Christmas Justice (Carder Texas Connections #7)(34)

He didn’t turn around. She glanced down. He held his gun at the ready. She froze.

“In the trees,” he said softly.

She followed his gaze. Two piercing blue eyes peered at them, intent and calm.

The cougar.

“He’s back,” Laurel whispered.

“Cats are curious, but cautious. He won’t come closer.”

Garrett walked down the steps and picked up a large stone, tossing it toward the animal. The cat scampered off into the trees. “We need to keep Molly inside,” he said. “That cat’s learned people are a source of food. Probably eating after some of the border crossers left provisions behind.”

He shoved his gun into the back of his jeans and escorted her inside the house. “How’s Molly?”

“I’d guess out for the night, though she’ll probably be up before dawn.”

“Which reminds me.” Garrett flicked the dead bolt in place, then shoved a chair underneath the doorknob before activating the sensors.

“You think that will stop her?”

“She’ll make a lot of noise trying to get that chair out. I’ll hear the little Houdini.”

Laurel couldn’t help but smile. “She’s just like Ivy. When we were kids—”

“I would imagine she got you into a lot of trouble.”

“Dad would get so furious at us. I tried to take the fall a time or two, but Ivy wouldn’t let me. She was so much fun. I would have never had all those adventures if not for her.” Laurel sighed. “I’ll always miss her, won’t I?”

Garrett double-checked the chair then faced her, his expression solemn. “I won’t tell you it gets better. The scab may get a little tougher.”

She chanced a glance at him under her lashes. His stance was a bit awkward, as if he didn’t know what to say either. Maybe she’d been wrong. She should have just turned in with Molly.

“We’d better check on the computer—” he started.

“I guess I’ll turn in—” she said at the same time.

She shifted from one foot to the other. “I just looked at the program’s status,” Laurel said. “Still running. No answers.”

“I see. Then I guess it’s good-night.”

Something solemn and painful had settled behind his eyes. And vulnerable. She didn’t want to leave him. She didn’t want to be alone tonight. She crossed to him, her heart rate escalating with each step. She knew exactly what she was inviting. So did he.

She stopped inches away from him, still staring into his eyes. They darkened into a deep mahogany flaring with want, maybe with need.

“What are you doing, Laurel?” His voice had grown deep, husky.

Her touch tentative, she placed her hand on his chest. She needed him. “We’re safe for a while,” she said. “Aren’t we?”

“That’s debatable,” he said softly.

He covered the hand resting on his chest with his and lifted her palm to his lips. He nipped at the pad then threaded his fingers through hers. “You know this is a mistake,” he said, his voice barely audible. “You don’t know me. Not really.”

A shiver skated down her spine at his words, but the naked longing in his eyes shoved aside her doubts.

She knew him.

“I’ve watched you. You gave up your safe existence to help me and Molly. You calmed her fears tonight. I know everything I need to know.”

“Even though the world thinks I’m a traitor.”

“I know the truth.” She shook her head, leaning closer, wanting more than anything for him to stop talking and kiss her.

“What if you’re wrong, Laurel?” He cupped her cheek and held her gaze captive. Her heart fluttered in response. His thumb grazed her cheek. “What if I’m a man who would do anything to get what he wants? I’m good at keeping secrets. And I’m very good at telling lies.”

She couldn’t stop staring at his lips. “I can tell when you’re lying, Garrett. Your eyes grow dark, and the right corner of your mouth tightens just a bit.”

Would his mouth be hard or soft, passionate or gentle against hers when they kissed?

“I don’t want you,” he said softly, his breath whispering against her cheek as he moved closer to her lips.

“You’re bluffing.”

“You’re too trusting.” He lowered his mouth to her ear. “But I don’t have the strength to pull away.”

She smiled. “Now you’re telling the truth.”

With a groan he fastened his lips to hers and wrapped his arms around her. She didn’t hesitate. She clung to him and let his mouth drive away the memories of the past week. For this wonderful moment all she could think about was his touch, his mouth exploring hers, the taste of him.

He lifted his head. “Be very sure, because I won’t let you go all night long.”

She didn’t answer, just pulled his mouth to hers once more. He groaned and swept her into his arms. With a long stride he carried her into the smaller bedroom, closing the door behind them. She didn’t notice the Spartan furniture; her only focus was on Garrett. She used the name of the sheriff she’d come to know, not the name of the man he used to be.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know what I want right now,” Laurel said. “I need you, Garrett.”