Reports would be filled, but not tonight. I headed home.
Fearing that Emma was asleep, I did my best to keep quiet as I entered the house. I was working the straps on my bulletproof vest on the sofa when Emma ran down the stairs calling my name until she spotted me.
In an instant, she was by my side with one knee on the sofa to help her balance as she leaned over to help me unclip the straps.
“Are you okay?” she asked. “I heard you’d been shot.”
I wasn’t sure who she’d heard it from. “I’ll be fine once I get this off,” I wheezed.
The door burst open, and Darcy came into view. “Of course, the Virgin Mary is here,” she announced.
Emma barely glanced her way. “Good thing, someone needed to be here to save him from the devil.”
“Ladies,” I managed to say as I caught my breath. I wasn’t sure if it was the pain or the fact that I couldn’t stop staring at Emma’s lips.
“Maybe some mouth to mouth might help,” Emma said. She winked before closing the last inches of space between us to press her soft lips to mine.
Slow clapping reminded me we weren’t alone. “Mediocre performance if you ask me,” Darcy said.
“No one’s asking you,” Emma retorted.
“You’re trying to mark your territory. But Aiden was between my thighs before you filled out your training bra. I doubt you got him hard with that kiss. Let me show you how it’s done.”
It might have been a teenage fantasy of mine to have these two women at the same time, but that was then. I won’t lie and say it could be fun in the moment. It would also spell disaster for me in the morning. They would both hate each other and me. Emma hating me wasn’t an option.
“Ladies,” I said again. Then I met Darcy’s gaze. “Darcy, thanks for stopping by. But I’m fine. You can go now.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Why am I not surprised you’re choosing her,” she sneered.
“Darcy,” I warned. “You know my feelings. I’ve been honest with you from the beginning.”
She didn’t bother with a response and stormed out as quickly as she’d shown up.
Emma finished helping me out of my vest and placed it on the coffee table. She didn’t stop there. She helped me out of my shirt, too, and ran her hand over a bruise that had formed. I winced.
“Shouldn’t you see a doctor?”
“They aren’t going to do anything. I’ve been hit before with gunfire while wearing a vest. But you can help,” I said, slipping a hand to stroke her thigh. “I really like when you’re wearing my shirt.”
“I was wearing less but didn’t want to distract you.”
“You could be covered head to toe and I’d be distracted,” I admitted.
I tugged her down, ignoring the sharp pain in my chest and kissed her hard. She opened for me and I slid my tongue in her mouth. I might have groaned from pain or the sheer pleasure of kissing her.
“Remember when I said I’m a patient man?” I made sure my eyes were steady on hers when she nodded. “I lied.”
My hand found the hem of her shirt and slipped underneath. I took my time skimming up her to the underside of her breast, giving her enough time to put the brakes on things. I sighed when her breast was in my palm, soft yet firm. My mouth watered for more.
She caught my hand and I bit back a curse. It was her right to stop things. She surprised me by her next statement. “Take me to bed, Aiden.”
There wouldn’t be a need to ask me twice. My ribs hurt something fierce. It would be easier to do it right here on the sofa. But my first time with Emma would be something we’d both remember. So I forced myself up, keeping her in my arms. I prayed to heaven above I wouldn’t pass out from pain as I carried her up the stairs and into my bedroom.
When I crossed the threshold, I said, “I believe I’ve waited my entire life for this.”
Chapter 27
Emma
Never in my life had a man carried me to bed. Aiden did it effortlessly even when I could tell he was in pain.
“We don’t have to,” I said. “I know you’re hurt.”
His smile warmed every part of me. “Being with you will make it better.”
We took it slow. I helped him undress and then did a show for him as I removed his shirt I wore until all I had on was my lacy bodysuit. He held out his hand and I took it to be drawn to stand between his legs. He reached up and peeled the straps of the lacy bodysuit down until gravity took over.
There I stood bare in front of him.
“Beautiful,” he said.
He cherished me in a way I’d never experienced. He showed every part of me attention before he took me in his arms and rolled me onto the bed.
He went for the kiss, not yet settling his weight between my legs. I’d appreciate his lingering ministrations later, not now when all my nerve endings were ready to fire. I bit his lips and begged for him to move to the good part. “Please.”
His mischievous grin turned up a notch as he kissed his way between my breasts to my belly button. When his mouth did delicious things between my thighs, I fisted my hands in his sheets and begged for more.
Aiden didn’t disappoint on any level. He lived up to his reputation. By the time he penetrated my depths, I was desperate for him as he filled me. In one thrust, I was ready to blow. Somehow, he took me to another level where stars burst behind my eyes.
True to his word, our lovemaking was slow and built with every moment to a new and higher level. Every slide deeper, I clenched tighter, raising the pleasure once again. He swallowed my moans with soul-searing kisses. He worked the bundle of nerves between my legs until my toes curled and the dam broke. I opened my eyes wanting to look into his as we came together as one.
