by Vella Day
It took a minute for the information to make sense. “Bob broke into my house?”
“Seems so. He said he wanted all cops to know that if we come after any of his people that we’d be sorry.”
“Why me?”
Thad placed his hand over hers. “It was a way to give me the most pain.”
Her fogged brain was having a hard time connecting the dots. Unease crawled up her body at the idea someone would want to harm her to get to Thad. Her mind still hadn’t fully processed the break-in. “I’m not clear on this. Did he set the fire because he failed to get into my house?”
“Yes. Kids like him want recognition. Apparently, he thinks he’ll be out in no time. His message, however, was clear. There will be a price to pay if we mess with his gang.”
Zoey brought her coffee to her lips in the hope of stopping her heart from banging against her chest, but it didn’t help. “I’m not sure landing in jail is the smartest choice.”
“I’ve tried for years to get into the head of the typical gang member. Sometimes I can figure them out. Sometimes I can’t. Here’s one thing that never changes. Gang members, for all their faults and screwed-up ideals, are loyal to one another.”
Her mind raced through the ramifications. “Are you saying that even with this kid in jail, others could come after me?”
Thad looked over at Pete, whose face had paled. “I don’t want to scare you, but it’s possible. Gangs don’t play nice.”
She didn’t want to believe what he said was true, but it made sense. Now, every kid she passed on the sidewalk could be a possible attacker. She looked back at Pete. Zoey was surprised he hadn’t offered his advice. “What do you think?”
Pete picked up his mug and brought it to his face, almost like he wanted to hide. “I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I.” In this case, she had little control over what others did.
Thad faced her. “Pete’s men will replace your bedroom window today, but I don’t want you in the house alone. Alarm or not. If Bob wants to get back at me, he’ll find someone else to do the deed.”
“Way to keep me calm.”
Guilt flashed across his face. “Sorry. It’s possible he believes his message has been delivered, but I want to be careful. What I’m doing a bad job of saying is that I’d like you to move in here until we’re positive the danger has passed.”
Would it ever be gone? “I’d like that.” Too bad it wasn’t under better circumstances—like they wanted to be with her. The fact was, they hadn’t known each other long enough. Relationships took time to build.
“I think Zoey should learn to shoot a gun,” Pete said, with a seriousness she hadn’t heard from him before.
“Guns scare me. Violence solves nothing.”
“I’ll be happy to teach her,” Thad offered, “but if she takes the weapon out of her house, she’ll still need to go through a series of courses to get a concealed weapons permit. Even then, it can’t be issued for sixty days.”
Pete rapped on the island. “Not good enough. What about a stun gun?”
Zoey held up her hands. “Guys. A stun gun? By the time I find my purse in my house and then fish it out, it’ll be too late.”
Thad’s lips thinned. “While you’re with us you’ll be safe, but what about when you’re in your office? I didn’t like the way Dr. Carson looked at you.”
She’d been through that discussion with Pete. From their firm tones, they wanted her to take more precautions. While she never could actually use a stun gun, it was better than if they wanted her to carry a gun. “I’ll buy a stun gun, and I’ll leave it at my office.”
“Perfect,” Pete said.
With that settled, they all dug in. After finishing, Zoey wanted to feel useful, and insisted on cleaning up.
“I’m going to crash for a few hours,” Thad said in between yawns. “Maybe we can all do something fun together tonight.”
“I’d like that.” She could only hope it involved some hot sex.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“We’re here!” Pete said.
His enthusiasm sounded forced, but Zoey was pleased he’d stopped fretting about her safety. After spending part of the day packing her things, and then moving into Pete and Thad’s guest room, Zoey wanted to forget about gang members and killers.
Pete had driven the three of them about thirty minutes out of town into the National Forest. After taking a long winding road uphill, he pulled off to the side. She was a bit confused what “here” actually was, but it sure was pretty. “Don’t tell me this is where you take your women to make out.” The sun had set about half an hour ago and darkness was quickly inking in the sky. In the far distance, the lights of the city glowed.
