Charade

by Lori Foster

  “Yeah. It was pretty hard on her. But Emmie is tough, and she doesn’t let anything really get her down. Including Mom and Dad. That’s why she moved here, away from my folks. She won’t argue with them, but she will walk away. Of course, they hate this house, too. I don’t know why she puts up with them.”

  Swiveling in his chair, Judd saw the stiff set to Emily’s shoulders, the way she clenched her hands on the sink counter. He wanted to hold her, to comfort her, but the time wasn’t right. Later, though... “Did you love him, Em?”

  It took her so long to answer, Judd thought she’d decided to ignore him. It wasn’t any of his business, but he wanted to know. The thought of her still pining over some guy didn’t sit right with him.

  Then she finally shook her head. “I suppose I thought I did...maybe I did. But now, it doesn’t seem like I could have. I was so wrong about him. He was out of work and needed me, and I thought he cared about me, too. But he turned out to be a really horrible man.”

  Judd was out of his seat and standing behind her in a heartbeat. “That was one incident.”

  She turned and smiled at him. “Are you thinking I might decide I was wrong about you, too, Detective?”

  “Since I don’t know what you think about me, how am I supposed to answer that?”

  When it came, her smile was sweet enough and warm enough to make his muscles clench. He caged her waist between his hands and waited.

  “I think you’re probably a real-life hero, Judd, and unlike any man I’ve ever known.”

  The words hit him like a blow. He stared into her dark eyes, dumbfounded. He saw her acceptance, her giving. He was a man with no family, no ties, a cop out to do a job, and willing to use her to do it. He was certainly no hero. But if that was what Emily wanted...

  John cleared his throat. “Maybe I should make myself scarce.”

  Remembering where they were and who was with them, Judd forced himself to release Emily and take two steps back—away from temptation. “No. You can help me do the dishes while Emily calls to see if she can get someone here to repair the hot-water heater.”

  “Do the dishes? But I don’t know how...”

  Judd smirked. “It’s easy. I’ll show you what to do.”

  “But—”

  “Do you want to be able to take care of yourself or not?”

  Emily laughed. “Well put. I’ll leave you two to tend to your chores.” But she stopped at the doorway. “By the way, Judd. What if there was something on that film?”

  “I’m picking it up today. Then we’ll know.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “No, you won’t.”

  “But...”

  His sigh was exaggerated. “You’re as bad as your brother, Em. I thought we had an agreement.”

  When she turned around and practically stomped away without a word, Judd decided she was mad. “Well, hell.”

  John only laughed. “Gee, I’m really tired. Too much traveling, I guess. I think I might need to spend a lot of time in my room, resting up.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  With a buddy-type punch in the shoulder, John said, “I think you’re going to have your hands full with Emmie. She can be as stubborn as a mule, and it’s no telling who will win. I don’t want to get caught in the cross fire.”

  And I don’t want Emily caught in the cross fire, he thought. Which is why I’m leaving her here. There was really no other choice. He would get Donner, one way or another. The past, and Max, couldn’t be forgotten. And he couldn’t pretend it had never happened, not without finding some justice.

  It would be only too easy to get wrapped up in Emily’s problems. It would be much too easy to get wrapped up in Emily. But he wouldn’t. Judd was afraid Emily could easily make him reevaluate himself and his purpose. Arresting Donner and seeing him prosecuted had to remain a priority. But he was beginning to feel like a juggler in a circus, wanting his time with Emily, and still needing to seek vengeance on Donner.

  He’d have all weekend to spend with Emily before anything more could be done on the case. His body tightened in anticipation with just the thought. Somehow he’d have to manage—without letting her get hurt.

  He only hoped Emily understood his motivations.

  Chapter Eight

  “I WANT YOU, EM.”

  Emily jumped, her heart lodging in her throat. “Good heavens, Judd. You startled me.”

  His hands slid from her waist to her hips, then pulled her back against him. She could feel the heat of his body on her back, her bottom... “Judd, stop that before John sees.”

