by Dawn Brower
That said a lot about Lana that she referred to her unborn child as a critter. Reese laughed at the absurdity of it. “Does Sullivan know you refer to your baby in that derogatory term?”
“He started it,” she said, then laughed. “The first time he actually could see it moving. Its little arm or leg pushed out on my stomach, and it freaked him out. He said it was like an alien trying to push itself out of me.”
Reese’s laugher was so boisterous, it echoed through the hallway. Tears started streaming down her face. She lifted her hand to wipe them away. “Oh God,” she said through the laugher. “I would have loved to have been there to see that.”
“We do love the critter,” Lana tried to reassure her. “But pregnancy is so weird. I don’t really blame him. Honestly, I don’t know why he still wants to touch me. I’m as big as a house and waddle like a duck.”
“He loves you,” Reese said, finally gaining control over her laughter. She wanted what Lana and Sullivan had. They loved each other so much... Now they had a baby on the way, and they still stared at each other like the other person was perfect. What must that be like? “Appreciate it. I know there are some women who aren’t as lucky.”
“He’s lucky to have me,” she responded in true Lana style.
Jessica rounded the corner and sighed. “There you are.” She rushed over to Lana. “Sullivan is driving me crazy. He sent me to fetch you. I swear he’s acting as if he lost a limb since you left to use the facilities.”
Jessica was another one who had found a special man. Was Reese the only one who remained alone these days? Even Carter and Olivia seemed to be heading toward a love match, though she doubted her brother realized it. Did she have that with Dane, and was she as clueless as her big brother? Maybe she should set all her doubts aside and let things flow as they would. They’d have sex later, of that she was certain, but if it was love—that wouldn’t be clear right away. It was scary to admit to any feelings that huge, and she didn’t expect him to make any confessions. She wasn’t nearly as ready herself.
“I guess I’ll return to the big lug’s side. He really is useless without me.” Lana rubbed her belly again. “And I love the bastard too.”
Reese shook her head. “Have a great night, ladies.”
“Oh, I intend to.” Jessica’s smile suggested she had some wicked plans for Preston. Reese could relate to that one...
“Me too,” Lana winked. “Sully has a hard time keeping his hands off me.”
The two women waved and then headed back to their men. Reese hadn’t been this happy in a long time. She’d needed a night just like this one. After the ladies disappeared, she turned and headed into the restroom. She’d already wasted enough time with Lana and Jessica. Dane was waiting for her to return.
Once she was done, she didn’t pay attention where she was going as she stepped back into the corridor, and someone grabbed her from behind. She didn’t have time to scream before a hand was clamped over her mouth. Whoever grabbed her was strong and held her against a hard, muscular chest and felt decidedly male.
Why had she been so blindly stupid?
She pushed her elbow into her assailant’s gut and a groan echoed back. There was no way she would be someone’s victim. She pushed the heel of her stiletto into the toe of the black shoe she spotted out of the corner of her eye and smacked her fist back into their face. She made contact with something and more groans spilled out. Whoever it was let go enough for her to wiggle free. She ran as fast as she could in her heels and straight to Dane, not once looking back. The only person it could be was Nolan, but she didn’t want to stop and find out for sure. It might slow her down and give him the opportunity to grab her again.
She rounded the corner and searched frantically for Dane or Carter. Either one of them would work, but she really wanted Dane. Finally she spotted him—the man she hoped to find. Her feet were moving before she realized she’d started running. Reese flew across the room and threw her arms around Dane’s neck. She’d never been so relieved to see anyone in her life. Her heart thundered in her chest and every inch of her shook. Tears threatened to fall but by sheer will she managed to hold back. She had to tell him what had happened. Nolan had to be caught and she couldn’t let herself give in to her fears. Especially, now that they were safe.
“What is it?” Dane asked anxiously.
“Someone tried to grab me.” She was breathless from running and struggled to get the words out.
“Go tell Carter,” he said and ran down the hall she’d just exited.
Reese headed over to her brother and told him what happened. The words came out slightly easier the second time around. She was a little calmer now that she felt a little safer. His eyes hardened as he listened. “Stay here with Olivia. I’m going to help Dane.”
It had to be Nolan. Who else would try to do that to her? She hoped Dane and Carter were able to apprehend whoever it turned out to be. Then maybe the whole thing would be over. But then again, if it was over, Dane wouldn’t have a reason to spend the night with her. Was it wrong to suddenly hope the creep escaped? She sighed. No, they needed to catch him. She shouldn’t need an excuse to spend time with Dane anyway. If they were meant to be, they would find a way to be together. Until then, she’d wait.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Dane and Carter searched all the hallways and anywhere Nolan might have possibly ran off to. He was nowhere to be found anyplace in the hotel. His evil brother had gotten too close to Reese for his comfort. Thank God she’d managed to escape from him. Dane should never have allowed her to go off on her own, but after days of no sign of Nolan, he’d became complacent. A part of him had started to believe he would leave Reese alone. After all, he hadn’t actually attacked her before. Maybe with Claire out of the picture, Reese had become the obvious choice. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Chances were Nolan wouldn’t either. This hadn’t exactly been well planned, and Dane was willing to bet he’d acted on an opportunity that had presented itself.
