“Mine’s already in the car, darlin’. I’m a guy. We pack light.”
They left their room for the main area of the house where Mitchell and Kayla were waiting to say good-bye.
“You know you could stay here while he’s gone,” Mitchell said.
“I know, but I need to go home. I’ll be back with him though.”
“You better. I’m going to miss you like crazy,” Kayla said.
“I’ll keep check on your place while I’m there.”
“Don’t forget the men that were here on Sunday may need a place to meet that’s off the radar. If you need me, I’ll have my cell on except when I’m flying. That security system needs to be installed before we get back. Got me?” He hugged Mitchell and then Kayla.
When Evan opened the passenger door for her to get in, Ginger realized it gave her a sense of security since Kayla was staying for now. Ginger took comfort in knowing she wasn’t going home alone.
As they made their way up the interstate toward North Carolina, Evan discretely made sure they weren’t followed. As they settled in for the ride, Evan told her he had called Nathan, who was concerned for both of them. He even offered to stay with Ginger while Evan was gone, but the idea was quickly shot down.
Ginger was staring out of the passenger side window when Evan took her hand. “What are you thinking about?” he asked.
She took a deep breath before looking at him. She needed his professional opinion as much as his personal one. “Last week you made the comment that if this person could find me at Riverton Ranch, then they’d know where I live as well. Do you think that’s true?”
“Probably.”
“Evan, if I were under your protection, what would you tell me to do? That picture rocked my sense of security. I’ve been on my own for several years and always had good instincts, but now I doubt myself.”
He glanced at her. “If you were under my protection, you wouldn’t leave your house without me. That’s why we’re stocking your house on the way into town. The only time you’ll have to leave is to take me to the airport.”
She nodded. “I can live with that. Then at the café. I’ve never had someone, especially a man, speak to me as crudely as Chief Taylor did. I don’t know if I was more embarrassed or repulsed. Part of me was embarrassed for Ruby because she was with another man. It wasn’t like he whispered it, and the café isn’t very big.”
He shook his head. “I never thought my boring hometown would be corrupt. I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into it.”
“If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met you.”
“I’m gonna keep you safe, darlin’.”
“I know. You Riverton boys are quite protective.”
“Damn straight. So how was the food at the café? I haven’t eaten there in years.”
“It was a quaint place. The food was good. It’s given me an idea for a new article.” She paused for a few seconds then asked, “Do you know that Sally girl?”
“Yeah, she and Mitchell dated after he returned from Vegas. Even though Mitchell told her he wasn’t in the market, she wanted the ring, wedding, and children. I guess she thought if she waited long enough he’d change his mind. He didn’t. In fact, he called her Mak a couple of times in bed which I do believe lead to their breakup. That’s when he knew if he ever got the chance to tell Kayla how he felt, he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. He didn’t.”
“Oh, wow! That explains a lot. Kayla never told me why she didn’t like coming home. She always said that her life had moved on without her in it. I didn’t understand because I knew she was the one who’d left town. I’m glad they found their way back to each other because they’re perfect together.”
Evan smiled and nodded. “Yeah, they are.”
She watched his body language. He seemed at ease so she brought up a topic she knew could upset him. “Ruby wasn’t what I imagined.”
“Really? Did she say something to you?”
“No, she just stared at me from across the room.”
“It’s a small town, and we went to the bar a couple weeks ago. I’m sure people are talking. That’s what they do here. Do you think you can handle it?”
“Y’all were a long time ago. Before she became who she is. Can you handle being there?”
Evan flashed a small smile at her. “Yes, darlin’. If anything, I pity her. Even though everyone knows prostitution is against the law, they also know who she is and what she does. She’s not on some street corner. She just has visitors. As long as she doesn’t take it out on the street, no one says anything. Besides, do you think some man, especially a married one, is gonna tell the police he just paid Ruby for sex? I’ve already told you I’ve never felt for anyone the way I feel about you.” He shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly. “Plus, I never slept with her.”
“But you wanted to.”
Evan chuckled. “I was eighteen and horny. Of course I wanted to. But thank the heavens above, I came to my senses. I would’ve been humiliated if I had. As it stands, I’ve no knowledge of her.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “I promise you, darlin’, she’s just another person in town to me.” He turned his head toward her for a moment to drive his point home.
“I believe you.”
“I love you, Gin. Please don’t forget that.”
“I love you, too.”
They were quiet for a few minutes only to realize there was nothing but static on the radio. Ginger found her normal station as they were in range, which meant about an hour to her house. As she sat back, “Seein’ Red” by Dustin Lynch was on the radio. “I think of you every time I hear this song, too,” he said.
“What?”
“Yep. You’ve got me seeing red, and I don’t just mean your hair.”
“I thought red made bulls charge.”
“Darlin’, I’ve been charging you since I first laid eyes on you.” He wiggled his brows.
“Are you always like this?”
“You’ve lived with me for a month. What do you think?”
“What do I think? I think the last few days were more indicative of what life with you will be like, the rest of the time we’ve been on vacation. I think if we’re going to give this a shot, I’m going to become more of a praying woman. I think–no I know this one–I love being wrapped in your arms and waking up beside you in the morning. Having said that, I’m just scared you’ll change once the newness of us wears off.”
