“Do you have to have that gun in here?”
Rawley raised an eyebrow. “If I want to keep us safe, yes.”
“Okay.”
She took his hand, leading him through the house. In the bedroom, he shed his clothes, slipped under the cool sheets and drew her against him, holding her close as darkness settled around them. She would be strong. They both had to be.
****
Skylar woke up and turned to where Rawley lay, his features softened in slumber, dark lashes resting against his cheeks. She slid out from under the warm comforter, walked across the cool hardwood to the bathroom, then made her way to the kitchen. The antique wall clock showed nearly nine, much later than usual for her.
As she waited for her coffee to brew, filling the kitchen with its rich aroma, Rawley appeared in the doorway, hair tousled and eyes still heavy with sleep.
“Do you happen to have an extra toothbrush?” His voice was rough with sleep.
“I do. In the bathroom cabinet. There are several new ones in the right-side drawer, still in their packaging.”
“And why do you have several?” One eyebrow arched questioningly.
Skylar laughed. “It’s a habit from my mother. I don’t want to run out when I need one most.”
“I see.” He shook his head with a bemused smile, then disappeared back to the bedroom.
She heard the bathroom door click shut, then open again minutes later. She kept her eyes trained on the hallway, coffee mug warming her palms. When he reentered the kitchen, he moved toward her, cupped her cheeks in his hands and lowered his lips to hers in a lingering kiss that tasted like mint.
“Good morning,” he murmured against her mouth.
“Good morning.” She smiled against his lips. “I’m glad I brushed my teeth.”
He chuckled, the sound vibrating through her. “So, what do you want to do with this lazy day?”
“Could we go riding at your place? I’ve been dying to ride those trails again.”
“Sure—” He stopped mid-sentence as his gaze drifted past her shoulder to the window, his expression changing. “Have you looked outside?”
“No, why—” She gasped when she turned to see fat white flakes drifting past the glass, already coating the world in a pristine blanket. “Oh, it’s so pretty, like a snow globe.”
“It is,” he agreed, wrapping an arm around her waist. “It’s just that it could slow me down on the case. Those roads don’t need snow on them.”
Skylar snorted, nudging him with her elbow. “Please. You never slow down, Agent Bowman. Not even for blizzards.”
Rawley grinned. “You know me too well.”
“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Sure, but I can make it. I’m not helpless.”
Skylar smiled as she walked to the table, pulled out a chair and sat down, still cradling her coffee cup while Rawley made himself a cup. Once it finished, he joined her, lifting his cup to take a sip of the hot brew, then looked at her.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked.
Skylar sighed. “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”
“I usually go to my parents’ house. Why?”
“I was just wondering if we were going to be together.”
“What about your parents?”