“I think he’s gone,” Carter said. “As soon as Reese was able to get away, he took off. We’re not going to find him here tonight.”
“I agree.” Dane cursed under his breath. “Are we sure it was him?”
Carter shook his head. “No, but who else would have tried to grab her?”
So, they were back to nowhere. Nolan was a crafty bastard, but he had to slip up at some point. In some ways he had by trying to snatch Reese at a fundraiser. Dane had to wonder how much Nolan was aware of her activities. Had he been watching her for a while? Would it be safe to leave her on her own at the hospital while she worked? They had been working under the assumption that she would be safe there with the hospital security and all the people in the building. Now Dane wasn’t so certain they shouldn’t stay with her there too. She’d always been important to him; however, she had grown to be even more so over the past couple of days. He refused to put her at risk. Convincing her it might be dangerous to work unprotected might be a problem though.
“I’m going to take Reese home.” And try to talk some sense into her... “Why don’t you stay here and see if you can find some more information. Maybe someone saw something and didn’t realize it.”
“That’s a good idea.” Carter scanned the room. “Let me go talk to Olivia first. See if she’ll ride back with you.”
Dane nodded. “I’ll check on Reese. She has to be terrified.”
They both headed in the direction of the women. Olivia hadn’t left Reese’s side. Dane was glad she had stayed with her. Reese shouldn’t be alone after such a scare. When they reached them, both women rushed to their sides. Reese wound her arms around him and leaned her head on his chest. “Did you find him?”
God, he hated telling her no. “I’m afraid not.”
“Don’t leave me again.” His heart beat harder at her words. She wanted him to stay by her side—even if it was just for protection. Her trust meant a great deal to him.
It was the last thing he inte
nded to do. He glanced over at Carter, and he nodded. “Carter is going to stay here and investigate further. I think you would be better off at home.”
Carter turned to Olivia. “I want you to go with them. Dane will drop you off at home.”
“No.” Olivia pursed her lips. “I’m staying with you. Do you honestly think I want to go home to my empty apartment?” She shivered. “He might not be after me specifically, but I’d rather not give him the opportunity.”
In some ways, Olivia fit Nolan’s profile too. She didn’t have hair quite as blonde as Claire and Reese, but it was a dark blonde. In a pinch, he could see Nolan settling for her as his next victim. It was terrible that he had to think of the women in those terms, but if he didn’t see all sides, then one of them might end up dead. He’d never loathed his brother more than in that moment. “She’s right.” Dane sighed. “She’s probably better staying with you.”
“We can get a room here,” Olivia said. “You’ll be too tired to drive back tonight after you do a thorough investigation anyway.”
Dane almost laughed at the look of shock on Carter’s face. Olivia could be quite calculating, and had probably already had that room reserved before this had all gone down. He couldn’t be certain, but he’d bet they’d have an extra special night at the end of it all. Dane had hoped to have something similar with Reese. He didn’t believe that would be in the cards for them after all of this though. She’d probably want to be left alone, and he’d respect her wishes.
Reese let go of Dane and hugged her brother. “Be safe and take care of Liv.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m tough and can take anything.” Carter hugged her back. “Liv will be quite safe with me.”
“I know,” Reese said and stepped back. “I’ll still worry. Text me when you settle into your room for the night.”
“All right.” The muscles in Carter’s jaw tightened. “You do the same when you are back at your condo.”
She nodded and went back to Dane’s side. “I’m ready when you are.”
He took a deep breath and slid his arm around her waist. They walked to his car in silence. When the night had started, he’d had so many hopes. Trust his brother to squash every one of them without even trying. At least Reese was all right and would remain so. If something had happened to her... He pushed that out of his mind before it spiraled out of control. Nolan would not win.
“Where do you think he went?” Reese asked.
“I can’t be certain.” He wanted to reassure her, but he didn’t have anything concrete to offer. “Carter will dig until he uncovers every piece of evidence. Nolan messed up coming here tonight, and it puts us a little closer to finding him.”
He kept his focus on their surroundings as they moved through the parking lot. When they reached the car, he opened the door and helped her inside. If Nolan was out there, he hid well. Dane didn’t relax until he sat in the driver’s seat and had the engine running. “We will be back at your place in no time.”
Reese shivered. “I’ll feel better once we’re there.”
“Try to relax and rest a little until then.” Dane didn’t know what else to say to her. He wasn’t sure there were any correct words to spout out either. Everything he thought of sounded ridiculous in his mind. So, for the entire trip back, he remained silent. Reese didn’t need him adding to her anxiety. The trip flew by for him because he’d been so lost in thought the entire way. When he reached her condo, he parked the car and then went to help her out. He didn’t want her alone for any amount of time if he could help it.
“I don’t need you holding my hand every step of the way,” Reese chastised him.
“I realize you’re a strong independent female, but it’s all right to accept help from time to time.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. This isn’t what I had envisioned for the night.”