The man was as beautiful outside as he was in. He didn’t end our connection. Just held me tighter to him. I lay there in bliss wondering how I’d ever considered marrying Evan. With him, everything was a rush to the finish.
Though I thought it might be over, Aiden wasn’t. It was long into the night, an almost perfect night, before we fell asleep.
Early that morning, Aiden kissed my temple. “Stay asleep.”
I was too sleepy to do anything more than murmur something imperceptible before burrowing deeper onto his side of the bed.
Sometime later, I stretched and found the bed empty. It took a few moments of blinking for my vision to clear and remember that Aiden had left earlier.
Downstairs I found coffee and a note.
Keep the key, A
We were really doing this. I wasn’t exactly sure on all the rules. Did I need to give him a key to my place? It was probably a good idea that someone had a key since Dad was gone.
That gave me pause. I breathed through the ache that blossomed on my chest. A tear spilled from my eye a second before my phone buzzed. I answered.
“Is this Ms. Hawkins?”
“Yes.”
She introduced herself as an employee of the private autopsy firm I’d hired. “I’m calling to let you know that we have the results of your father’s autopsy. We can schedule a meeting to go through the results or we can send you the results and schedule a meeting after for any questions you have.”
“Please send me the results and then I’ll schedule a meeting. Thanks.”
She confirmed where I wanted the results emailed before we ended the call.
Though I wanted to speak to Aiden, I knew he was at work. I texted him instead.
Then, I got all cleaned up before leaving his place with the key. I might have squealed a little as I left. Aiden and I were really doing it, and it felt right.
I drove back to my house and sat in the car for a while looking out the window. This house was the dream my father gave my mother. It was also the place where all those dreams died. If I stayed in Mason Creek, I couldn’t live in this house. I also couldn’t give it up.
It wasn’t until I was in the office at the bar that I finally checked my email. The report was there, but fear ke
pt me from opening it. I was afraid to learn he’d been murdered because I just couldn’t believe that someone in town would do such a thing. Dad was well liked. Conversely, I feared he wasn’t murdered, and I had his grave disturbed for nothing.
My finger hovered over the mouse as I debated what to do. It was almost a relief when one of my employees walked in with a problem. I could walk away for at least a little while before I had to face the results.
Relief filled me when Aiden walked through the door hours later. I’d been studying for an exam, which helped keep my mind off of dad and had just gone up front to check on things when he arrived. I didn’t care what people thought. I wanted the world to know that I was with this man. I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around him.
“Thank you for coming,” I said in his ear.
He put his forehead to mine. “Always.”
I angled my head back before pressing my lips to his in a quick kiss. I didn’t bother to survey anyone around me. I guided him to the back and into the office. Once seated, I turned the computer in his direction. “I don’t think I can look.”
There was tenderness in his expression toward me that made me fall a little harder for him as he clicked some keys. I watched his eyes move as he read the information.
After a few minutes, I said, “Well?”
He took in a deep breath before he answered. “Manner of death is listed as homicide.”
Air in my lungs became trapped as I didn’t know how to feel.
“Cause of death is listed as an acute subdural hematoma.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, hoping Dad hadn’t suffered.
“I think it’s a brain bleed. But we should call. There is a phone number listed.”
Aiden brought out his phone and dialed, putting it on speaker.
The medical examiner from the private forensic lab I’d hired answered the phone.
“This is Aiden Faulkner and Emma Hawkins. We are calling about the autopsy results for Doug Hawkins,” he said.
“Ah yes. I can schedule a time to go over the results with you in person, but I have a few minutes now.”
I found my voice and said, “Can you give a general explanation of your results without all the medical terms.”
“I assume that is you, Ms. Hawkins.”
“It is.”
“I have your permission to discuss this with Mr. Faulkner present?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Well, in general terms, it is my medical opinion your father died as a result of a fall on a hard surface which created a hematoma. A hematoma is a brain bleed where the blood is trapped between the skull and the brain tissue. This causes pressure and, in this case, when not relieved causes death.”
Aiden spoke. “You listed manner of death as homicide.”
“Yes. Under the microscope, I was able to see signs of a leucocyte reaction on the face.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Basically, an early indication of a recent bruise to the face. Such signs can be detected shortly after the impact, which cause it. The bruise would then stop forming after death. My best guess in layman’s terms is that your father was punched which resulted in a hard enough impact with a solid surface to create the brain bleed.”
“Did he suffer?” My voice was weak, and I thought I might have to repeat myself.
“In my opinion, no. Based on the size of the bleed, he probably lost consciousness quickly.”
Tears spilled from my eyes and I let Aiden take over the conversation.
“This is Aiden again. I’m the chief deputy sheriff stationed in Mason Creek. The initial death certificate states he died of natural causes. Based on your findings, we will open a new investigation. I’ll have to have you coordinate with the Coroner’s office to make that change.”
Jessie’s man Miles was the coroner of the county.
“No problem. We do it all the time. We will handle Mr. Hawkins until such time as he can be transferred to the coroner or laid to rest.”
“Thank you,” Aiden said. “I’ll be in touch.”