  His growl reverberated along her spine, his mouth nipping on her nape. “John’s taking a nap. He’s still suffering jet lag.”

  With shaking hands, Emily carefully laid aside the picture she’d been looking at. She already knew Judd wanted her. He’d made that clear with every look he sent her way. But her brother was here now, and she wasn’t comfortable being intimate with John in the house. She cleared her throat and tried to come up with a distraction.

  “I don’t see anything in these pictures that would prompt anyone to steal them.”

  Judd pressed closer and his hands came around her waist to rest on her belly. She sucked in a quick breath. His deep voice, so close to her ear, added to her growing excitement. “You have innocent eyes, honey.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Innocent, sexy eyes.” He leaned over to see her face, his gaze dark and searching. “You really don’t know what sexy eyes you have, do you?”

  It took her a second to remember what she’d been talking about. “No, I... The pictures, Judd?”

  His gaze dropped to her mouth and he gave her a soft, warm kiss, then picked up one of the photos. His expression changed as he looked at it, turning dark and threatening. “The guy in the doorway of the deli is an associate of Donner’s. My guess is, he only visits this part of town when making a deal. Since the deal surely concerns guns, I’d say he’s the one who instigated your break-in.”

  Emily gave the photo another look. “Really?”

  Judd cursed, then tossed the picture back on the kitchen counter. “Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about it yet without taking the risk of tipping off Donner and blowing my cover. If we grab this guy, we put a halt to the deal, and lose our advantage.” He tightened his mouth. “That’s not something I’m willing to do.”

  “I see.” But she didn’t, not really. Why was Judd so upset?

  “Do you? Do you have any idea how I’d love to get my hands on that guy—now—for scaring you like he did?”

  His possessive tone made her heart flutter, and she had to force herself to think about the case. “Then you think he was the one who broke in here?”

  “Probably not. Like Donner, he has flunkies to do that kind of thing for him. But your taking this picture has obviously annoyed him. Hopefully, it’ll help strengthen our case against Donner, too, and we’ll be able to make another connection there once we prosecute.”

  Emily licked her lips and tried for a casual tone. “Do you think the picture alone will be enough to incriminate Donner?”

  Judd shrugged. “Possibly. But I don’t want to incriminate him. I want to nail the bastard red-handed.”

  Emily had known that would be his answer, but still... “Judd, maybe it’s time to rethink all this. I mean, is it really worth risking your life—”

  He laid his finger across her lips before she could finish. “I’m not giving up, Em. I’ve already gone too far, and I have no intention of letting Donner win. But in the meantime, until he’s put away and everything’s settled, I don’t want you staying here alone.”

  So. There it was. Emily knew he was up to something the minute he came back in with the developed pictures. She’d been surveying the pictures, not seeing anything out of the ordinary, when Judd started acting amorous.

  Acting, Emily? Can’t you feel the man’s body behind you? He’s not acting. No, and as much as that tempted he
r, she had to remember he only wanted to stay at her house to protect her. It had nothing to do with actually wanting her. Well, maybe it had a little to do with that, but wanting her wasn’t his primary motive. She had to remember that.

  Smiling slightly, she said over her shoulder, “My brother will be here with me.”

  He opened his thighs and pulled her bottom closer to him, his hand still firm on her belly, now caressing. “Not good enough. I want to be certain you’re safe.”

  “I...I’ll remember to turn on the alarm system.” Lord, Emily. You sound as if you’ve run five miles.

  Apparently done with talking, Judd dipped his hand lower and his fingers stroked between her thighs, urging her legs apart and moving in a slow, deep rhythm. The material of her dress slid over her as his fingers probed. Heat rushed through her, flushing her face, making her legs tremble, her nipples tighten. She slumped back against him and her head fell to his shoulder. How could she let this happen again when she still felt embarrassed over her wild display the night before? It was as if she had no control of her reactions.

