Strange Medicine (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #1)(62)

“I already knew that.”

He lifted one shoulder, but he didn’t speak.

I gave in to my impulse and reached out and touched his hand. “But you’re safe now, Maxwell.”

I’d half expected him to pull away, but instead he grabbed my fingers tight. “Are you sure? You don’t suppose there are any other accomplices sneaking around, plotting their revenge?”

“No. Hanna was very forthcoming. I’m sure if there were others involved, she’d have told me.”

“Yes. She did seem as if she wanted to do the right thing.” He flicked his gaze to mine. “Do you think… uh… there’s gold in that house?”

I exhaled roughly. “I doubt it.”

“Hanna certainly seemed convinced.”

“People can convince themselves of just about anything if they want it bad enough.”

“Good point.” His expression was puzzled. “How did you find me so quickly? Hanna was positive Rocky wouldn’t talk to the cops right away.”

I gave a gruff laugh, and I squeezed his hand. “I may or may not have taken Rocky aside and threatened him with great bodily harm if he didn’t talk.”

His eyebrows rose. “You resorted to brute force to save me?”

“Kind of. Mostly I just tough-talked him.” I tugged him and he moved closer, the pulse in his throat beating swiftly. “And I’d do it again to keep you safe.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes.” I grinned. “Plus, my car is equipped with a LoJack, which is really good because Rocky wasn’t talking, and I didn’t want to commit police brutality.”

“Aha. So I owe my life to modern technology.”

“Well, I am the one who used part of my budget to have LoJack installed in all the department’s vehicles.”

“So you’re still my hero, I guess.”

I cleared my throat. “All joking aside, finding you was my priority.”

“That’s actually very nice to hear. I don’t believe I’ve ever been anyone’s priority before.”

I narrowed my gaze. “Never?”

“I don’t think so. No.”

“I’ve sure enough enjoyed getting to know you, Maxwell.” My voice was husky.

“Have you, Sheriff?”

I swiped my thumb over the skin of his hand. “You must know I have a thing for you, right?”

A little flirty smile appeared on his face, and he scooted even closer. “I suspected you might have succumbed to my sexy charm.”

I licked my lips. “I’d love to suck-cum some more.”

“I see what you did there.”

I laughed. “I’m just teasing. I wouldn’t want to shock your delicate sensibilities.”

“I’m not shocked. I love dirty word play. The dirtier the better.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” His lips twitched. “My mother refused to play Scrabble with me after I hit puberty.”

I smiled and pulled back the covers. “Want to get in my bed, city boy?”

He hesitated, and then he nodded. “Yes. I think I would. I’m still rattled from the night’s events. I could use the strong arms of a fearless police officer right now.” He stood and dropped his robe onto the ground. He wore purple silk pajamas with red piping along the edges.

I whistled. “Those are some fancy duds.”

“You like?” He smoothed his hands down the lapel. “These are a hundred percent silk. Hand-wash only.”

“Then maybe you’d better take ’em off so we don’t get anything on them.”

He bit his lower lip as if hiding a smile. “You’re rather forward, sir.”

I grinned. “Are you saying you don’t want to get naked with me?”

“Oh, God no. I definitely want to get naked with you.” He dropped his pants, his erection obvious. “I simply meant you’re too forward on the bed, there’s no room for me.” He pulled his top off over his head and tossed it aside.

I scooted back and patted the mattress. “Come here, Doc.”

He crawled onto the bed, moving toward me slowly. “I have a confession to make, Sheriff.”

“Should I read you your rights?”

“Nah.” He sighed. “I realized last night, when you burst through the door like Sir Lancelot, that luck might actually exist.”

“Told you so.” I smirked, touching his cheek.

He lowered his body onto mine, and we both groaned as our flesh touched. His gaze was heated and yet vulnerable as he studied me. “I don’t think I’ll run back to LA just yet.”

I smoothed my hands down his back to cup his firm buttocks. “I had a feeling you’d stay.”

He cocked his head. “You did?” He sounded breathless, and a soft moan escaped his lips when I swiped my finger between his ass cheeks.

“I can read people.”

“Is that right?”

“Yep.” I seemed to catch him off guard him when I moved quickly, rolling over on top of him and pinning him down.

He surprised me when he laughed out loud, the sound warm and throaty. “God damn, Sheriff. I like this side of you.”