Too Hot to Handle

by Nancy Warren

  “Of course I trust you. I’ll even tell you the good places to snoop.”

  She snorted. “Please. You’re not that interesting. Anyhow, I want to come with you. We’ll discover the break-in together.”

  He pushed the now-closed paper toward her. “You’re front-page news.”

  “Oh, right. I forgot.”

  She wandered over and looked down at the photo. “‘Missing Jeweler Turns Up Alive At Diamond Ball.’ Not the most imaginative headline.” She tilted her head. “Good picture, though. And that necklace really photographs well. No need to describe the missing piece of jewelry. We can simply point to today’s paper.” She glanced up at him admiringly. “Nice.”

  “Grayson is going to have a cow.”

  “That thought makes me very happy. Let me grab a shower and dress. I’ll be ready in twenty.”

  “Want some toast or something?”

  She was already sprinting up the stairs. “Sure. Anything.”

  He had to give her credit. She was one of the few women he could think of who could actually shower and dress in twenty minutes. Impressive. One more attribute in a growing list of things he adored about this woman. Not the least was the way she gave her body with absolute joy and abandon.

  “What’s that weird smile about?” she asked as she came down the last couple of stairs eighteen minutes after she’d gone up them.

  “I was thinking about last night. You are very flexible.”

  She grinned at him. “Yoga. And pole dancing.”

  He offered her the whole-grain toast and peanut butter he’d made her. “Pole dancing?”

  “Okay. Mostly yoga. But I did take pole dancing once. It’s harder than it looks. Takes a lot of arm strength.”

  “You never stop surprising me.”

  They were still teasing each other when they arrived back at the hotel. Since they knew the jewels were gone he couldn’t think of any reason for Grayson’s thugs to be waiting in their room, but still he called Healey to meet them and made Lexy wait while he and Healey entered the room first.

  A five-second run-through told them there was no one in the suite but them, so he motioned Lexy inside.

  “Oh, my God. Why would they make such a mess?” she asked, surveying the damage.

  “Could be to make it look like a real robbery,” Healey suggested. “They had to trash your stuff looking for money and stuff. Then hit the safe.”

  The door of the safe swung wide, the empty gray metal box bereft of its contents.

  “Wow. I hardly had anything, just a few new things, now it’s all ruined. Again.” She sounded upset. He and Healey exchanged a glance.

  “Don’t touch anything.”

  “I won’t.”

  She walked toward one bedroom, obviously forcing herself not to pick up the belongings that were scattered on the floor. The sexy trail of last night’s clothes mixed with tossed cushions and broken cosmetics. She entered the bedroom and made a strange, choking sound.

  “Lexy?” She didn’t answer. Her back was stiff and she seemed rooted to a spot just inside the doorway.

  “Lex? You okay?”

  “I think…” she began in a strange, high-pitched tone not at all like herself. “I think…”

  He didn’t wait for more. He sprinted to her side. “Babe, what is it?”

  She pointed a trembling finger to the bed. “I think those are bullet holes.”

  “Holy shit.” The quick sausagelike mounds he’d made in the bed to fool any intruders into thinking they were asleep now sported charred holes. He put an arm around Lexy and pulled her to his side. “Healey, you’d better see this.”

  Healey joined them. He stepped closer to the bed. “From the size of those holes, looks like a .38, maybe a 9 mm. Must have used a silencer.” He regarded them with hard eyes. “Grayson sure wants you two dead.”

  “I’m starting to feel the same way about him.”

  He pulled Lexy gently from the room. Her face was pale and she was trembling lightly. Shock. She’d been amazing, shouldering the strain of the past few days, but this was one bad experience too many. He sat her down on a chair. Got to his knees before her and rubbed her hands. “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay. I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise.” Over his shoulder he said to Healey, “Make the calls.”

  “Sorry.” She blinked a few times as though clearing her eyes of a gruesome sight. “I’m not going to fall apart, I promise. That just…What if we’d…”

  “Shh. We didn’t. He won’t get another chance.”

