by Vella Day
He’d promised to hold her, and hold her he would. Once he gathered her in his arms, his lips met the top of her head. When every inch of her fit snuggly against him, a cloud of contentment filled him. She wiggled her butt, hopefully just to get comfortable, and his testosterone levels soared.
He closed his eyes and pictured her injured brother. His cock softened by half. Then she twisted around in his arms and faced him. Not good. “Amber?” He wouldn’t have said anything had her hand not rested on his cock.
“Yes?” She looked up at him. Her eyes were wide and her bottom lip drawn in.
“What are you doing?” He worked to keep his words even.
She fumbled with his buckle and he shot his hand between them to stop her.
“Please, Stone. I need to feel alive. I’m so dead inside.”
Christ. The one glass of wine must have gone to his head, because it sounded like she wanted him to make love to her. He wanted nothing more than to oblige, but as stupid as it sounded, he didn’t want her to hate him in the morning—or rather hate herself.
* *
Amber admitted she was probably being rash asking a man to make love to her, but she not only needed him, she wanted him. Stone had been so nice and comforting, and right now, there was nothing that could help the ache go away faster than feeling him all over her body.
She reached up and kissed him before he had the chance to turn away. The moment their lips made contact, heat seared her, and her body exploded with need. The urge to grab his cock again was strong, but she feared he’d leave if she did.
Wanting more, she reached down, clasped his hand in hers and dragged it up between them. Even though she was the one placing his palm on her breast, her nipple puckered.
“Amber, you’ll regret this.”
She liked it better when he called her baby. It sounded nicer and more caring. “No, I won’t.” She wouldn’t. She knew better.
His fingers suddenly shot to life, and when he plucked a sensitive nub, all sorts of erotic reactions stimulated her. She wanted more. If she could have slid her hands down his pants and touched his hard dick she would have. Instead, she pressed her palms against his chest and thrilled at his muscular hardness.
His lips captured hers, and this time his tongue teased her mouth open. She couldn’t tell if it was her heart banging against her chest or if Stone’s also added to the intensity, but she’d never been more alive.
Their tongues met and, like a starving animal, she dove in.
Stone pulled back seconds later. “I can’t.”
Disappointment collided with shock. Before she could stop him, he dragged back the covers and sat up. He bent down to slip on his shoes.
When she found she could speak again she asked, “You’re leaving me?” How could he do that?
He froze then slowly turned around. “I won’t lie. I want you—bad—but I have to demand a rain check. The next time will be the right time. I promise.”
“Now’s the right time.” She sounded petulant, but today had sucked, and the only way to made it better would be to have a naked Stone hold her tight.
His face softened, and his beautiful green eyes changed to a lighter color. “You have to trust me on this.” He returned to putting on his shoes. In a flash he stood. “I have to be at work by 4:00 a.m. I’ll be in touch, but know you can call me anytime if you need me.”
She needed him now. Wanting to escort him to the door, she sat up and her head swam. Dizziness swamped her.
He knelt back on the bed and lowered her down. “There you go.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead then brushed her lips. “Sleep.”
As if he had some supernatural power, he disappeared. Seconds later, the soft click of the front door closing reached her. “Damn you, Stone Benson.”
She buried her head in her pillow and let out all of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that had consumed her in the last few days. She pounded the mattress until she tired and fitful sleep consumed her.
* *
Cade sank back in his chair when he spotted Emma Luther’s parents come through the station door. His failure at finding their daughter’s killer left a bitter taste in his mouth that never seemed to lessen. He stood and held out his hand. Mr. Luther shook his. The mother did not. He had no visitor chairs in front of his desk, so he slid his own to the side and motioned for the mother to sit.
Mrs. Luther took the offer and wove her fingers together. “I heard another person was murdered at the hospital. A young man who’d been paralyzed.” She blinked and her chin wobbled.
“Yes.”
“Are their deaths connected?” Mr. Luther’s voice sounded raw as if he and his wife had spent endless hours talking.
Cade believed so. “I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to discuss the second case either.” The parents wanted details, and he couldn’t blame them, but rules prevented him from telling them more.
“What can you tell us? Are you still working on Emma’s case?” The father stiffened, acting like he wanted to do battle.
Over the last month, both of Emma’s parents had suffered terribly. Whereas Mr. Luther looked gaunt, Mrs. Luther seemed to have ballooned. His aunt had done the same thing when Tanya had been killed.
“I swear to you, I’m working night and day on this case. It’s as important to me as it is to you.” He knew that wouldn’t satisfy them, but it was all he could give them.
Mr. Luther’s hands fisted. “Bullshit. And you know it. Emma was our daughter. You never even knew her.” His lip curled.
Having a shouting match in the precinct, or anywhere, wouldn’t do anyone any good. Cade held up his hands. “You’re right. I didn’t know Emma, but I have personal reasons for wanting to solve this case. I never meant to imply something else.”
“Come on, Diane.” Mr. Luther helped his wife up. “We’ll be back, detective.”
