One Taste of You (One Taste #1)

by Amanda Siegrist

  "I take every mean thing I ever said to you back. I love you, man," Zeke said, taking the flash drive from his hand. "Now to find out what's so damn important to kill three people."

  "Ah...you always know the right words to say," Ben said sarcastically. "I'm dying to know what's on that flash drive. I know you are, too."

  "We have to escape Alcatraz first. I'll bag and tag the flash drive. You wrap up everything with Dickens," Zeke said with a smile.

  "Why do I gotta wrap it up with him? I'll bag and tag the flash drive. Give it back," Ben said, reaching for it.

  "Paws off, man. Too late. I'll even let you call Rina, to be fair," Zeke replied, trying to hold in his laughter.

  "Why would I call Rina?"

  "Well, now that we have the flash drive, I think it's best every damn person in that office knows that we have this thing. I need whoever's trying to harm Zoe to stop. She doesn't have it and they need to know we have it," Zeke said, squeezing the flash drive tighter.

  "Good call. That's a good idea," Ben said a little hesitantly. "But you know, I don't really want to let this person know that Rina spilled the beans. They might think she helped us in locating it. I don't want her in danger either."

  "Good point. Okay, we'll tell Young, who can spread the word. That better?" Zeke asked.

  "Much better," Ben said, throwing Murphy's stuff back in the locker.

  "You can still call Rina," Zeke said, backing up as he spoke.

  "Well, there's no point in it now...except she might like an update." He saw Zeke's stupid grin and grimaced. "I'm not calling her. You tell Zoe and she can call her."

  Ben threw the last thing in the locker and slammed the door shut. He grabbed the key out of the locker with ease and threw his hand in Zeke's face. "Lead the way."

  "How in the hell did you get the key out so easily? It was a bitch to get in," Zeke asked with his jaw hanging down.

  "I guess my skills are better than yours. I know how to handle a key." He walked around Zeke when he made no effort to move.

  "Is this the same kind of conversation we had with the pencil? You're saying you're better with a key than me?"

  Ben groaned. "You try my patience sometimes, Zeke."

  "And yet, I'm your best friend."

  "I said I was reconsidering it," Ben replied, pulling open the locker room door. He made his way to the stairs and turned the corner. He barely managed to hide the wince from seeing Dickens walk toward them.

  "You gents done? I got all the papers ready to be signed," Dickens said with a smile.

  Ben opened his mouth to reply when Zeke clapped him on the back and said, "Yeah, Ben here is ready. He likes this woman. A lot. He wants to improve his image to catch her attention. You know what I mean, Dickens."

  "Heck, yeah. That's what I'm talking about. Come on, Ben," Dickens said, waving a hand for him to follow.

  "I'm gonna kill you very slowly," Ben muttered as Zeke walked by him on the stairs.

  ***

  Zoe plopped down on the couch, grabbed her blanket that fell to the floor, and tried zoning in on the program on TV. She'd already been to the bathroom a billion times today and it was starting to annoy her. Nine long months of this seemed like pure torture. Why couldn't pregnancy be simple? She even opened the book Dee considered disgusting and immediately agreed with her. Having a baby didn't seem simple, or painless. Why did a woman have to endure so much pain? It wasn't fair.

  "Long thoughts over there. Are you doing okay, Zoe?" Richard asked, coming into the living room with two glasses of lemonade.

  "I hope one of those isn't for me. I suddenly hate the bathroom. That's all I've been doing today."

  Richard lightly laughed, setting the lemonade within reaching distance. "We have to keep that baby hydrated. I've seen the worry on your face all day. I know it's hard not to, but you have to let it all go. You have to be as stress free for the baby as possible. Everything will work out. Zeke's a damn fine detective, as is Ben. My son loves you. That makes his determination a little more fierce."

  Zoe smiled at those words. "Yes, I know he does. You raised a good man. He irritates me sometimes, but he has a heart of gold that is slowly melting mine."

  "So you're not fully committed to him yet? What about this baby? What's going to happen when the baby comes?" Richard asked.

  A slight frightened look appeared on her face. She pulled the blankets closer to her chest to shield herself. "Are you talking about marriage, Mr. Chance?"

