“Okay, let me make sure I got this all straight. Joel and Robert are brothers.”
“Half brothers, but yeah,” I responded as I turned into Jodi’s parking lot.
“Half brothers, because they have the same father. But they didn’t grow up together. Robert never knew about Joel until he took over as CEO of Townsend Industries, but Joel always knew about Robert. Did I get that right?”
I nodded. “Pretty much. Joel is the son of one of Robert Senior’s mistresses. She raised him here in Texas while Robert lived the life of a true Townsend in Williamsport.”
“But Joel never told you or your brothers about Robert and his family until a few months ago. And the same is true for Robert. He never told his sons about you all, right?”
“Yup,” I answered, looking over at her with a raised eyebrow. “Crazy enough of a family for ya?”
She laughed, shaking her head. “Why didn’t Joel tell you?”
Pushing out a sigh, I shrugged. “That’ll be his story to tell someday. But I suspect that had to do with being made to be the black sheep of the family or whatever.”
“You’re getting to know your cousins now?”
I nodded. Before she could ask another question, I got out of the truck and walked around the front to hold the door open for her.
“Can’t forget Hound,” Jodi said, opening the back door to allow the dog out.
“Don’t be conned by that face. I don’t forget him.”
Jodi laughed.
I followed her up the steps of the porch. The tips of my fingers grazed the back of her arm, and I watched as she visibly shivered.
After unlocking the door, she turned to me. “Patience seems pretty cool. We exchanged numbers,” she said as she backed up, allowing space enough for Hound and me to enter.
I shut the door behind me and locked it without taking my gaze off of her. “That’s nice.” I let my eyes trail down the length of her body. I’d been waiting all night to get her alone.
“How come your other cousins didn’t come?”
I took a step forward as she took a step backward. I didn’t miss the way her hands moved to the tied belt that held her dress in place.
“Don’t know. Don’t give a shit right now, either.”
She took another step back and slowly pulled one of the strings free. “Why were Aaron and Robert in town tonight?”
“Business.” With one long step forward, I grabbed her by the waist and covered her lips with mine. The moan she let free was instantaneous. Behind me, I could hear the whimpers coming from Hound, but I ignored his ass. Jodi held firm onto my arms as I moved us toward the hallway that led to the bedroom.
This wouldn’t be our first night sleeping in the same bed, but it would be the first night I’ve taken Jodi. I’d been lucky enough to find out what she tasted like in between those succulent thighs of hers, but my cock was ready to get a taste. The way Jodi pressed her body up against mine, told me she was beyond ready also.
I hadn’t forgotten about the autopsy report that was still in my truck. I planned to let her know thatIwas the one working this damn case. I’d do the investigative shit. However, that scolding would have to wait until morning. My body hungered for her.
Unfortunately, before we reached her bedroom door, she pulled back. “Is that your phone?”
Blinking, I gave her a confused look until I heard the damn thing ringing in my back pocket. It wasn’t my primary cell, either.
“Shit,” I cursed, feeling anger push through every fiber of my being. I knew I had to answer it. “What?” I barked into the phone, answering Manny.
“Boss, we’ve got a problem.”
“Talk fast.”
“The DeSouza case. Shit is getting real. We need you down here.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” I ran my hand through my hair. I knew my team, especially Manny. He wouldn’t call unless it were necessary. “Send me your location. I’ll be there.”
