woke up.

  Jesse grabbed a chair and moved it beside where Kate sat. He’d heard Brad flirting with her and had wanted to punch him in the face. His brothers would learn that she was off-limits to them. She was his and his alone. That possessive thought startled him.

  Jesse nodded at Devon. “Got anything new?”

  Devon tossed a grape in his mouth and shook his head. “Not much. We’ve gone through your cases and nothing stands out. We don’t know how the Facilitator lost someone he loves so that’s making it difficult.”

  Jesse nodded.

  “Thankfully, Joe and Steve have shortened the list of possible suspects, but it’s still going to take some time.”

  Time worried him. Knowing there would be a second attack, but not knowing how or when, wore on the brothers. Without knowing who to look for, the killer could walk right up to any of them, and it’d be too late.