by Roxy Wilson
Reece entered the tiny office. There was a window in the back and a small desk took up most of the place. He put his hands on the back of the chair as he stared down at the woman who’d made his life far more complicated than he liked. “I’m Reece Madison.”
She didn’t appear perturbed to see him in her office. The woman sure had cool nerves. “I know. I’ve seen you in town. My name is Nya Haywood.”
There was a haunting quality to her voice. Up close, he could see that her rich, dark brown eyes had a reddish undertone. Her espresso brown skin glowed with health, and her shiny black hair with purple highlights was tied in a ponytail. He’d seen her in the forest before. He recalled she’d shoved her hair under a cap then. Reece could imagine loosening and running his hands through it. He was sure it was as luscious as it looked. Aghast at his own train of thought, he could only stare at her. All words escaped his mind.
He forgot why he’d come here. She cleared her throat, and he was brought back to reality. “You told the police my car was seen at the scene of crime?”
She raised an eyebrow. “I saw it, and yes, I called it in. You weren’t the one who was driving it?”
“I was, but there’s nothing wrong with driving on a road.” Acutely aware she didn’t ask him to sit, he dragged the chair back and sat on it. “They were at my office, with me answering pesky questions and insinuating things they have no right to say to me.”
She picked up a pen and twirled it between her fingers. “If you have nothing to hide, then you don’t need to worry.”
“Oh, yeah right.” Reece narrowed his eyes. “Don’t you think the police won’t target me because I’m the easiest option?”
She leaned back against her chair. “The police will do their job. I don’t think they’ll want to frame you just because you’re an easy target. They would want to put the real killer behind bars.”
“Please…They would want to wrap up this case as fast as they can, and they wouldn’t care whom they hurt in the process. Even if they don’t frame me, as you so astutely said, they’ll definitely hurt my reputation.”
She sighed and put the pen on the desk. “Mr. Madison. I can understand the reason for your anger. Any normal, upstanding citizen would be a little rattled if the police were looking at them in a murder investigation, but I’m sure it’s just a routine matter. They’re covering all the angles, and you’re just one of them.”
“Are you really this naïve or are you just pretending to be?” He hadn’t meant to say it in such a blunt manner, but now that he uttered the words, he could see he’d irritated her. Good. She was the one who put him on the police’s radar. Let her learn what it felt like to be on the receiving end of something she didn’t like.
“I think we’ve reached the end of this conversation,” she replied in a stiff voice.
Even though she was pissed off with him, all he could think about was that she was one of the cutest women he’d ever met. Well, not cute really. She was downright stunning. Her eyes smoked fire towards him while her body was rigid. Still, he couldn’t help but notice all her curves—and they were beautiful. She was a man’s woman. Big and beautiful. He wanted to get his hands on her and rip off her clothes. His blood roiled as he imagined doing just that in this tiny office. Reece took deep breaths to clear his mind.
What the hell was happening to him?
Yes, he was attracted to her, but he never felt quite so strongly about another woman before. The extent of his attraction shocked him. These daydreams and naughty thoughts had no place in an organized and orderly life, which was exactly what he preferred. “I don’t think we’re quite done.” He spread his hands on the desk. “Since you’re the one who got me into this mess, I think it’s only fair you do something to help me out now.”
She curled her upper lip and he resisted the urge to kiss her. While she emitted hostile waves towards him, he could barely keep his thoughts on track. His hands itched to touch her. Just once. No, he couldn’t. This woman was trouble, and he wanted to stay as far away from her as possible. Of course, right now he needed her. She was the only one who could do what he wanted.
“I don’t owe you anything, Mr. Madison.”
“Oh yes, you do. Would you like it if they arrested me? Think of the headlines and what they would do to my business. Need I remind you that half of this town is employed in my factory and until we built it, the town was nearly dying from lack of opportunities?”
“That might be true, but if you’re the one who committed the murder, the police and I would do whatever is needed to put you behind bars.”
He nearly laughed. “If I were the murderer, I wouldn’t be here asking for your help. Rather, I would be planning your murder, so I could do away with a key witness. After all, no one saw me there except for you and if you’re not around…” He spread his hands and then dropped them on his lap.
Her eyes widened, and for a moment, something flickered in their depths.
Fear? He thought so. Reece felt guilty…he didn’t mean to scare her.
There was silence in the room. What was she thinking? Did she think he was getting ready to attack her? How could she believe he was the murderer?
He reminded himself that she didn’t know him at all. “I’m sorry,” he said. “That wasn’t an appropriate comment at all. It’s just that…” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I’ve been delivered a double blow. Not only was one of my valuable employees murdered but also, I’m probably the prime suspect just because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I didn’t kill him, and yet the police are looking at me, and while they’re busy doing that, the real murderer is likely getting away.” He could see her shoulders relax as she considered him.
Nya straightened one of the picture frames on the desk.
He could see that it was a picture of a dog. “Yours?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“What’s his name?”
If she was surprised by the sudden change of topic, she didn’t show it. “He’s gone. Died a year ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
She sighed. “He was a good dog. Simba. That’s what his name was.”