  "It's Rick, Richard, Dad, or Hey You, remember?" Richard said with a wink. "Of course, that's what I'm talking about. I even had the talk with my son. He knows your apprehensive and won't rush you. I've never seen him with a woman like I have with you. He does love you. Remember that."

  "It's hard to forget when he says it all the time," Zoe replied a bit wistfully.

  "I had my say. I won't bring it up again. I hope I didn't drive you nuts all day," Richard said, taking a sip of his lemonade.

  "I don't think that's possible. Next time I'll beat you at Scrabble. I refuse to lose again."

  "It's a date. I'll take you in a game of scrabble anytime," he replied, giving her another wink.

  "Should I start something for supper? Do you think he'll be home soon?"

  "You can. Although, I can't say when he'll get here. He's determined right now. I would offer to make supper, but I have this feeling you want to get some nervous energy out."

  "Smart man. I guess Zeke gets it from you," Zoe said, smiling as she stood up. "Any requests?"

  "I'm not picky. I eat what a beautiful woman puts in front of me. I learned that early on with Deborah. She doesn't tolerate nonsense," Richard said with a smile.

  "Well, let me see what the kitchen holds," she said, walking out of the living room.

  ***

  Richard kept his smile until she left his view. She tried to hide her worry, but it was nearly impossible not to see it. He worried about her. He worried about Zeke. Deep down, he suddenly worried about them making it. What was he missing?

  He sat there quietly in the living room, ignoring the TV, pondering those thoughts when he heard the lock turn in the front door. He stood up, slightly on alert, but had a strong feeling no threat would walk through. He nearly made it to the door when it opened.

  "Hey, Dad. How's Zoe?" Zeke asked, the tiredness evident in his eyes.

  "Making supper. You know, working the worry out. It hasn't disappeared since you left this morning. Not sure it's going to until this case is wrapped up," Richard replied. "Is everything okay between you two? Anything I should know?"

  "Yeah, of course. Why do you ask? Did she say something?" Zeke asked, the sudden concern on his face like he did something wrong.

  "No, she didn't say anything. I feel like I'm missing something in this relationship. Something you're not telling me," Richard said with a stern look. The same look he always delivered when Zeke was growing up and he managed to land himself in a boatload of trouble.

  "Zoe and I are fine, Dad. If you're back on the marriage kick, let it rest. I'm not going to rush her. There's nothing you need to know. We're good."

  He thought he saw a flicker of guilt pass through Zeke's eyes, wondering what that could possibly mean. But what good would it do to argue with him? Zeke never divulged his secrets when he was a child, and he certainly didn't expect him to as a man.

  "What progress have you made? Did the crime lab check out the flash drive yet?" Richard asked, rubbing a hand over his face in frustration. He knew when Zeke lied to him. It really bothered him about what he didn't know.

  "Yeah, a bunch of numbers that made no sense. Initials next to them. We think it's some sort of payoff list. You know, like bookies keep or whatever. Now we're trying to figure out if one of them had a gambling problem or something."

  "No money was missing from the company?" Richard asked.

  "Not that forensics found, or that Dee or Rina found. They dug deep for us today and found nothing fishy. Dee's tenacious. She w
ould've found something if there was something to be found. For whatever reason, I think Murphy was involved in something shady and kept it on his computer at work. Perhaps Mills found out about it and that's where the tension started between them. We have to figure out what the numbers and initials mean and hopefully we'll find our killer," Zeke said, mimicking his dad's actions from earlier by rubbing a hand over his face in frustration.

  "Sounds dumb to leave that sort of information at work if it's not work involved," Richard said.

  "Yeah, well, he wasn't exactly honest with his wife about certain things. He probably didn't want her to know. She's not the best at honesty either. Maybe she would've promised to keep it a secret, but would've ended up blabbing anyway. Who knows? This whole damn case is messed up."

  "Did you talk to her about it?" Richard asked.

  "Not yet, but we talked to Young and he had no clue. He also spread the word throughout the office that the flash drive was found. Zoe should be safe from now on. I worried about what to do tomorrow. I don't want to leave her alone," Zeke said with a sigh.

