Always Look Twice
Page 22
That warmed her heart.
“It was him,” she said, tears gathering in her eyes. “My protector in the witch dimension. That was Dad.” She could feel the connection, the same energy.
Allie didn’t move. She kept gazing at the painting. “That must have been difficult for him.”
Extremely difficult, Olivia thought. “That’s why I didn’t know it was him. He was being careful not to reveal himself. To keep Zinna and Mom from discovering who he was. From letting them mess with his soul.”
Allie gasped. “Look!”
The shield in his hand moved, just a little, just enough to make his image come to life. And then the painting remained still, the glow around it fading, disappearing softly.
“Is he gone?” Allie asked. “Did he leave for the Ghost Road?”
“I don’t think so. I think he’s going to wait for you, with the weapons you gave him. In case Zinna comes back.”
“Then I’ll wait for him, too.” Her sister took a deep breath. “I’ll wait as long as I have to.”
“Just be safe.” Olivia hugged Allie, then left her alone in the studio, where she was destined to create more magic.
Olivia decided not to fix breakfast. She returned to her bedroom instead, wanting to see West, to watch him sleep.
Only, he wasn’t asleep. He sat up in bed, braced against the headboard, the sheet falling to his waist. He looked strong and healthy, a sight to behold.
“Hey,” she said, studying his features, those compelling eyes, the angle of his cheekbones, the beard stubble shadowing his jaw. Then she glanced at his stomach, fascinated by the ripple of muscle, the indentation of his navel.
“Hey, yourself.” He looked at her with same sexual interest, up and down, all over.
Lust, she thought. Amazing, beautiful lust. She shed her robe and climbed into bed with him.
“Have I thanked you for what you did?” he asked.
“You don’t have to. I know you appreciate it.” She moved closer, inhaling his herbal scent, the medicine that lingered on his skin. “And you would have done the same thing for me.”
“I heard what you said to me, Olivia.” He took her hand and held it. “When I was unconscious, I could still hear you. Like a dream in my head.”
Her heartbeat turned fluttery, much too girlish. “Oh, that.” Those three little words. She couldn’t take them back, not even if she wanted to. “It’s no big deal.”
“Yes, it is.” The sun bathed the bed in a golden hue, drifting across the sheet, dancing in the air. “And I love you, too.”
A jangle of nerves rose to the occasion, tingling her skin, making her pulse jump. “Thank you. I mean…I’m glad you feel the same way.”
“So, what happens now?” he asked.
“Nothing spectacular.” She feigned a casual air, wishing her heart would stop flapping its wings. “We go on with our lives.”
“Just like that, huh?” He still held her hand. “How about this? We can keep working together. Seeing each other as often as we can. I’ll request to have you on my cases.”
Her lips twitched. “Why? So I can save your ass a few more times?”
“Yeah, but it’s such a great ass.” With strong, possessive arms, he grabbed her, dragging her against his body, making her sigh. “I’ll bet you’re obsessed with it.”
“I am not.”
“Liar.” He nuzzled her neck, and they nearly melted in each other arms.
It was a feeling she wasn’t used to. But she let it happen. Because she loved him. Because he was worth saving.
“I’ll be your boy toy,” he said.
She laughed and snuggled closer. Special Agent West. Friend, lover…
…sex slave.
That sounded pretty darn good.
Better than good, she decided, when he offered her his handcuffs.
Much, much better.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-6700-2
ALWAYS LOOK TWICE
Copyright © 2005 by Sheree Henry-WhiteFeather
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