Thad laughed. “That’s not a bad idea.” His upbeat chuckle almost sounded sincere.
“Before you even think it, it’s too cold to have sex outside. I might be up for kissing, but that’s all.”
“Damn. Not even sex in the backseat?” Pete asked.
“Definitely not back there. It’s too cramped.”
Pete snapped his fingers. “Then we’ll have to go to plan B.”
Thad pushed open his door and guided her out. “You going to be warm enough in that coat?” He moved behind and wrapped his arms around her.
“I’ll be fine.” The truck’s tailgate squeaked open. “What’s he doing?” she asked Thad.
Thad nibbled her ear and all concerns disappeared. “Don’t you worry about a thing. Pete has a surprise for you.”
Zoey twisted around and wrapped her arms around Thad’s neck, pressing her jacketed body against him. She kissed him hard and deep. Thad’s demanding touch set her skin on fire and heated her to the core. She loved his passion and decisiveness.
Thad’s callused hands cupped her cheeks, and when they kissed again, they seemed to draw life from each other. Time stood still. He emitted a throaty groan, and she had to break the kiss. “We shouldn’t get started. It’ll only frustrate me more.”
Pete smacked his palm on his thigh. “Enough of that, you two. Come on. I have a surprise.”
“Spoil sport. Just so you know, I like it when you guys kiss, nibble, and suck on my naked body, but I also like to stay warm. Next summer, I might agree to even suggest an outdoor adventure.”
Damn. As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her comment had been presumptuous. For being a psychologist, she kind of sucked at guessing their intentions. At times, the three of them were so close that she believed they’d never be apart. At other moments, she wondered if she was just the woman of the moment. It didn’t help that the three of them had been thrown together by circumstances instead of by their mutual interests.
“Deal,” Thad answered.
Pete carried a telescope and set it down on a flat surface about fifteen feet away. He extended the legs then cleared his throat. “Ready to see the magic of the sky?” Using his teeth to hold the flashlight, he moved some knobs and rotated some dials. The light clicked off. “Give me a sec to find something of interest.”
As Zoey watched what he was doing, excitement sped through her. “I haven’t been stargazing since high school, but I’ve always been fascinated by the universe. Pete, you never mentioned you were into astronomy.”
Thad wrapped his arms around her waist again and leaned his cheek against her face. His closeness altered something inside her, and Zoey’s insecurities regarding her place with these men melted.
“Pete is quite the superstar,” he said. “He just likes to pretend to be low key, but he’s not.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. All right, professor Banks. Show me what you got.” A cool breeze kicked up and she shivered. Thad hugged her tighter.
The sweet scent of pine and sage rose on the wind in waves and she inhaled deeply. The clean scent helped clear her head.
“Step over here, sugar, and see our wonderful quarter moon.” Pete guided her to the telescope, and then placed her hand on the focusing knob.
“Actually it isn’t much brighter than an asphalt road on a sunny day, but compared to the black sky it appears quite light.” Pete leaned close and his presence made her lose focus for a minute. “Can you see both the light and the dark in the viewfinder?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“That’s called the terminator. If you watch closely, you’ll see shadows move as the sun rises.”
Thad stepped next to her and placed his hands on her waist again as if to steady her. She had a hard time not thinking about what those hands could do to her if she were underneath him right now. Concentrate. “Yes. Oh, wait. Something just changed.”
“Let me replace the eye piece. Hold on.” Without turning on the flashlight, he quickly made the exchange. “Try it now. What do you see?” Pete asked.
She looked and adjusted the knob. “This is incredible. I see mountains, craters, plains.” Zoey stepped back. “Thad, take a look.” Why hadn’t she done this sooner? She faced Pete. “Have you always had this interest in astronomy?” He hadn’t commented before when she’d mentioned his talent.