  Judd lifted his other hand to her breast, his fingertips finding a taut nipple then gently plucking.

  “Judd—”

  “Let me.” He nuzzled her throat, his warm breath wafting over her skin. “I love how you feel, Em. I love how you come apart for me.”

  But you don’t love me. She almost cried out at the realization that she wanted his love. She wanted it so bad. All the old insecurities returned, the memories of how she’d tried, just as her brother was trying, to gain a modicum of real emotion, real affection from someone. They all swamped her and suddenly she couldn’t breathe. She jerked away, hitting her hip on the counter and hanging her head so Judd couldn’t see her face. She felt breathless and frightened and so damn foolish.

  His hand touched her shoulder, then tightened when she flinched. “Shh. I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to push you.”

  He turned her to hold her in his arms, no longer seducing, but comforting. And that seemed even worse. The tears started and she couldn’t stop them.

  His palm cradled the back of her head, his fingers kneading her scalp, tangling in her hair. “Tell me what’s wrong, Em. I’ll fix it if I can.”

  Through her tears, she managed a laugh. He was the most wondrous man. She pulled away to retrieve a tissue, then cleaned up her tear-stained face before turning back to him. He looked so concerned, so caring, she almost blurted out, I love you. But she managed to keep the words inside. She had no idea how Judd would feel about such a declaration, but she couldn’t imagine him welcoming it, not now, not while he had to concentrate on getting Donner.

  “I guess I’m just a little overwrought,” she said lamely. She quickly added, “I mean, with my brother being here, and worrying over him and the break-in.”

  Judd still looked concerned, but he nodded. “I understand. Would you like to take a nap, too?”

  She’d never be able to sleep. “No. I have housework to do, and the yard needs some work. And I thought I’d put on a roast to cook for dinner.”

  Looking sheepish, and somewhat anxious, Judd asked, “You mind if I hang around and help?”

  He could be so adorable... Lord, Emily, are you crazy? The man is devastating, not adorable. “Of course you’re welcome to stay. But you don’t have to help out. And I’m still not certain that it’s a good idea for you to stay overnight.”

  “I think it’s a hell of an idea. And I insist.” When she frowned, he added, “It’ll only be for a few days. I have to be back at the bar Tuesday. I have the feeling Donner will approach me then. He’s getting restless, and he’s made it clear he thinks we’ll work well together. Since he doesn’t like losing, he’ll probably make me an offer that no normal stripper could refuse.”

  It was a small grab for humor, so Emily dutifully smiled. But inside, she felt like crying. The thought of Judd getting more involved with Donner made her skin crawl. They both knew how dangerous he could be.

  “Stop frowning, Em. I should be able to set something up with him, find out when and where his next shipment will be, and then I’ll bust him. It’ll be over with before you know it.”

  And he’d go out of her life as quickly as he’d entered it. Emily bit her lip. “I’m worried, Judd.”

  “Don’t be. I can take care of myself.”

  She supposed that was true, since he’d been doing just that since he’d been a child. But for once, she’d like to see him taken care of.

  Just that quick, she had a change of heart. Judd might never love her, but he deserved to be loved. And she could easily smother him with affection. She’d enjoy taking care of him, and maybe, just maybe, he’d enjoy it, too.

  They spent the day together, and though she tried, Judd didn’t let her do any actual work around the house. She couldn’t convince him that she enjoyed getting her hands dirty once in a while, and since he seemed so determined to have his way, she allowed it. Judd followed her direction, and she simply enjoyed her time with him.

  He was a pleasure to watch, to talk to. He moved with easy grace, his muscles flexing and bunching. It was almost a shame he wasn’t a real stripper, for he was certainly suited for the job.

  When Judd suddenly stripped off his shirt, Emily thought he might have read her mind. He didn’t look at her, though, merely went back to work. She heard herself say, “Are you performing for me, Judd?”

  She’d meant only to tease him, but he slowly turned to face her, and his eyes were intent, almost hot as he caught and held her gaze. “I could be convinced to...in a private performance.”