  She nodded.

  The police and hotel security arrived about the same time. And for the next half hour they went through their story. Ballistics experts were brought in, a photographer, fingerprint guys, a pair of detectives. Which impressed Charlie until he realized the bullet holes upped a theft charge to attempted murder.

  His mind flipped to what could have happened and a cold, ruthless anger began to surge inside him.

  Lexy’s dad was through the door in seconds, out of breath and red in the face. He took one look at his daughter’s pale expression and jogged to her side. “What happened here?”

  He didn’t coddle her, Charlie noticed. Probably never had, but his concern was evident in every cell of his belligerent body.

  “The break-in went exactly as we hoped. With one added detail.” He didn’t like looking up at Jed Dabrowski when he had this kind of news to deliver, so he gave Lexy’s fingers a quick squeeze and rose. “They shot up the bedding we’d rolled up to make it look like we were sleeping.”

  It hadn’t occurred to him until the words were out that he was admitting to a very irate father who happened to carry a gun for a living that he was sleeping with his only daughter. Also, putting her life in danger. From Jed’s expression, he’d just made himself number one on the shit list.

  “Show me.”

  He led him into the room, crawling with photographers and the fingerprint experts while a security guy from the hotel stood there seeming not to know what to do.

  “Detective,” Jed said, nodding to a man in plainclothes about his own age who was studying the bed.

  “Sergeant.”

  “So, what do you think?”

  It seemed like they knew each other, probably respected each other’s abilities because the detective said, “Six shots fired, probably from the doorway.”

  “Somebody wanted those two real dead. Obviously the perp thought these two were sleeping.”

  “Or did they? Maybe they knew they were shooting into pillows.” The detective sighed, walking out of the room and motioning Jed and Charlie to follow. Removed his latex gloves when he got to the outer room. “Problem is, even if we find the guys who did the shooting all they have to say is that they knew there was nobody in the bed. It was a warning. Target practice. They can say anything they want. If they claim they knew there was nobody in that bed, we can’t get them on attempted murder.”

  Jed stalked back over to his daughter. She was looking better now, Charlie was glad to see. Her color was back and she seemed steadier. He was pretty sure her dad was going to try to bully her into going home to his place. He was about to go on over there and explain why that was a terrible idea. His place was as close to impregnable as he could make it.

  She needed to stay with him. He looked across at her, her dainty features, the long dark hair he loved to push his hands through, the lithe body that made magic with his. He needed to protect her.

  As though she sensed his scrutiny, she glanced up at him and smiled. And that was when it hit him.

  He was in love with her.

  Perfect. In the middle of a crisis, when their lives were in danger and a madman was after them, now he had to fall in love?

  Well, he’d never made things easy on himself. Why would he start now?

  He took a step toward Lexy and her dad, feeling suddenly awkward with this new knowledge. Felt good, though. Right.

  His phone rang. His mother.

  “Hi,
Mom.”

  “Hello, sweetheart. How are you?”

  Well, if he couldn’t tell his mom, who could he tell? “I’m in love.”

  She laughed softly. “I know that, dear. I saw you look at her last night.” She sighed. “It’s how your father used to look at me.”

  “I remember.” He did, too. They fought, his mom and dad, they weren’t the bloodless “everything’s fine” types that so many of his friends’ parents were. His were passionate people. Not demonstrative in public, but sometimes he’d catch his dad planting a good one on his mom, or she’d pat his dad’s butt in passing. Stupid little things, but they’d always made him feel good as a kid. “I wish Dad was around. I wouldn’t mind his advice.”

  “I know.” She cleared her throat. “I was actually calling to speak with Lexy. Is she there?”

  “What do you want to talk to Lexy for?” He was standing in front of her now, and she raised her eyebrows at his words. He mouthed, “My mother.” At the words, his brand-new love looked startled and mildly panicked.

  “Never you mind. If she had a phone I’d have called her directly. Put her on, please.”