Cade had no doubt they would. As soon as they left, he dragged his chair back to his desk and dropped down more defeated than ever. He really had no idea where to look next. The thought of waiting until another patient died shredded his gut.
The hard strike of boot heels slapping the entryway tile made him look up. Stone. He rarely came to the station. Cade studied his best friend’s expression but couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Their hours hadn’t meshed in the last few days, though in all honesty, he got the sense Stone was avoiding him. After Cade brought Amber in, he’d expected a response, though why Stone hadn’t confronted him these past few days was anyone’s guess—unless Stone needed time to calm down.
“Cade.” His roommate planted his palms on his desk.
Here it comes. “Shouldn’t you be at work?” He wasn’t ready to talk about Amber yet or that interview fiasco. Cade knew Stone had been her pillar of strength, and from his newfound serious demeanor, he had strong feelings for her.
Stone’s eyes widened. “I work the four to four shift four days a week. Haven’t you paid attention?” He straightened. “Don’t answer that. Ever since that young girl died, you’ve not been yourself.”
“I know.” The image of his cousin refused to leave his mind, too. “Emma reminds me of Tanya.”
“I’m aware of that, but you can’t let that cloud your vision.”
“You came here to be my nursemaid?” He cocked a brow. A tiny part of him recognized he just might need the help.
Stone shoved his thumbs into his pockets. A glint of a smile surfaced and Cade’s blood pressure lowered. The tension that constantly surrounded him had skyrocketed in the last few weeks.
“What you need is a six-pack of beer and a bunch of women to fuck.” Stone didn’t bother looking around to see a few heads turn.
“You know where I can find a few?” He was kidding, but it felt good not to have the blanket of hostility hanging between them for a change.
Ever since Emma Luther’s murder, his life had been hell. He and Stone shared everything, including women, but of late Stone made sure their contact had been kept to a
minimum. He knew what and who precipitated the change between them—Amber Delacroix—though even he could see his actions added to the divide.
Maybe if he got out and forgot about the case for a few hours, the lead that was niggling at him might surface.
“I know of one woman you might like.”
Cade bet he was referring to Amber. He couldn’t even entertain the idea. She was a suspect.
Even though he’d been distracted, Cade had noticed his roommate had changed. One-night stands had been the norm, but not recently. Cade sensed that ever since Stone had met Amber, he wanted more. Hell, Cade did, too.
Cade leaned back in his chair trying to give off an air of confidence. “I have to say I like the change in you. What happened? I thought you’d come in to punch me, not offer me some entertainment.”
His jaw hardened. “Amber is not entertainment.”
“Sorry. I hadn’t meant to imply she was.”
Stone straightened. “I saw your face in the interrogation room and thought long and hard about it. You really don’t think Amber is guilty, do you?”
It was time to be honest. “No.” He dropped the façade and shoved a hand through his hair. “But fuck me if I can find another suspect. Amend that. There are about fifty people who are capable and have the ability to put someone out of his misery, but I don’t have hard evidence on any of them.”
“This might be selfish on my part, but I think you owe Amber an apology.”
He chuckled at that comment even though he saw no humor in it. “I don’t think Ms. Delacroix would let me get close enough to say I’m sorry. Besides, until I have the murderer in custody, I can’t say those words.”
“I figured you’d tell me that. So find the bastard.”
“Like I’m not trying?”
Stone shrugged. “I thought you should be aware that while you’re doing your job, I plan on being there for her.”
That wasn’t news, but there was an added cockiness he hadn’t seen in Stone before. Cade leaned closer. “You didn’t—” Asking his roommate if he’d slept with her within earshot of his colleagues wouldn’t be cool.
“Not yet, but when the time’s right, I will.”
Stone had lost his mind. “She just lost her brother.” Even if she killed him, which he seriously doubted, she’d still be grieving.
“That’s why I walked out last night. Just wanted to let you know you should hurry.” With that, he spun on his heels and strode out.
God help him if Cade didn’t crack this case soon.
Chapter Nine
Just knowing she’d soon spend time with her friends for their weekly happy hour had kept Amber sane for the last few days. She hadn’t made the last two get-togethers, and she’d really missed the camaraderie. All of her friends, as well as Stone, told her having a routine would help her regain a sense of normalcy. So, here she was on her way to the weekly affair.
Not that she believed the grieving was over, but she was beginning to put a few things in perspective. Or at least she wanted to believe she was succeeding. For starters, she was keeping a more careful watch over her terminally ill patients. Any time a doctor came in, or a therapist showed up, she tried to remain nearby. Having someone else die under her care would be too much to bear. She could only hope that Chris was the last victim.
When she wasn’t in protection mode, she thought of Stone. Yes, she was embarrassed for having propositioned him, but he’d been willing. In retrospect, he’d also been right. She wasn’t ready to be with a man yet. But with each passing day, she’d felt a little more like her old self.
Stone called almost every night, mostly to talk, but they had gone out to dinner twice. Both times he’d brought her home and made some excuse why he shouldn’t come in. He said when the time was right, he’d know.
Why was he the only one to decide?
