The Chance (Thunder Point #4)(27)

“And the couple?”

She was rubbing his feet. His toes curled inside his white socks. He smiled. “You’re like a fantasy woman, you know.”

“Yes, I know. And the couple?”

“I think they’re in trouble. Mac had their vehicle impounded. And he hopes the guy has to call his wife for a ride home from jail.”

“They weren’t married?” she asked. “He was slugging his mistress?”

“Or maybe not even a mistress. Maybe not a whole lot more than a date.”

“What an idiot. Didn’t he realize she didn’t have that much to lose? I mean, if she wasn’t the wife, if she wasn’t invested, if he abused her or misled her, she’d flip on him in a second. She wasn’t going to jail. Stupid ass. Talk about job security—most bad guys are just too dumb for words.”

Eric smiled. Spoken like a true cop. And he yawned. She’d done a very good job on this couch purchase. And he heard her talking about dividing couples to question them about what really happened.... He loved the sound of her voice, so he closed his eyes for just a second.

When he opened his eyes, the house was dark except for the fireplace and one light across the room. There, in the big chair close to the fireplace, she was curled up, reading a book. One standing lamp, positioned behind the chair, was shining down on her golden hair and the book. Sometimes she bit on a nail as she read; sometimes she frowned a little bit, then turned the page. He wondered what time it was, but didn’t want to look at his watch. He didn’t move because moving would alert her and watching would come to an end. But what time was it when he dropped by? Two? Three? He had closed his eyes for a second and it had been hours.

His stomach growled and she looked up. She smiled at him. He smiled back and realized she’d covered him with a throw from the couch.

Laine unfolded herself from the chair and went to him, crawling right onto him, looking down into his eyes. “Well, Mr. Gas Man, you have a little nap?”

He chuckled. “Please tell me that’s in reference to my service station uniform....”

“Well, you do snore. But it’s kind of adorable.”

“Only if I’m on my back. You did very well on couch selection.”

“Oh, I know. I told you—it has to hug you. Feeling better? Besides being hungry?”

“I forgot to eat. I got busy. Did I fall asleep while you were talking? Because that’s very rude and besides, I love to listen to you talk.”

“You missed a discourse on interrogation 101. It was fascinating.”

“I bet it was,” he said, smoothing her hair back over her ear. “What time is it?”

“Six-thirty.”

“I should get a shower....”

“Upstairs?” she asked.

He shook his head. “Where I have a change of clothes. If you invite me to come back, I will.”

“Will you bring a pizza?”

“If that’s really what you have to have. Otherwise, I’ll bring something that’s not fast food.”

“What?” she asked.

“Be surprised. I won’t disappoint you.”

“I do like pizza,” she said. “But I also like some of your surprises, though so far they haven’t had anything to do with food.”

“You’re coming on to me again,” he said. She nodded and smiled. “I like it. Let me up—I want to make it a fast shower.”

“You walked here, didn’t you?”

“It’s only a few blocks, but I’ll drive back here.”

“Take my car,” she said. “And bring your morning work clothes because I already know, you work every day and you’re on call every night.”

“What if I want to sleep in my own bed?” he asked, but he smiled teasingly.

“Last I heard, you didn’t have your own bed. You have a room with a bed in it.”

“Hey, I also have a small refrigerator and a toaster. It’s very comfort— Okay, I almost said comfortable, which it barely is. And compared to your bed, which includes that nice, warm, soft body—no contest.” Then his expression grew serious. “Laine, you don’t have to let me stay the night every time we’re together. I know you’ve lived alone, slept alone. You won’t injure my male pride if you tell me to go home.”

“Ditto. If you want to leave, I’m not taking hostages.” Then she grinned at him. “I like it, though. Not something I’ve done much of. You must be a nice sleeper.... Or something...”

“I snore when I’m on my back....”

“I know.”

* * *

Eric called Cliffhanger’s at the marina before he got into the shower and ordered takeout. He stopped in on his way back to Laine’s and saw four people he knew while he picked up his clam chowder and Crab Louie for two. Mac, Gina, Cooper and Sarah all sat in the bar area and after saying hello, they exchanged glances in a very all-knowing and superior fashion. They said nothing besides hello; he admitted to nothing. And yet, he didn’t doubt for a second that even with neither himself nor Laine saying a word, everyone who didn’t know about them soon would.

While he’d been gone, Laine had fed the fire, put on music and set a table. There were place mats, cloth napkins and even a candle. And she was pleased with what he chose for them. The clam chowder came in a takeout carton, but included were Cliff’s sourdough bread bowls, which she loved. “One of these days I’m going to make this—bread bowls. But maybe for my steak soup or chili. I love bread bowls!”