  "But you think you can now?"

  "I don't know. I don't want to, but we still have a lot to do. I need to find this bastard."

  "I'll be fine. I need the rest anyway and some time to read those pregnancy books. It's a lot to read, you know," Zoe said, walking up to him and slid an arm around his waist.

  Zeke smiled, grabbed her tighter, and kissed the top of her head. "Doesn't mean I want to leave you alone."

  "But you can. You found the flash drive and the word is out. Why would they need to keep bothering me? I don't have it," Zoe said.

  "I worry about you. How much did you worry today?" Zeke asked.

  "Not much."

  Richard cleared his throat and raised his brows at her.

  "Okay, maybe a tiny bit. It can't be helped. I'll worry whether I'm with someone or not. I'll keep the door locked, check it before I answer it, and call you immediately if something goes wrong. Okay?" Zoe said, gazing into his eyes with a sweet smile.

  Richard saw the hesitation on Zeke's face to agree. He wanted to interject in the conversation, but didn't think it would be appropriate. Whatever issue between them had nothing to do with the murder cases. That much he knew. Zeke's hesitation was nothing but fear for her safety. And knowing his son, he would never know what he was hiding.

  "I don't like it, but I can't argue with it. Carry your cell with you around the house, just in case," Zeke said, planting a tender kiss on her lips. "I love you."

  Zoe smiled, then rested her head on his shoulder. "Supper's cooking. I'm glad you're home."

  "Whatever it is, it smells delicious. I missed you. Ben was off the hook with his annoyance today."

  "What kind of bickering occurred between you two?" Richard asked.

  Zoe chuckled. "I'm sure you were just as bad."

  "Hey, I was the epitome of innocence," Zeke said with a smirk.

  "Somehow I find that hard to believe," Richard said, raising his eyebrows in disbelief.

  "What are we having, Zoe? It smells delicious," Zeke said, as he kissed her head.

  Zoe smiled, shivering a little. "Chicken, salad, and baked potatoes. That's all I had the energy for."

  "It sounds like a feast. I'm sure we'll love it," Richard said.

  "Yep. I agree. I love everything about you," Zeke said, squeezing her tightly to his body.

  Maybe he didn't have to worry about them. He smiled tenderly as he watched Zeke walk to the kitchen holding Zoe's hand. The energy of happiness that surrounded them was obvious. Perhaps he was creating a problem in his head. This was a new relationship. A delicate one with a baby on the way.

  No more worrying.

  He followed them into the kitchen, laughing joyfully at Zeke's story about Ben being forced to sign up for a membership at a gym. And he no doubt figured it was forced—by Zeke—in some sort of mischievous way.

  Those two. Best partners at the precinct. They'd solve this case soon. He knew it.

  Chapter 12

  The alarm rang with piercing annoyance. Zeke didn't want to get up or leave the bed where he held the treasure that kept him going each day. He would've never thought he'd fall this hard or fast for a woman. Knowing the ringing wouldn't stop until he moved, he reluctantly let go of Zoe and silenced the alarm. Because he couldn't help it, he rolled back to his spot and pulled her closer.

  "You'll be late if you don't get up. You set the alarm with barely any time to snuggle," Zoe mumbled sleepily.

  Zeke nuzzled her neck, kissing lightly. "I don't care. I don't want to get out of bed. Which is why I set the alarm so late. I want as much time with you as I can."

  Zoe lazily opened her eyes. "Well, you have no choice. You have some murders to solve. I need some peace of mind. I need you all to myself for a few days. I can't have that when you have these murders to take care of."

  Zeke rubbed his hand down her arm in a light caress, slowly making his way to her breast where he cupped it gently. "What do you want to do for a few days with me?"

  She turned her body toward him and smiled. "Stuff."

  "Can you describe what sort of stuff?" Zeke asked as he caressed her nipple, wondering why he didn't just toss her nightgown off. Clothes were such a nasty barrier.

  "Ouch. Careful," Zoe exclaimed as she grabbed his chest, only grazing his skin.

  "I didn't even pinch. That's never hurt before," Zeke said, leaning down and kissed her breast through her shirt.