“Wow, you’ve been thinking a lot,” the chuckle in his voice was kind of sad. “You’re right. When I’m on a case, what you’ve lived through the past couple of days is me. I’m intense and focused. It used to be so I could close a case and move on to the next one. This time you’re involved. I want this shit dealt with now because I don’t like seeing you worried. If there’s a little one in there, worrying isn’t good for either of you.” He squeezed her hand. “Yes, we started out just being each other’s escape, but that changed quickly, at least for me. Why would you need to become more of a praying woman?”
“I can handle all the meetings, even the secrets I know you’ll have to keep, but thinking about someone shooting you? That part scares the shit out of me, especially when there’s a little one in the picture.”
“I can see that. That’s one of things I’m looking to fix this week.” He quickly glanced at her and smiled. “And for the record, I want more than just a little one. I want two or three. With us, everything we do is new, so how can the newness wear off? I’ll always strive to make you feel loved. I saw my dad do that with my mom, and they were married for over twenty years when he died. If they can have that kind of love, I think we can, too. I see it with Mitchell and Kayla. Maybe it runs in our blood,” he said with a wink.
Ginger swore this man brought out all of her emotions as her vision blurred from his words. She thought about her parents. Did that kind of love run through her blood, too?
As they drove through her little town, she directed him to the grocery store. By the
time they loaded the car and started up the mountain, it was early afternoon. None of the houses were really big, but they were bigger than they looked from the road. This time of year was easy travelling, but even with the roads paved, the winter would be a different story. The higher they climbed, the fewer the houses, and Kayla’s was the only one higher up than Ginger’s.
“Now I know why y’all have all-wheel drive vehicles. I don’t know if Betty will make it up here in the winter.”
“Who’s Betty?”
“My car. She’s a black Camaro and the only thing of importance I have waiting on me at home.”
“So you consider where you live home?”
“I’m assigned to the Iowa office. That’s where I have an apartment, but we cover the Midwest. I go where my assignment is, so it’s really no more than a place to sleep. I have Betty, a little furniture, but not too much on the walls.”
“I see.”
As they pulled into her garage, she pressed a button programmed into her phone. They grabbed the groceries and their bags on the way in. She showed him the downstairs that consisted of a bedroom, game room, laundry room, and bathroom with a hot tub on the deck just through the double doors. He followed her upstairs to the main living area that consisted of an open kitchen, half bath, living room, and master suite. Even though the outside looked like a country cottage, the inside was modern.
“When did you turn on the lights and music?”
“When we pulled into the garage. I did it from my phone because I don’t like coming into a dark house. Since I rent it when I’m not here I can check on it before and after people visit. It gives me a little more security.”
“I’m glad you have it.”
He stepped onto the deck while she unpacked the groceries. She declined his offer to help because she wanted to see his natural reaction to his surroundings. At the ranch, he was on his own turf. Here, he was on hers. When she walked out, he turned as soon as he heard the door open. “Want to stretch our legs after riding for so long? I’d say let’s get in the hot tub, but …” she let the words die.
“Yes, let’s go walk. This view is beautiful though,” he said with open arms for her to step into. “We’ll make our own hot tub later. It’ll just be in your bed,” he said.
She melted into his hug. “Is it really just my bed now? ‘Cause that’s not what you called your room at the ranch.”
“Darlin’, it was our room. You lived with me in that room for a month. I don’t wanna just assume you see me fitting in here the same way.”
“Do you want to fit in here the same way, or do you see us leaving here permanently?”
He looked out over the mountain ridges then said, “I want us to keep this place. I wanna taint every room in this house like we did at the ranch and drive you just as crazy with need. I wanna do things here that you’ve never done before. When we come here, this needs to be a place where we’re free to do whatever we want. Since this has been your place, I thought you’d feel more comfortable experimenting here.”
“Even though I’ve been nervous, it’s you that gives me the courage to try new things. As long as it’s you, I’m willing.”
“You’re perfect for me.” He kissed her temple. “Can we walk to Kayla’s place?”
She led him back through the house and out the front door. Kayla’s house was up the mountain with a bit of an incline between the houses, but once they were there it was gorgeous. They walked around back and up the stairs to her deck where they could see for miles.
“Damn. I don’t know how y’all found these houses, but I’m glad you did. This is paradise.”
With a chuckle she said, “It is as long as you don’t leave trash outside. The bears can be quite ornery, but the wildlife is beautiful to watch.” They sat on Kayla’s deck taking in the views for what seemed like hours. It really was peaceful, but she’d rather do this on her own deck. “Ready to head back down?”
“Yes, I wanna go down.” When he wiggled his brows, she knew his meaning and laughed.
“Well, I think it needs to be a little bit of a challenge,” she countered.
“You want me to think of a game?”
“Yes.”
Evan hadn’t said a word since they left Kayla’s deck. She knew he really was thinking about a game. When they got inside the house, he disappeared, but she heard him plundering in the bathroom and downstairs. A few minutes later he found her in the kitchen making a snack. “Do you have a deck of cards?”
