As Megan raced off down the hall to her bedroom, he noticed Lissa standing in the kitchen doorway. Just looking at her aroused him, had since she’d stepped into the living room, a big semiauto in her hands, pointed directly at him.
She was wearing a black tank top that curved over small, elegant breasts and black jeans that stretched like skin over the supple curves of her long legs. She was tall, built like a dancer, her muscles lean and strong. She was confident, even arrogant. He could feel it in every look she cast his way.
He wanted to taste that sassy mouth, wanted a lot more than that.
“You’re good with kids,” she said. “I wouldn’t have guessed.”
He just shrugged. He knew what people thought when they looked at him, knew the black patch was even more intimidating than the scar. “Looks can be deceiving.”
Lissa shook her head, moving the shiny blond cap of hair he itched to run his fingers through. “I don’t think so. I think you’re exactly the kind of man you look like.”
“That so? What kind is that?”
“Hard and edgy. The kind who’s used to having his own way. A man who doesn’t take no for an answer.”
“You could be right.” She was smart, too. She had him pegged just right. He wanted to do a more thorough examination of that graceful dancer’s body, but he kept his eyes on her face. “The question is, do you like that kind of man?”
Her mouth tightened. “Depends if he has obligations somewhere else.” She had pretty lips, soft and pink, lips a man could sink into. He didn’t have time to respond to her question before Julie walked into the living room.
“Marsha’s mom is picking Megan up and taking the girls to the mall. As soon as they’re gone, I need to take Timmy to basketball practice.”
“I’ve got to get back to the office,” Lissa said. “I have some calls I need to make. I’ll see if Dallas PD has anything on Spearman. If not, I’ve got a friend who can dig up info on just about anyone.”
“Sounds good,” Colt said. “I’ll ride with Julie, make sure Spearman isn’t out there somewhere waiting for her.”
Lissa nodded. “Good idea. I’ll see you back here tomorrow.”
“I’ll have supper ready about seven,” Julie said. “Why don’t you join us?”
Lissa glanced from Julie to Colt. “You sure you want company?”
He got it then. Lissa thought he’d stopped by for a little action with his dead friend’s wife. Just the idea pissed him off.
“I can call,” Lissa added. “Let you know what I find out.”
Julie smiled. “We’d love for you to join us, wouldn’t we, Colt? I’m making spaghetti. Come over a little early and we’ll have a glass of wine.”
“You should definitely join us,” Colt said, just to watch Lissa’s temper flare. “Three can be even more fun than two.”
Her dark eyes narrowed. There was a hint of gold around the irises that glittered with angry heat. He’d like to turn that heat in a different direction.
“Okay, you’ve convinced me,” she said, clearly determined to protect her friend. “I’ll be here a little before seven.”
Colt almost smiled. His stop in Dallas was going to be a lot more interesting than he had anticipated. Lissa Blayne was all fiery temper and cool disdain. She heated his blood in a way no woman had in a very long time.
And from the look in those hot brown eyes, Colt figured Lissa felt at least some of the attraction he felt for her. Not that she wasn’t fighting it.
Tonight he’d make sure she knew he wasn’t interested in more than friendship with Julie and never had been. Nor did Julie have that sort of interest in him.
First he had to deal with Spearman, make sure he was out of Julie’s and the kids’ lives for good. Then he could focus on Lissa. His body stirred and his groin tightened just thinking about her.
He hoped Lissa came up with Spearman’s location so he could make the problem end.
Seven o’clock couldn’t come too soon.
LISSARETURNEDTOthe office and ran a background check on Ray Spearman. His birth records popped up—born at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, only child of Paul and Sylvia Spearman. Attended Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Rutledge High, where he played varsity football.
His criminal record began at eighteen when he’d been arrested for drunk and disorderly. If there were earlier offenses, his juvenile records would have been sealed.