“Not until prep school. I had an amazing physics teacher who was into this stuff. A couple of times a quarter, when the weather permitted, he’d have these demonstrations where he’d invite the class to check out the constellations and our moon. His love of astronomy got me excited.” His voice trailed off as if the memory was a good one, but one that could never be captured again.
“I’m glad you had the chance to meet such a man.”
“Me, too. You ever have anyone profoundly influenced you?”
There were so many teachers she could honor. “The ones who left a lasting impression were the ones who challenged me. A few told me I didn’t work hard enough and that I’d never succeed if I didn’t change my ways. I had an advisor who wanted me to take this advanced writing class my senior year. It wasn’t required, but he said it would make me a better person.”
“What did you do?” Pete leaned closer, and Thad was no longer hunched over the telescope, as if he wanted to hear what she had to say, too. Their determination to learn about her boggled her mind.
“I took the class. Remember, I like to please.”
Thad tugged her to his chest. “That’s one of the many reasons why we like you. You’re a good girl.” His tone implied anything but.
“I am, which means I intend to have Pete show me some constellations, like he said he would.”
Pete chuckled then pointed them out to her. But after a few sightings, his enthusiasm seemed to wane. She didn’t want him to stay when he wasn’t into it. Besides, the temperature had dropped significantly, and snuggling in front of the fire appealed to her.
“I’m getting a little cold. Would you all mind if we call it quits for tonight?”
“Sure, sugar.” Pete folded the telescope and carried it back to the truck.
When he was out of earshot, she leaned close to Thad. “Is something wrong with Pete?”
Thad shrugged. “Seems like it. Not sure what his problem is. Don’t worry. Once we’re locked in the house, he’ll be good. I think the aborted assault has him worried.”
Pete’s sudden strange mood was a downer, but hopefully with a nice glass of wine in front of a roaring fire, all would be well. She could picture the three of them engaging in a very steamy and passionate lovemaking experience.
* * *
Pete climbed in the front seat of the truck and started the engine to get it warm for Zoey. He’d never experienced this combination of angst and joy before. When Zoey had called and said someone had tried to get in her house, he’d lost it. What if that person had succeeded in harming her? Nothing had happened, thank God, but what if it had? What if another gang member came back and succeeded the next time? Pete would never be able to handle it.
Thad pulled open the passenger door. Zoey climbed in, clicked on her seatbelt, and then Thad jumped in after her.
She placed a hand on Pete’s thigh and squeezed. “Thank you, again.”
Her touch almost burned him. Pete wanted her so bad he could taste it, but he needed time to think.
“All set?” he asked in as cheery a voice as he could muster.
“Yup,” she answered. “The stars were amazing.”
“I agree.” He loved her enthusiasm. Pete had done quite well keeping people at arm’s length his whole life. The one time he’d actually opened his soul to a person, look what happened. He fell in love. There. He’d said it. He, Pete Banks, loved Zoey Donovan. Only he wasn’t ready to tell her. He feared it might ruin things between them.
Every time they’d been together, their interactions had been intense. When he first met her, she’d bared her soul about being held captive. Then at his dad’s place, when he’d let her see what his life was like, she seemed to understand. Too bad he’d end up disappointing her just like he’d disappointed his dad. Her rejection, though, would be worse.
“—movie?” Thad asked.
Fuck. He had no idea what Thad just suggested. “Whatever.” That seemed to be an appropriate answer.
The roads were dark and deserted, which required Pete to pay attention driving and not on Zoey’s delicious scent or how her leg was pressed against his.
“Eager to see the movie?” Thad said. Pete let up on the accelerator.
Thad was crazy for Zoey, too. Maybe Pete should just lay low for a while, figure out what he wanted, and let Thad and Zoey bond. Then if she were still willing, Pete could step back into her life.
As he neared the entrance to their street, he took the turn a little too fast and half the contents in the back shifted. She clenched his thigh and he slowed. When the house came into view, he decided what had to be done.