“Yes, they’re in the coffee table drawer in the game room. Why?”
“You wanted a game so we’re playing strip poker on the deck.”
“Okay, let’s see how much fun we can have.” She was pretty good at poker.
He ran downstairs to find the cards while she finished in the kitchen. Just before they reached the French doors he asked, “Do you wanna put on more clothes?”
“I don’t think I’ll need them. What about you? Want an extra pair of socks?”
“No, darlin’, I want out of my clothes as soon as possible.”
Her mouth gaped in surprise as warmth pool deep inside her while she took in his breathtaking smile. It was late afternoon by the time they sat at the table on the deck and decided on five-card draw. She won the first two hands and questioned if he was letting her win or if he was that bad. He’d lost his shoes, but he still had his socks, pants, underwear, and shirt. They were pretty evenly matched clothes wise now. His demeanor changed, and he took on a more serious expression. He won the next three hands. She lost her flip-flops and shirt. She still had on her lace bra, but it didn’t leave much to the imagination. Her nerves increased because she only had two garments left. The card gods looked in her favor as she won the next hand. Just as Evan removed a sock, a cool breeze blew through, and her nipples hardened. His eyes went straight to her chest.
“I can’t wait for you to lose that bra,” he said as he licked his lips.
“Is this why you wanted to play out here?”
“Yeah, I wanted to see your nipples pucker and knew at these elevations the breeze would be cooler. Seeing them through that lace makes my mouth water.”
Even though his words caused her concentration to falter, she managed to win the next hand. He took off his other sock. It was his deal, and he took his time as his eyes moved from hers to her chest and back. He didn’t even try to hide his hunger, and her breathing started to quicken. At the end of the hand, his full house beat her three of a kind so he stood and walked around the table as he said, “Let me help you with that.” He unfastened her bra as he stood behind her. While he slipped the straps down her shoulders, he kissed each one. “Beautiful.” Once he had retaken his seat, a smile stretched across his face. “Darlin’, I didn’t think your nipples could get any harder, but I think they just proved me wrong.” Her face was hot. “Why are you blushing?”
“I’m not used to men talking to me the way you do. It’s not repulsive, it’s suggestive, sexy.”
“Gin, other men better not, but I will.” He held her gaze. “You need to get used to it because your body drives me crazy. Every inch of it belongs to me, and I intend to worship it every chance I get. Your responses to my words, my touch, turn me on. Just watching you is an aphrodisiac.” As he finished the last word, she started to get out of her chair. “Where are you going?”
“I want to kiss you.”
“No, ma’am, keep your seat. Let’s finish this.”
She was aroused. It was her deal and she couldn’t focus. His words kept playing in her head. Could she get used to him talking like that? Did she want to? She thought it turned her on so much because she wasn’t used to it. She squirmed in her seat trying to find some relief.
“Sit still and deal,” he said through a chuckle.
If he won, it’d be the last hand. If she won, they’d keep playing. She threw away two, but picked the wrong two to toss. If she’d kept them she would’ve had two pair. As it stood now, she had nothing. When they showed
their hands, he’d won with a pair of threes.
She stood to remove her shorts while he sat back to enjoy the show. As she moved the zipper down and opened the fly, he saw he’d won and delight twinkled in his eyes. “Since that was the last hand, let’s step inside then you can finish sliding those little shorts down those beautiful legs, darlin’.” They took everything inside and unceremoniously dropped it on the floor. “Take them off.” He couldn’t have hidden the bulge in his shorts with an umbrella. She reached out to touch him, but he took a step back. “You lost. Strip.” Since she knew he was as bad as she was, she slowly slid her shorts down and moved her hips in a slow roll to tease him even more. “Gin, don’t do that. Right now, I could bend you over this couch.”
“I’m good with that.” She gave him a begging look. “But I’ll wait if you want me to.”
“Aww Fuck. As much as I wanna make you wait, I want you more. Come here,” he said as he led her to the back of the sofa. “Turn around, spread your legs.”
She did as he said, but the sound of his zipper made her want to squeeze her legs together. He swatted her ass and whispered in her ear as he leaned over her back, “Be still and wait. This is happening sooner than I’d planned so show me you can be a good girl.” He ran his hand from her puckered hole to her wet one. “Stay like that.”
She whimpered as she felt him move away. She never thought a man could ever bring her to this wanton state—a place where all her carnal desires and needs were opened to someone else. He did this to her and made her feel beautiful while he did it. With him, this was right.
She heard his footsteps before she raised her head to see him walk out of the master bedroom with a bottle of lube in his hand. When he repositioned himself behind her, she felt his hard ridge as he ran his hand from the top of her spine to the bottom, and she bowed her back like a cat. His touch, his words, were an elixir to her body. He’d told her he wanted her soul. Today, she thought he had it. “You, like this is all I’ll ever need.” When she tried to wiggle her ass against him, he pinned her harder to the sofa. “I’m gonna play before I give you what you want. Be sweet and just relax. Remember how good your rewards are when I get what I want.” She nodded. “Let me hear the words.”
Unfinished Business Page 14