  It was a tone he’d never yet been able to argue against. He was a grown man but he doubted he ever would be able to hold out against that particular tone of command.

  With a shrug, he handed his phone over.

  Lexy ran her tongue over her lips and took a quick breath before saying, “Hello?”

  She listened for a moment.

  “Oh, lunch. Today. Well, that’s very nice of you, but—”

  “Of course. Yes, a late lunch is fine. Two o’clock.” She sent an S.O.S. with her eyes. “Yes, that’s perfect.”

  She flipped the phone shut. Turned a stunned face to his. “How does she do that? I was going to say no, and then she said, ‘I’d really love it if you could make it today,’ and suddenly I’m saying yes.’”

  “I know. It’s the tone. My mother could rule the world. It’s very scary.”

  “But why does she want to have lunch with me?”

  “Probably to tell you how much she wants grandchildren.”

  “Sounds like a sensible woman,” Jed chimed in. “Lunch with a nice woman would do you good.” He turned to Charlie. “How’s the security at your mother’s?”

  “Adequate. But don’t worry. I’ll be there.”

  Lexy handed him back his phone. “Um, you’re not invited.”

  “I know. I’ll keep an eye on the house. Until this thing is over, I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

  She looked as though she were going to argue, but her father nodded in approval. “If she won’t come home with me, I guess you’re the next best choice.”

  He nodded. “Jed, can I talk to you privately for a second?”

  Lexy bristled at that. “What? What could you possibly want to talk to my father about that I couldn’t hear?”

  “I’m going to ask his permission to marry you.”

  “Oh, very funny. Ha-ha. Okay, don’t tell me. Have your little guy talk and I’ll sit here and look pretty. If anyone needs a sandwich or a foot rub or something, just let me know.”

  The two men stepped outside into the hallway.

  “Well?” Jed asked. “Something you need to tell me?”

  Now that the moment had arrived Charlie felt stupidly nervous. He’d imagined this moment would come someday, that he and the father of his intended would enjoy a brandy and a cigar in comfort while he laid out his plans for the future and formally asked to marry the man’s daughter. Sure, it was old-fashioned, but it was what his father would have expected of him.

  But there was no brandy to sip in a bid to steady his nerves, no cigar to puff and avoid speaking for a second or two. It was him, a guy who had every reason to hate his guts since he’d endangered his only daughter, and a security guard down by the elevator looking at them curiously.

  “Look, I know my timing pretty much sucks, but I want something out in the open.”

  Jed crossed his arms over his ample belly. “You’re sleeping with my daughter. I got eyes. I figured it out. You should know I’m not some modern-type father. You hurt her and I kill you. Simple as that.”

  “I love her, Jed.”

  “Words are cheap. I’m not impressed.”

  He blew out a breath. “You’re not going to be one of those easygoing fathers-in-law, are you?”

  For the first time the pugnacious expression disappeared from Jed’s face. “Father-in-law? Did you say father-in-law?”

  “That’s right. I’m bungling this badly, I know, but I really did want to ask your permission to marry your daughter.”

  A deep chuckle resonated from the man standing in front of him. “She doesn’t know anything about this, does she?”

  “No. I know it’s all moving pretty fast, but I’m thirty-four years old. I’ve never been in love before, never wanted to marry anyone before. Now, I can’t imagine my life without Lexy. I want to live with her and love her and have children with her. And I’d like your permission before I ask her.”

  Jed rocked back on his heels, every inch the cop. “Well, this is an interesting situation.” He chuckled. “Gotta tell you, not one I ever thought I’d find myself in. Lexy, she’s not the kind of girl who believes in stuff like this. She’s modern. But not me. I think you did fine.” He scratched at the back of his head. “So, before I give my permission, I guess there’s some things I should ask you. Let’s see. I know she’s a successful business gal, but she’s taken quite a hit recently. You gonna be able to provide for her?”

  “Yes. Money’s really not a problem. I’ve got a very high net worth.”

  “Look, Charlie, no offense, but I got no time for hedge funds and collections of old brandy and fancy cars. I’m a simple man. You got money in the bank? A house? Real assets?”