He could relate to that... “Why don’t we go inside and make the best of it. Maybe we can find a good movie to watch and vegetate on the couch until we’re both tired enough to sleep. I don’t know about you, but I’m to riled up to even attempt it right now.”
“I couldn’t sleep if my life depended on it.”
They headed to her condo, and he waited until she unlocked the door. “We go in together.” He didn’t think Nolan would have been able to bypass her security, but he’d rather be safe than sorry. They both stepped inside. Dane flipped on the light as she punched in the code on the security panel. It beeped once she was done, indicating it had been reset. They strolled leisurely into her living room, and she pulled her phone out to send a quick text to Carter. She didn’t want her brother freaking out because she forgot to do it. He’d text when he had a moment, but she had other plans for the evening. She wanted more with Dane, and she wouldn’t let the horror at the benefit prevent that from happening. Nolan would not make her afraid to take a chance at finding happiness. Dane made her feel good and she wanted to explore whatever it was between them.
He slid his arm around her waist, and she leaned her head on him. “Do you want to change and watch that movie?”
“No,” she lifted her head and met his gaze. “I have a better idea.” Reese stepped in front of him and pushed his jacket off his shoulders. “Take this off.”
Dane scrunched his eyebrows together in confusion. What was going on inside that head of hers? The jacket could go if she wanted it to. Truthfully, he hated the damn thing. He shrugged it off and tossed it on a nearby chair.
“That’s a little better but not quite right.” She yanked on his tie and loosened it. He found it ironic when she’d been the one to fix it before they left for the benefit. It hung around his neck completely undone. She pulled it off and threw it on his discarded jacket. “Now kiss me.”
Dane didn’t need to be told twice. He pulled her into his arms and dipped his head to capture her lips with his. Kissing her was one of his greatest pleasures. Sparks ignited upon contact, but he wanted to savor this moment. He kissed her slow and thoroughly until her moans echoed through the room. She slid out of his arms and took a step back. Then she slowly turned and glanced over her shoulder. “Help me out of this dress.”
Instead of removing her dress immediately as she suggested, he moved closer so her back was against his chest. He brushed her hair behind her ear and kissed her neck, then he moved his hands until they rested on her hips. She lifted her left arm up to his neck and turned her face toward him. Her lips brushed up against his in an almost kiss. Dane had imagined this moment for longer than he could say. He wanted to savor every second of it and appreciate it. After tonight, he might not get another chance. They had been moving toward this moment since the first night he guarded her. She’d pushed for it then as a means to use him to forget, and perhaps she was doing it again; however, it didn’t seem the same.
“As good as this feels,” she said huskily. “Think how amazing it will be once we are both naked.”
“You’re demanding,” he replied. His voice was hoarse with desire. “What’s your rush.”
“Make me forget.” She twisted around and licked her lips. “I want to know it’s your hands touching me. Erase him from my mind and make sure only you remain.”
“I’d like nothing more...” He leaned down and kissed her lightly. “Are you sure this is what you want.” Dane didn’t want her to have any regrets in the morning. “We don’t have to do this.”
“I know that,” she answered. “But this is where I hoped to end the night, and I’ll be damned if I let him ruin this for us.”
He wanted her so bad and it was time to stop cock-blocking himself. She’d made her desires known, and since they mirrored his own he was ready to take the next step. He slid his hand down her back and unzipped her dress. It fell down to her waist. Dane held his breath as she stepped back and shimmied out of it. She wasn’t wearing a bra and had the tiniest pair of panties on. She kicked the dress out of the way and moved back toward him. Her stilettos were still strapp
ed to her feet. It was perhaps the hottest thing he’d ever beheld.
“You’re so damn beautiful.” A lump formed in his throat as he stared at her.
“And you have too many clothes on.” She wiggled her finger at him. “Come here so I can help you remove them.”
“Not yet,” he said. “Let me touch you first.”
“Uh uh,” she said, shaking her head. “I want to see you too.”
Who was he to deny her what she wanted? He’d do anything for her and he’d gladly strip for her. Dane unbuttoned his shirt slowly. One button went through the hole, and then he slid his fingers to the next one. He repeated that step after step until he had the shirt half undone. At that point, she became frustrated and stepped toward him. She put her hands on either side of the shirt and ripped it open until the remaining buttons went flying around them. Dane didn’t stop to see where they landed because he was completely riveted by her.
“I don’t want slow tonight.” She moved her hands to his pants and had them down around his ankles before he could blink. “I need you.”
After that, Dane let her take the lead. She wrapped her hands around his hard cock, and he lost all ability to think. When she dropped to her knees and sucked him into her mouth, his brain exploded. He had to stop her. When his orgasm hit, he wanted to be buried deep inside her. “Not now,” he managed to force out. “Let me love you.”
She rose to her feet and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m all yours.”
That was all the invitation he needed. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bedroom. He slid her panties off, but left the shoes on—a fetish he didn’t realize he had until her. “Condom?” he asked desperately. He should have planned better for this.
“Drawer...” She pointed to her nightstand. “Top.”
He yanked it open and found a box. Dane pulled one out and had it on his aching cock in record time. Then he went back to her and slowly slid inside her. She felt so damn good...