He ended the call and came over. He scooped me out of the seat and then sat with me on his lap. I cried for the hundredth time and figured I’d cry at least a hundred more before I felt even the slightest relief from Dad’s loss.
I couldn’t tell you how long he held me. At some point, he asked, “Are you going to be okay?” I nodded because I knew he had to get back to work. “I’ll see you at home.”
Home. He’d said it like it was ours. Choked up, I bobbed my head again and managed a small smile. He sat me back on the chair and placed a lingering kiss on my lips.
“I could stay all night,” he said.
“But you need to go and save the world.”
“For you.”
And just like that, I fell even deeper. I wasn’t sure what to call the emotion. But it was far stronger than anything I’d ever felt for Evan.
Chapter 28
Aiden
Leaving her became harder and harder to do. There was no question about how I felt, and I hoped she understood what I meant when I’d told her I’d see her at home. From the moment I’d bought the place, I’d seen her sharing it with me. Some may have considered that cocky. I thought it was determination. My parents always encouraged me to go after what I wanted. I’d wanted Emma for a very long time.
I drove back to the station and sought out the sheriff, who was in his office.
“Do you have a moment?” I asked.
He waved me in, and I waited for his attention to be fully on me before I spoke. “The results are in. The medical examiner from the private autopsy firm Emma hired has ruled Doug Hawkins death as a homicide.”
The blood drained from the sheriff’s face. “How?”
“Appears he was punched in the face and hit the concrete floor hard enough to cause a brain bleed.”
“He didn’t have a bruise,” Sheriff countered.
“He said the beginning of one could be seen under the microscope.”
The next words out of the sheriff’s mouth would determine the level of respect I’d have for him going forward.
“The death certificate has to be changed on record by the Coroner’s office,” he began.
“The coroner is an elected official and doesn’t even have to have forensic medical training. The medical examiner has the expertise. I don’t think any judge would object to the new findings.”
Though our current coroner was a doctor, his expertise was in live patients not dead ones.
He nodded. “We proceed with caution. Until it’s changed, legally we can’t arrest anyone without damning evidence in hand. Who are you looking at?”
“Jack Riddle, for one.”
Shocked registered on his face. “Why?”
“He has motive and opportunity. He claims Doug offered to sell him the bar at some point. What if Doug changed his mind? His will gives everything to Emma with no mention of Jack.” The sheriff looked ready to balk, so I dived in. “He had opportunity. He had access to the bar as manager.”
“He didn’t do it,” Sheriff stated.
“Maybe not, but I have to give him a hard look.”
“Do you have anyone else?”
“Maybe.” I didn’t give him more. “I’ll need a warrant for that one.”
“Get the process moving…” There was a pause and I waited. “And tell Emma I’m sorry.”
“You should tell her yourself.”
I went to my office to make a boatload of calls. One of those calls was to Jack. An hour later, he showed up to the station voluntarily. I led him back to the small room for interrogations. There was a reason for that.
“What’s going on?” Jack asked.
“First, I’m going to read your rights for your protection.”
Alarm registered on his face as it did most suspects and witnesses alike who didn’t often find themselves dealing with law enforcement. I read him the Miranda warning and offered him a pape
r with the written warning for him to sign.
“It’s procedure,” I said, handing him a pen. “I read it because this is being recorded. You’re welcome to read it again and then sign, acknowledging you have been made aware of your rights.”
He did as I asked, then repeated his earlier question. “What’s going on?”
“I’ll get to that. First, tell me where you were on the day of Doug Hawkins’s death.” I gave him the date and window of time I was looking for.
“I was with the guys playing poker until about two.”
“Which guys?” I asked and when he named them, I jotted it down. “And after.”
“I was at home.”
“Was there anyone at home who can corroborate that?”
“My wife.”
“Was she sleeping?”
He turned red and I wasn’t yet sure if that was embarrassment or anger.
“We were fucking. So yeah. She can corroborate that.” So a little of both.
So far, he hadn’t asked for a lawyer or questioned my authority. “Do you mind if I give her a call?”
He shrugged, then gestured the go ahead with his hands. He gave me her number and I left the room to place the call. After that ended, I let him go. Even if I’d wanted to, I couldn’t arrest him without more.
Though I wasn’t in a position to arrest anyone yet, I felt as though things were moving in the right direction by the time I left work that evening. When I got home, I walked into an amazing aroma.
Emma was in the kitchen at the stove wearing another one of my shirts with shorts that barely peeked below the hem. It was sexy as hell. I folded my arms. “Damn, I could come home to this every night.”
She turned a lovely shade of pink when she halfway turned to face me. I couldn’t resist and placed my hands on her hips while nibbing on her neck. Her giggle only spurred me on.
“If you keep doing that, I’ll burn dinner and we’ll have nothing to eat.”
“Oh, there are a hell of a lot of things to eat that don’t involve food.”
She swatted at me. “I left work early once Jack returned to make you this meal. You aren’t spoiling it for me.”
Perfect Night Page 15