  Not a single answer came to mind. She sat there, staring stupidly. Judd walked to her, pulled her close then kissed her. It was such a devouring kiss, Emily had to hold on to him. His tongue pushed into her mouth, hot and wet and insistent. Judd slanted his head and continued to kiss her until they were both breathless.

  When he pulled away, she stared up at him, dazed. He drew a deep breath and tipped up her chin. “Anytime, Emily. You just let me know.”

  After that, she refrained from provoking comments. Judd might handle them very well, but she didn’t think she’d live through another one. Instead, she asked about Max, Judd’s past, and about his work. She wanted to know everything about him.

  Emily went out of her way to show Judd, again and again, how important he was to her. At times he looked bemused, and at times wary. But more often than not, he looked frustrated.

  She understood that frustration since she felt a measure of her own. But having her brother there did inhibit her a bit. Of course, so did her unaccountable response to Judd. It was scandalous, the way he could make her feel. But she suspected he didn’t mind, even if it did embarrass her, so she decided she’d try to see to his frustration—and her own—once John had gone to bed for the evening.

  That thought kept her flushed and filled with forbidden anticipation the entire time they worked.

  Midafternoon, John joined them, and Emily was amazed to see how John reacted to Judd. It had startled her that morning when John had spoken so openly to Judd. Usually, her brother was stubbornly quiet, refusing to give up his thoughts, brooding in his silence. But with Judd, he seemed almost anxious to talk. And Judd listened.

  Emily was so proud of Judd, she could have cried again. No one had ever reached her brother so easily. In a way, she was jealous, because she’d tried so hard to help John. But she supposed it took a male to understand, and Judd not only listened, he gave glimpses into his own past, allowing John to make a connection of sorts. They found a lot of things in common, though their upbringings had been worlds apart.

  Emily decided she was seeing male bonding at its best, and went inside to give them more privacy.

  She was starting dinner when they both walked in, looking windblown and handsome. Judd winked at Emily when he caught her eye, and John laughed.

  “A man’s coming tomorrow to replace my water heater.” She more or less blurted that out from sheer nervo
usness when Judd started her way. He had that glint in his eyes again, and she truly felt embarrassed carrying on in front of her brother.

  But Judd only placed a kiss on her cheek, and flicked a finger over the tip of her nose. “Good.” Then he turned to John. “Make sure you’re here when he comes. I don’t think Emily should be alone in this big house with a strange man.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  Emily might have objected to their protective attitudes, except that she heard a new strength in John’s tone, that of confidence and maturity. She gave both men a tender smile. They stared back in obvious confusion.

  Backing out of the room, John said, “I think I’ll go watch some TV.” But he glanced at Judd, then back to Emily. “Uh...that is, unless you need me to do anything else?”

  “No. You can go do whatever you like.”

  Once he’d left the room, Emily turned a wondering look on Judd. “How did you do that?”

  His grin was smug. “Do what?”

  “Turn my little brother into a helpful stranger.”

  He laughed outright. “First of all, you could stop calling him your little brother. He’s a head taller than you, Em. Respect his maturity.”

  “I hadn’t realized he possessed any maturity.”

  “No, I guess you haven’t seen that side of him. But I know Max had to work hard at getting me turned around. And the first thing he did was explain that I was old enough to know better. Put that way, I felt too embarrassed to act like a kid. And little by little, Max pointed out ways to distinguish what it takes to be an adult. Your brother’s no different. He just needed some new choices.”

  Emily stood there feeling dumbfounded by his logic. She had enough sense to know it wasn’t that simple, to realize what John needed was someone to identify with, someone who cared. That Judd was that man only made her love him more. “Thank you.”

  Judd stared at her, his gaze traveling from her eyes to her mouth, then slowly moving down her body. He muttered a quiet curse, and started toward her. Emily felt her heart trip. But the phone gave a sudden loud peal, and Judd halted.