“Ah! The Lion King.”
A smile flickered over her lips for just a moment but then she curbed it. “It’s my favorite animated movie.”
“Mine too,” he admitted. “But I’m also a fan of the new movies they’ve been making recently.”
She tilted her head. “I can’t imagine you sitting in a theatre and watching a movie that is aimed at children.”
“But I do,” he admitted. “Movies are one of my passions. I hardly miss anything new that comes out. The only thing I don’t like to watch is horror. That’s just not my genre.” He couldn’t believe he was having this conversation with her. That’s not why he came. He gave himself a mental shake as he studied her. “So let’s get to the point.”
She appeared just as flabbergasted as he was. “I’m all ears.”
He ignored her sarcastic tone. “Since you were the one who found the body, the police would be more inclined to cooperate with you. Perhaps if they pass on some information which you feel affects me, you can send it my way.”
Nya frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the prime suspect.”
“But I assure you, I haven’t killed him.”
She sighed. “I can’t believe we’re actually talking about this. Listen, Mr. Madison, I think you need to have more faith in the police. If you didn’t do anything wrong then they’re not going to hound you.”
They were exactly right back where they’d started. Reece wasn’t sure why he came here. Did he really think she would help him out? Of course, originally, he came here to vent, but seeing her, he couldn’t even do that properly. There was something about this woman that tugged at the strings of his heart. Rather than rage at her, he wanted to sit and stare at her beautiful face. Or perhaps do something more.
Heck yeah!
He wanted to kiss her.
<
br /> Startled by his own thoughts, he stood. “I’m sorry you haven’t seen the merit of my request. I hope it is as you said, and the police don’t target me just because it’s convenient to do so. But if they do that; it will on be on your head.”
She gaped at his accusation.
He didn’t wait for a reply. Reece turned and strode out of her office. In the corridor, he passed a man. He couldn’t be sure but he thought it was Nya’s superior officer. The man stopped and stared at him, but Reece didn’t give him a chance to initiate a conversation. He walked out of the office, got into his car, and sped to his house.
Whatever happened next, he would deal with it.
He wasn’t afraid of anything. For too long, he handled any and all trouble that headed his way on his own and this time, it wasn’t going to be any different. For a few moments, he’d harbored the hope that perhaps he’d found an ally in Nya, but that was a silly thought. She wouldn’t ever help him.
As she said, she didn’t owe him anything.
Well, she did. But she didn’t know it.
He made an effort and it failed. It wouldn’t discourage him.
Nothing could keep him down.
Nothing at all.
That was just the way it was.
Chapter Three
Nya was puzzled. While this was the first time she’d ever spoken to Reese, she got the strange feeling she’d seen him before. It was his eyes. They reminded her of someone, but Nya couldn’t figure out what it was.
Or maybe it was just her imagination.
When Chief Sullivan came in, she was typing a report. “Sir?”
“I saw Reece Madison.”
Damn it. With an effort, she kept her face expressionless. “Yes, he wasn’t too happy that I reported his presence to the police and came to give me a dressing down.”
“If he was rude…”
She shook her head. “Actually, he wasn’t,” she said quickly. While she wasn’t too pleased with Reece’s demands, she had to admit he was far more courteous than he should have been. If he wasn’t the murderer then her reporting only landed him in trouble that he didn’t need. While she trusted the police, she was also aware of small town dynamics. Reece was an outsider. He was an enigma, and he didn’t have old ties to the town. The police would focus more on him than they ordinarily would have done if he was part of the fabric of their community. “I told him that I only did my job, and he left.”
She wasn’t quite sure why she hid the fact that Reece wanted her to pass information from the police. Perhaps it was because she didn’t have ay intention of doing as he said. There was no need to tell the Chief. It would only make him think Reece was guilty.
It wasn’t her job to protect Reece, but somehow she felt compelled to do so.
The Chief regarded her solemnly as if he suspected that she wasn’t telling him all. “I’ve had a talk with the Chief of Police, and he seems to think your observation was perceptive. Reece’s presence in that area puts him as a serious suspect. I would urge you to not maintain any contact with him.”
“Of course, sir. I don’t plan to.”
“Good.” He studied the pile of files she’d placed on the desk. “How are the reports coming along?”
“I’m right on schedule.”
“It’s been a while since I got an officer who’s as dedicated as you. Most of them are happy to roam in the forest but they suck at paperwork; but you’re good at both.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Keep up the good work. I’d hate to lose you for any reason.” He saluted her. “See you.” He went out of the office before she could comment on his strange response.
Was that a warning? Was he actually telling her to stay away from Reece because he believed her association with the billionaire would stain her reputation? Nya shook her head. Ever since she met Reece, she was getting into one trouble after another. Well, technically not true. Ever since her encounter with the bear and the wolf, she was having some strange experiences.
Maybe it was just a bad phase.