She parked on Second and Peak, a block and a half away from Banner’s Bar, where she was meeting her friends. From the number of cars, it looked like it was going to be a busy night.
That’s it. Jamie said something about the owners bringing in woman to teach line dancing. Amber hurried inside where the air smelled of beer and peanuts, and the noise and music were loud. She totally loved it.
Jamie waved. “Over here!”
She was with Becky Andrews, the nurse who often manned the desk on the third floor; Zoey Donovan, the hospital’s psychologist; and Melissa Williams from gynecology.
“Am I late?” Amber pulled out a seat. She poured herself a glass from the half-empty pitcher of sangria sitting in the middle of the table then waved the container, “I can see I am.”
They chatted a bit and then Zoey leaned forward. “I heard you’re dating Stone Benson. He’s such a catch, girl.” She wiggled her brows in an obvious attempt to keep the conversation upbeat.
A quick shot of jealousy filled her. “You’ve been out with him?” She wouldn’t have been surprised if the fiery redhead had.
Zoey dropped her chin and looked up at her. “No, but from your reaction you are rather far gone.”
Now she saw through the hospital psychologist’s ploy. Zoey was trying to take Amber’s mind off the recent tragedy. “Your shrink hat is on backwards. Stone Benson is… a friend.” Both Jamie and Becky cleared their throats. “Okay, he might be a bit more than that, but trust me, we haven’t slept together.”
On that note, she picked up the pitcher and noticed both her glass and the large container were empty. She hadn’t even remembered drinking hers. Abby, the waitress, came over with a refill. When had her friends even placed the order? She definitely needed to get her head in the game.
Becky looked up and nodded toward the entrance. “Okay, now there’s someone I could sink my teeth into.”
Everyone at the table turned, and Amber’s heart nearly stopped.
* *
Cade had needed to get away from the precinct. He was supposed to get off work an hour ago, but he went over the two cases one more time, searching for that elusive clue he was positive was there.
As he stepped into Banner’s Bar, lots of giggling, along with one big whoop, caught his attention. He spotted the owners, Justin and Brandon, moving some tables to the side. The big banner announcing Jillian Dwaine, the line dance instructor, glared out at him. Her picture looked hot. Usually the sight of something that pretty would have sparked his interest, but not tonight.
As he made his way to the bar, he let his gaze drift to the area where all of the giggling originated. The second he saw Amber Delacroix, a rush of emotions flashed through him—no doubt part was guilt, and some was from the connection he’d felt between them despite the bad circumstances. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was experiencing some honest to goodness lust, and he hated himself for that weakness.
Her chin lifted and when their eyes met, the distaste radiating from her doused his burgeoning erection. Thank you, Amber, for that.
He swiveled onto the stool and waved to Adam, the bartender.
“Long time no see, stranger.” Adam pulled the cloth from his shoulder and polished the wet splotch on the bar in front of him. “Where have you been, man? The dart games aren’t the same without you.”
“You hear about the murders at the hospital?” He wasn’t in the mood for small talk.
Adam’s cheer disappeared. “A real shame, though if I were that far gone it might be a blessing in disguise to have someone help me reach the other side faster.”
Cade felt the same way, but the law didn’t think so. “Anyone else you know have that same opinion?”
His hand stilled. “Oh, fuck. You don’t think I had anything to do with those deaths? I haven’t stepped foot in the hospital since Brandon had an appendectomy three years ago.”
“No, but if anyone comes in bragging about helping someone bite the dust, let me know, will ya?”
“Sure.” Adam nodded to the table. “By the way, the pretty brunette over at the big table has been staring at you since you walk
ed in.” Adam leaned on his elbows and bent close. “I bet you could get lucky if you played your cards right.”
Cade glanced at the table to see if perhaps more than Amber was a brunette. Two of the girls were, but only Amber was shooting him lethal stares. “Even if I had fifty-two aces in my hand, I bet I wouldn’t win anything with her.”
Another roar came up from their table. “How long have they been here?” From what Stone said, Amber rarely drank more than one glass of wine.
“About an hour and a half. So what can I get you?”
“Whatever ale you have on draft.”
“Coming right up.”
Against his better judgment, he twisted around and studied the room. The line-dancing instructor, who didn’t quite look as good as her picture, was speaking with Justin. From the way she was gesturing unhappily and pointing, Cade guessed it was about the music that was rather loud. When he swung his gaze over to Amber, she was actually laughing. She looked real pretty when she had a smile on her face.
Two men walked in and looked around. Cade shot to high alert. One was Rob Gardner, who had a record for petty theft. The other “gentleman” was Sam Richland. If his ex-wife could be believed, he liked to sweep women off their feet with a lot of promises then abuse them. That sounded like Cade’s old man except for the abuse part.
Both cowboys were in the mid-thirties and appeared to be on the prowl.
“Here’s your drink, Cade.”
He wasn’t a beat cop anymore and should probably mind his own business. He spun back around and polished off half the glass in one long chug. God that tasted good. Maybe Stone was right—he should get out more.
The music struck up and the instructor invited newbies and experienced alike to come on up and try the line dance.