She Can Hide (She Can #4)(31)

She poured steaming water into her mug. “After the kidnapping, I couldn’t stay in the same house where I’d been attacked. I didn’t even want to stay in the same area. I needed a fresh start. Now I’m thinking I’ll never be able to get away from it.”

“I can’t imagine what you went through,” Ethan said. “And I’m pissed off that he got out of jail early. If he’s the one behind this, we’ll get him. What I can’t figure out is why he’d risk his freedom for revenge.”

“We’re talking about a man who kidnapped me because I wouldn’t go on a date with him. That’s not exactly rational behavior. He spent a couple of years in prison because of me. I can’t imagine how angry he is now.” Helplessness filled Abby’s chest. God, she despised feeling vulnerable. Deep inside her a switch flipped. She couldn’t take it anymore. Regardless of the risk, this time was going to be different. She was taking offensive action. No more running and hiding.

The decision empowered her. Yes, she was still scared. She would be foolish not to be. But she wasn’t going to sit around and wait for another attack or give other people control over her future. She was taking charge.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. “We’ll take it one step at a time.”

“First I need to find out how and why he got released.” Abby tossed her tea bag and added a spoonful of sugar to her drink. “The prosecutor who handled my case died of a heart attack a few months ago. I have an appointment with his replacement tomorrow. I want to know what happened. I was registered to receive a notification if Faulkner was released.” Abby wrapped her hands around her mug and sipped. The hot liquid warmed her belly but couldn’t cut through the chill in her veins. “Obviously, that didn’t happen.”

She turned toward the table, but Ethan blocked her path. Her tiny kitchen wasn’t designed for entertaining. He made no move to get out of her way. “I think you should let me handle it.”

Abby shook her head. “I can’t. For my own sanity, I have to be proactive. I won’t hide.” Not anymore.

Ethan nodded. “I don’t like it, but I understand.”

Their gazes met. His acceptance soldered the connection between them. He wasn’t going to demand she cede control.

Respect flared bright blue in his gaze. “How did you get an appointment that fast?”

“I convinced the secretary that the new prosecutor wouldn’t like to hear about my case on the news.” Not that Abby would ever go to the media. The last thing she wanted was publicity. But her bluff had worked like magic.

“I’m sure that’s true.” Ethan stepped closer. “I’d like to drive you.”

Abby leaned away, but her heels hit the cabinets. “That’s not necessary.”

His lean body crowded her. “I know. But it’s my day off, and I don’t want to spend it worrying about you.”

“You would worry?” The heat in Abby’s stomach spread. She should want to run and hide from Ethan. Instead, he made her blood sing through her veins. Desire flared in his eyes, mesmerizing her.

“Yes.” Ethan took her mug from her hands and set it on the counter. His irises darkened as he squared his body off with hers. “I would. All day. Just because I understand and respect your need to be involved in your case, I still want to protect you.”

“Um. OK then.” Abby’s trapped heart skittered. “I have to leave by seven.”

“I’m an early riser.” A car engine sounded outside. “That’ll be Pete,” he said against her cheek. His minty breath wafted over her face. “He’s going to watch your house tonight.” Ethan pressed a kiss to her temple, near the stamp-size Band-Aid that covered the healing cut. The contact of his lips sent tingles radiating through Abby’s body. Her eyes drifted closed, and her hand strayed to Ethan’s chest. Her fingers splayed, touching as much of him as possible with one hand. Under the uniform shirt, his muscles were hard under her palm. He smelled of peppermint, and his lips lingered a few seconds longer than she expected, but disappointment washed through her when he lifted his mouth from her skin. “Be careful, Abby. Call me if anything scares you.”

“I will.”

“Pete will come in to introduce himself.” He pulled away and searched her face. “He’s a good cop. You can trust him.”

Abby nodded. She believed him. Why? What was different about Ethan?

He grabbed his jacket and walked out of the kitchen.

Swaying slightly, Abby put a steadying hand on the counter next to her. Wow. She touched her cheek. He hadn’t even kissed her on the mouth and she was practically swooning like a schoolgirl. What would he taste like?

The front door opened. Zeus and Derek trooped in. Abby walked to the front window. Outside, Ethan was talking to a short, stout, older cop. Ethan looked at the window as if he sensed her presence. His gaze burned through the chill that hovered near the glass.

Uh-oh. Her hand fluttered to her throat. There was no mistaking that look. He wanted her. She wondered if the rest of his muscles were as solid as his chest. Abby shut down her imagination before it ran with the idea.

This was not the time.

Ethan turned toward his car, while the older cop started up the walk. She wished it were Ethan watching over her through the night.