It didn’t matter. Surely, it would be over soon. Nya concentrated on her work and tried to keep her mind off Reece. He didn’t have any place in her life, and that was exactly how she liked it. Once she was finished, she closed the laptop and locked her files. She got out of the office and stretched. It was a nice day. A brisk wind blew in from the south and she could see the wild forest that bloomed on the right side of the property. She was lucky to live in this town. While she’d been born and brought up here, she moved out when she turned eighteen, but now she was back.
This was home, and she loved it there.
Nya drove off towards her house. She was looking forward to some down time. Maybe she could watch a movie on cable. Strange that Reece appeared to share her love for animated movies. No, not strange. It was just a coincidence. Now that she allowed herself to think about the man, she discovered she’d gotten a good vibe from him. He was intriguing. Even though he tried to be really forthcoming, she could sense he was hiding something from her, and perhaps from the world.
Was he a murderer?
No, she didn’t think so.
And no, her new found belief had nothing to do with the fact that she was wildly attracted to him. It’d been a long time since she actually felt that way about a man. Sure, he was handsome. She’d known that even before, but there was something else. Perhaps it was the air of authority that suited him so well, or his confidence, or charm. Yes, he could be a charming man. She caught herself almost agreeing to his request before Nya forced herself to tell him she wasn’t going to pass on any information to him.
There was a hypnotizing quality about his eyes. She was thinking of them when a car whizzed past. Startled, she veered to the right. Her car went off the road. Nya struggled to get it under control as it bounced over bushes and rocks. She braked but the incline was such that the car didn’t quite stop. It hit the tree. Her seatbelt stretched tight across her chest. She gasped as her head snapped forward. Luckily, she didn’t hit the steering wheel as the belt kept her strapped to her seat.
“Ugh!” It was not an appropriate reaction to the accident, but she couldn’t quite take it in. The shock was too much for her. Nya was a safe driver and never had an accident. If the car didn’t push her vehicle off the road, this wouldn’t have happened. She unbuckled her belt and opened the door. Her head spun but it was mostly due to shock rather than any wound.
She expected to see the other car stop. Surely, the driver realized what he’d done, but there was no sign of it. Whoever ran her off the road just drove away.
So much for civic responsibility.
Nya inspected her car. The front of it was damaged. She would have to send it in for repairs. The extra and unplanned expense made her wince. She sat back in the vehicle and switched it on. The engine revved and then sputtered out.
“Oh no,” she groaned. This was way too much. Once more she tried and failed. Now what? Nya dug into her purse for the phone. The knock on the window elicited a scream. She leaned away but then uttered a sigh of relief when she saw Reece’s face. Glad as she was that there was someone around to help her, he was the last person she expected to see. Nya opened the door.
“Are you all right?”
Was that fear in his voice? Or concern? “Sure. Just a little banged up, but the car got it worse than I did.”
His hand settled on her arm as she got out. “How did it happen?”
“Someone ran me off the road.”
He mouthed an oath that made her lips quiver. She suppressed the smile. “Yeah and now, my car won’t start. I was just about to call someone to see if I could get a ride back home. What are you doing here?”
“Did you hit your head?”
“No, I didn’t.” Nya was aware that he skillfully dodged her question. What was he doing here? He left the office a long time ago. By now, he should have been back home or in his factory. It was kind of weird he showed up to help her moments after she
had an accident.
Another coincidence?
She didn’t think so. The only way he would be driving on this road was if he’d headed out to the forest after he left her office, to the same location where she found the body.
But why would he go back there?
Nya pressed her lips together as she studied him.
He seemed to be eyeing her with the same curiosity. “Are you sure you’re okay? I can take you to the hospital.”
“That will be a waste of time and money. I’m fine. All I want to do is go home.” She looked at his black Mercedes. The car that drove her off was white or cream. So engrossed she’d been in her daydreams about him she didn’t even notice the actual color of the vehicle that got her into this mess. “If you don’t mind dropping me, I would appreciate it. I’ll send someone to pick up my car tomorrow.”
“Sure, sure.” He clasped her arm. “Come.”
She tugged her arm out of his grasp and strode towards his car. He took the purse from her hand. Nya didn’t protest. If he wanted to play the role of the gallant rescuer, she didn’t want to discourage him. She was simply glad she wouldn’t have to wait here for help to arrive. “It’s a beautiful car.”
“Yeah, it is.” He opened the door and assisted her to her seat. “I could take you to the hospital and then drop you home.”
“I’m fine,” she insisted.
He cocked an eyebrow and started the car. “You have an aversion to hospitals?”
How the hell did he know that? She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Damn! But the man was fine looking. He had a strong jaw and there was a shadow of a beard on his face. She wanted to lick straight up his neck until she reached his ear. Aghast by the lusty thought, Nya leaned back.
What was happening to her? Maybe she did have a concussion.
But no, she was harboring these thoughts from the moment he entered her office. It must have something to do with him. Right now, she needed to fight this strange attraction that held her in a tight grip. “I do, actually,” she admitted.
He laughed. “I don’t blame you because I feel the same way. It’s something about the way they poke at you.”