  "Well, mister, in case you forgot, I'm pregnant. I guess it's a little sensitive."

  He frowned slightly, almost a painful expression thwarting his features. "I'm sorry, Zoe. I didn't mean to make it hurt."

  "Don't get like that. All moody. I know you didn't. Maybe you should read those pregnancy books with me. They have a wealth of information."

  He grinned slightly. "Maybe I should. I hope it's not like that the entire pregnancy. I like playing with your breasts. I might go insane if I can't."

  "You poor man. You'll live," Zoe said with a light snicker.

  "I might die of starvation." He kissed her deeply, then sighed heavily. His stomach twisted at the thought of walking out the door. "I'll be late if I don't get out of bed."

  He slowly rolled, not making it very far. She grabbed his boxers, reached inside, gently grabbing his heat, and stroked once. He stopped moving and sucked in a harsh breath. "Oh, Zoe, honey. What are you doing?"

  She smiled, stroking him again. Another harsh breath escaped. "Making you late for work."

  He closed his eyes as he let her play. And play she did. Stroking him up and down, circling his tip, squeezing him hard and then lightly. His mind lost all thought. She knew exactly how to touch him, to find the spot that made his body tingle with delight.

  He should stop her. He should be the one pleasuring her, especially since he unintentionally hurt her.

  Sensitive.

  Why did her body have to be overly sensitive like that? He wanted to touch her in every delectable spot, but not if he had to worry it would hurt.

  His hand clenched the bed sheets as he moved his hips with her delicious strokes. He loosened his hand to reach over to stop her so he could finish this sweet torture deep inside her when she increased the pace. Tighter, faster, hotter than he ever imagined. Before he could stop her, his body exploded into fire, the building sensation igniting into flames of pure bliss. His body shook as the waves of pleasure poured out of him with quiet delight.

  "Did that feel good?" she whispered into his ear, lightly nibbling before she backed away.

  He turned his head to her, still trying to control the ecstasy that ran rampant through his veins. "Oh, I think you know it felt good. I've never gone off like that so fast in my life. Did I tell you I love you this morning yet? Because I love you."

  "I'm glad you enjoyed it," she said, rolling out of bed to wash her hands of the pleasure she held.

  She was wiping her hands dry on the towel when Zeke walked int
o the bathroom gloriously naked. He nodded his head to the shower. "Join me?"

  "I think I already made you late enough." Zoe took her time drying her hands as she perused his body.

  "Yeah, but—"

  "You can have me tonight. It's okay, Zeke. You're gonna be late," she said with a laugh.

  "I don't care," he said with a pout as he stepped inside the shower. "You're sure?"

  She nodded her head. He reluctantly closed the curtain and turned on the water. He found the right temperature and stepped under the spray, letting the warm water relax his body even further. He almost had a hard time standing with the tingling flow of pleasure still running through his body.

  He wanted to argue with her more, but didn't.

  Sensitive.

  He'd never hurt her like that. How could he touch her if it would hurt every time? Maybe that's why she didn't want any sex right now.

  No. It couldn't be true.

  Damn Ben and his annoying pregnancy advice.

  He slapped a hand to the wall as he bent his head in dismay.

  No sex. For nine long months.

  Had he been right? He groaned at that horrifying possibility. He enjoyed her pleasuring him, but there was no way he'd survive nine months of no sex. He needed her body, too.

  He let the water fall over his body, the warmth soothing his rattled nerves. Once he stepped outside the shower, who knew how horrible his nerves would be. Probably ramped up again.

  A pair of hands suddenly snaked around his chest, and a soft, delicious body cradled him from behind. A happy sigh floated out.

  "You're already late, I guess," Zoe whispered as she moved her hands around his chest.

  He turned around, backing her up against the wall and pressed into her. "So you're not denying me sex?"

  "What gave you that crazy idea? I don't want you to be late," she said, rubbing a hand over his cheek in a gentle manner. "You were stewing in the shower thinking about that, weren't you?"

  "No...maybe...yes." He kissed her, relishing in her sweet taste. "I don't want to hurt you...being sensitive and whatnot."