Once Pete parked, he looked over at Thad. “Why don’t you take Zoey inside and start the fire? I want to make sure the telescope survived the drive.”
Thad let out an audible breath. “Drive slower next time.”
Fuck you. Pete waited until the door to the kitchen closed before he removed the telescope. He hadn’t looked at the stars in forever. Showing Zoey one of his passions and hearing her squeal was almost too much to bear. He’d actually felt the deep connection in his gut. While he yearned to go to her, he was scared to death.
After Pete stayed in the garage for as long as he could without causing Thad to become suspicious, he walked in, acting like he was ready to delve into her hot body. The thought had his blood boiling, but if he touched her, he’d be lost for good.
“Anyone need some wine?” he asked.
“Yes, please,” Zoey answered, sounding so content. Pete could get used to having her here—and that was the problem.
Thad knelt in front of the den fireplace, crumpled the newspaper, and stuffed the wad under the grate. “Hey Pete, grab the matches in the top drawer, will ya?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll get them,” Zoey said. She came toward Pete with a determined look, and his heart nearly cracked for wanting her so much.
Pete located the matches. “Here ya go.”
She smiled and pranced back to Thad. Pete’s cock turned rigid. Not good.
It’s time.
He poured the three glasses and carried them over to Thad and Zoey. He set his drink on the coffee table behind them. “I’ll be right back.”
Pete trotted into the bedroom, waited a minute, and then returned with his phone to his ear, praying this ruse would work. He didn’t want to hurt Zoey, but it was for the best.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Thad lit the fire and tried to act as if nothing was going on with his roommate, but he knew the signs. Jesus Christ. Pete had pulled this shit often enough, and Thad’s gut couldn’t stop churning.
His fellow stargazer sauntered back into the kitchen with his cell to his ear. “I just checked it, Mom. How can it be leaking again?” Pete blew out a breath and shifted his weight to one leg. The guy didn’t
glance their way.
Maybe Thad had been wrong, and something else was bothering Pete. He had mentioned his folks had a leak, but that he’d fixed it. Zoey placed a hand on his leg and furrowed her brows. Thad held up a finger. He didn’t want to accuse his roommate of something without being certain.
Pete shook his head slightly. “Can’t you call a plumber?” He walked toward them and picked up his glass of wine he’d set on the coffee table. He pounded back a mouthful. “Sure. I’ll be right there.”
When Pete stuffed the cell back in his pocket, the front wasn’t lit. Shit. He hadn’t even been connected. What the fuck was going on? Dumb question. Thad knew, but he didn’t want Zoey to witness the exchange.
Drawing on his cop persona, Thad blanked his face. “Problem?” he asked.
Pete dragged a hand down his jaw and shook his head. “There’s a new leak flooding the kitchen. Dad shut off the water, but my folks have guests. I need to go over there.”
Zoey jumped up before Thad could stop her. “Do you want Thad and me to come with you? We could keep you company.”
She stood in front of him with such hope in her eyes that Thad’s heart nearly cracked. Pete cupped her face. The flash of indecision was so quick Thad doubted even Miss Therapist saw it, or if she had, she wasn’t able to decipher it.
“That’s so nice of you, but it won’t be any fun. You stay nice and warm by the fire and take care of Thad.”
“You sure?” She wrapped her arms around Pete’s neck.
Would he crack and say he’d lied? Or would he run away? Thad could almost feel the foundation beneath them divide in two. If Pete walked now, Zoey would never forgive him.
Pete kissed her like it might be his last taste. Fuck.
Don’t do this, man.
Pete pulled back. “Gotta go. It might be a few hours before I’m back.” His roommate looked over at him. “Take good care of her.”
With that, Pete grabbed his jacket off the back of the sofa and rushed through the kitchen to the garage. As soon as the door clicked close, Thad could no longer contain himself.