She tilted her head, a strand of hair falling across her cheek. “Are you sure coffee is what you want?”
Rawley shook his head as he grinned. “For now.”
“Well, damn.” She laughed. “I’ll be right back. Please take a seat.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Skylar made his cup in the kitchen, the aroma of fresh coffee drifting through the house, then reentered the living room where the fire crackled in the stone hearth. He got to his feet, then she handed him the steaming mug. He took it from her, their fingers brushing, and took a tentative sip of the rich, dark liquid. She sat down beside him on the couch, tucking her legs beneath her.
“How was your day?”
Rawley leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “Good. I didn’t find the men, but one of them met me in the parking lot of the courthouse when I left for the day. His eyes were bloodshot, hands trembling. He wants out and will help me get them if I make a deal with him.”
She folded her hands in her lap. “Can you do that?”
Rawley shrugged, the leather of his holster creaking. “We can try, but it’s mostly up to the judge and the victims of the thefts.”
“Did he seem truthful?” She wrapped her fingers around her mug of cooling tea.
“I’m not trusting him yet. He could just be a good actor and setting me up.” He rubbed the stubble on his jaw. “I have to talk to him. I’m sure I can tell if he’s lying.”
“What happens now?”
“He’s supposed to show up at the department tomorrow. We’ll see.” Rawley’s voice carried the weariness of too many broken promises.
“I hope he shows up.” The worry lines around her eyes deepened.
“Yes, I do too.” He reached across and squeezed her hand.
“I’m still going to go to my cabin. I think it’s best for me.” She pulled her hand away, folding her arms across her chest.
“Alright. That’s your decision, but you shouldn’t have to live in fear and maybe you’ll be able to concentrate.”
“I have to meet my deadline and right now, I’m stuck.”
“I understand. I don’t like it, but I think it is best until this case is settled.” He sighed.
“I agree.” She picked up the remote and handed it to him, her fingers brushing his. “Find us a movie.”
He took the remote, flipped through channels, the light flickering across the room, and stopped on a movie with explosions lighting up the screen.
“Is this one okay with you?” he asked, as he raised an eyebrow.
“Sure.” She settled deeper into the cushions.
“Okay.” He toed off his boots, put his socked feet on the coffee table, then removed them quickly. “Sorry.”
“About what?”
“Putting my feet up on your table. It’s a habit.”
“Oh, it’s fine. Really.” She gestured dismissively.
“I appreciate that. Come here, baby.” He opened his arm, creating a space for her between his legs.
She leaned against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. Two hours later, they headed to bed, the springs of the mattress creaking softly as they fell asleep.
Rawley jerked awake at the rumbling growls coming from the two dogs, their hackles raised as they stared at the bedroom’shalf-open door. Heart pounding, he sat up in the darkness, fumbled for his jeans, socks and flannel shirt on the floor beside the bed, and pulled them on. He glanced over his shoulder at Skylar, her hair spread across the pillow, her breathing still deep and even. Thank God she hadn’t stirred.