  “I own quite a bit of property. All mortgage free. And I can have my accountant go over my other assets. Trust me, Lexy will only work because she wants to.”

  “Okay. Are you a gambler? A drinking man?”

  “Only moderately.”

  “Ever been in trouble with the law?”

  Damn it. He supposed he’d always known it would come out. But he’d hoped there’d be a better time. “Not exactly. But I should tell you something you won’t like.” Of all the men he could be having this conversation with, a cop wouldn’t be his first choice. “I’ve never exactly had trouble with the law, but I have to tell you the truth. I used to be a thief.”

  “Come again?”

  “I was a thief. A pretty good one, too. Never caught.”

  He shrugged. “I guess I was bored. Didn’t want to go into my father’s law firm, and I figured the financial industry was full of crooks. I decided it was more honest to be an actual crook than one who wears a suit to the office every day.”

  “That’s a puny justification for breaking the law.”

  “I know. If it’s any consolation, I only stole from people who could afford to lose things. Now I’ve turned my talents to an honest business. I work to get stolen goods back. Kind of a nice switch.”

  A noncommittal grunt was his only reply.

  They stood there in the hallway for an uncomfortable minute. He supposed he’d imagined the asking-for-permission thing would be a quick run-through for form’s sake. It had never honestly occurred to him that Jed Dabrowski might turn him down.

  Then he’d be stuck in a nice dilemma. He wasn’t going to give up Lexy, not because her father said so. As it was he had no idea if his feelings were returned. Did she love him?

  They’d known each other such a short time. Intense, but short. Obviously they had incendiary passion between them, and they seemed to get on well together, which had to be a miracle considering the stress load they’d been under since the beginning. For him, the pressure cooker of tension and passion had turned to love. For Lexy? He had no idea. Maybe she’d walk away from him the second Grayson was in police custody and this adventure was over. Which woul
d be soon.

  The thought of that happening was too painful to contemplate. If she didn’t love him now, he could wait. He’d give her time, let her rebuild, be the supportive boyfriend. Friend even if that was all she’d give him. But he wouldn’t give up.

  Finally his hopefully future father-in-law spoke. “I spent my whole career enforcing the law. I’m not happy about what you’ve told me. But you were man enough to come clean, and I appreciate that. I’m not saying yes, I approve of you marrying my daughter, and I’m not saying no. I think we all need to slow down a little. Ask me again in a month.”

  Okay, so it wasn’t the pat on the back and fatherly approval he’d hoped for. It wasn’t cuffs and getting shoved in the back of the paddy wagon, either. All in all, he figured Jed had handled the news pretty well. “Thank you, sir.” He stuck out his hand and this time Lexy’s dad shook it.

  The door to the suite opened and Lexy swept out. “What are you two doing out here?”

  “Man talk, young lady. None of your business.”

  “You and your man talk.” She grabbed Charlie’s arm. “I need to go shopping again. I can’t wear jeans to your mother’s for lunch.”

  She could and his mother wouldn’t care, but he understood there were deep-seated female rituals he knew nothing about, just as Lexy would no doubt never comprehend why he’d felt compelled to ask her father for her hand in marriage.

  Or that he respected the cop more for bluntly telling him he needed to prove himself worthy than he’d have felt if the man had been all smiles and “welcome to the family.”

  They said their goodbyes and then he and Lexy headed out of the hotel.

  “If I ever get a day when people aren’t trying to kill me, I really need to get to my bank and get new cards and checks and things. It’s so weird not even having a debit card so I can use the ATM.”

  “I know. I feel terrible about all the trouble I’ve cost you.” He put an arm around her. “So, get your revenge. Go ahead and max out my platinum card.”

  She sent him a taunting look. “Don’t tempt me. We’re on Fifth Avenue and I have very good taste.”

  He took that moment to kiss her, finding her lips soft and full. He felt them curve beneath his as his arms came around her and a little kiss turned into something much more.