Long after she had cried herself dry, Moriah stood to pack the knapsack she had used on the run these past few months.She wasn’t going to take off yet, but it was obvious when this was over, KC wouldn’t want anything to do with her—not that she could blame him.After all, she was just a woman he had sex with and who had lied to him.What man in his right mind would stick around?She would be alone again, and her heart clenched at the thought.
Taking a few things from the dresser, she spun around and was startled to see KC standing in the doorway, leaning against the jamb with his arms crossed.He’d showered after his run and now wore cargo shorts and a gray T-shirt.His face was no longer hard, but his lean body was still tense.She yearned to run her hands over every one of his muscles and soothe them.But that was no longer possible.He would surely shove her away.
“Going somewhere?”
She shook her head and stepped over to the bed, putting the clothes into her bag.“Not yet.”
KC didn’t move from the doorway, but when she glanced at him, he raised his eyebrows in a silent question.
“Whether you help me or not, eventually, I’ll leave.I’ll either be arrested or running for my life again.”
There was a moment of silence as they stared at each other.KC bit his lip and dropped his gaze to his feet.Inhaling deeply through his nose, he exhaled with a drawn-out release as if weighing his words.“There is another possible result you didn’t mention.Maybe we’ll solve this, and you’ll be free.”
“Maybe.”She couldn’t tell him she wasn’t as optimistic as he seemed to be.Sighing, she returned to her packing.
“You’re still leaving, though?”
“Yes.I think it’s for the best if I do.”
KC’s eyes flared, but he remained silent.She grabbed a few items from the vanity and tossed them into the knapsack, unable to look at him.“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth after we made ...had sex.”She couldn’t use the word love.He didn’t love her and never would.Not after all this.“I was scared you wouldn’t believe me.”
“I understand.”
Shocked, she froze and then turned slowly to face him.“You do?”
“Sure.I mean, what?We’ve only known each other for a week, right?I guess I would have done the same thing in your shoes.”He shrugged his shoulders as if it were nothing.He appeared relaxed for the first time since he’d found the duffel bag full of money.“Listen, I’ll help you in any way I can as long as you’re upfront with me about everything from now on.”
She nodded and twisted her hands together—he may be relaxed, but she was far from it.“I should never have gotten you involved in this, but when you offered to help me learn how to defend myself, it seemed like a good idea.”
“Itwasa good idea.You can’t handle this alone, but somehow, we’ll figure a way out of it.”Stepping into the room, he quietly shut the door behind him.“Look, I’m sorry I yelled at you before.You were just protecting yourself, and I shouldn’t be mad about that.”
With the door closed, the room seemed to grow smaller as his large frame took up a lot of space.Suddenly nervous, she started to unpack and repack the bag with no rhyme or reason.“N-no, I’m sorry.I never intended to get involved with you, but after we had sex, or even before, I-I should have told you the truth.It’s all my fault.”
“Look at me, Moriah,” KC whispered.She had no idea how he’d moved five feet closer without her realizing it, but when she turned, there were mere inches between them.Her eyes met his, and her knees went weak at the desire she saw there.“How about we agree that we were both wrong and call a truce?”
She licked her lips and watched the heat in his gaze increase as it followed the movement.After a moment, she nodded, her voice thick and husky as she responded, “Truce.”
She obviously didn’t love him, or it wouldn’t be so easy to walk away.Well, he wasn’t about to beg her to stay.It would have to be her decision, but right now, she had more to deal with than the fact that he had fallen in love with her—information he decided he should keep to himself for a little while.For now, he just wanted to hold her ...no, that wasn’t enough.
Before she could react, KC grabbed her hips and pulled her to him, getting rid of the last few inches between them.One hand snaked around to her ass to hold her tight against his groin, and the other went to the back of her head.His mouth crushed down on hers, and although he knew he was far from being gentle, he didn’t care.Especially when she parted her lips, inviting him in.Their tongues danced around each other as her arms inched up to wrap around his neck.
Shit!He had to be crazy, but all he could think of was how much he wanted to fuck her senseless ...to sear himself into her memory, so when this was all over, she would never leave him.Her body already belonged to him, but he wanted more than that ...he wanted her mind, heart, and soul and wouldn’t settle for anything less.
A soft knock at the door had them jumping apart.With his chest heaving, it took KC a moment to recover, and he had to clear his voice before he could speak.“What is it?”
Dan didn’t open the door.Instead, he just raised his voice.“I don’t know if anyone is hungry, but I made some grilled cheese and tomato soup for an early dinner.Brian should be back soon—he called when he left the station ten minutes ago.”
“Thanks, Uncle Dan.We’ll be right out.”Turning back to Moriah, his gaze took in her hair he’d tousled, her swollen red lips, and the passion burning in her eyes.It was far better than the look of fear and regret which had been there earlier.Knowing there was no way they could continue with what they’d started with his uncle waiting for them, he leaned over and kissed her forehead before stepping back.“We should eat.You haven’t had anything all day and need to keep up your strength.”
Although clearly unenthusiastic at the thought of eating, Moriah nodded, silently agreeing with him.Taking her hand, he led her to the living room as Dan exited the kitchen, carrying a tray laden with mugs of soup and a plate piled high with halves of grilled cheese sandwiches, hot and gooey.He placed it on the coffee table and handed her one of the steaming mugs after she sat on the sofa.
The older man’s sympathy was evident in his soft brown eyes.“I figured comfort food was the best since I didn’t think you were in the mood for a fancy meal.”
She gave him a grateful smile.He was such a nice man, and she had a brief thought that she wished her father had been like him.“Thank you, Dan.And thank you for believing in me ...both of you.”
KC grabbed an empty plate from under the sandwiches and added two halves to it, then sat on the couch beside her.“No thanks necessary.”
Dan Malone just smiled and patted her hand.“Come on.Eat before it gets cold.What can I get you to drink?I think there’s cola, milk, and water.”
