“No one who knows you would everbelieve that.”
“Not sure those are the people who will be on a jury. Don’t they have rules against that stuff?”
“There are already people working on the case. We need to figure out why this lady said you beat her up. And get her to tell who actually did it.”
He let out a big sigh and dropped his head into his hands. Only half his meal had been touched. When he looked up his gaze zeroed in on the bruise on her arm. The one the thug trying to rape her had given her. Along with the bruise on her face. Her jacket had concealed it earlier.
“What happened here? Why do you have all these bruises?” His concerned voice was sweet but she couldn’t tell him the truth right now. He’d beenthrough enough.
“They all happened at the same time. Me being stupid and clumsy.” That was the truth at least. Part of it anyway. “Finish your food and then you should take a nap.”
The twinkle in his eyes returned, warming her heart and sending flutters to her stomach. “What, I’man infant now?”
“Sure, baby,” she teased, then said seriously, “You look tired.”
“You know those parties in the county jail.”
His lips turned up but something flared in his eyes, letting her know it had been anything but fun. Reaching over, she squeezed his hand. He squeezed back then took a few more bitesof the omelet.
“Maybe I will sack out fora short time.”
“I’ll clean up here andlet you sleep.”
Standing, he took her hand and pulled. “Youcould join me.”
Usually he said those words with such sexual heat, it took her breath away. Today his eyes held desperation. She couldn’t have walked away if she tried.
In his room, he slumped on the bed and tugged until she stood between his knees. Wrapping her arms around him, she kneaded at the knots on his shoulders. His head leaned against her, right between her breasts. But he wasn’t trying to get into her blouse. She stood there for a while, hoping he was getting the support she was sending.
“Lay back,” she said after a few minutes then pushed at his chest. His nicely muscled and bare chest. He complied but didn’t let go of her, and she toppled next to him. Twisting, he settled so they were facing each other, side by side.
“Um, you’re supposedto be resting.”
“I’ll rest easier if you’re here beside me.” His bare foot nudged against hers.
Grinning, she said, “Would you like me to rub your back? Singyou a lullaby?”
“Sure.” His lips touched her forehead as he pulled her closer. She began to hum. It certainly wouldn’t be relaxing if she sang. Her singing usually sent dogs runningaway, howling.
His body tensed beside her and she stroked her hands down his torso and back up again then pulled on his neck. Their lips came together then Scott tightened his arms as his kiss grew in strengthand intensity.
“God, Heather.”
She allowed him in, gasping as his tongue tangled with hers. When he rolled her on her back, she took advantage and skimmed her fingers over the taut muscles of his shoulders then down. Damn, this man was built. Not in a body-builder sort of way, but all lean and sculpted muscles. Done the old-fashioned way, not in a gym.
The kissing continued but Scott never moved his hands. One held her head while the other, at her waist, made sure she stayed where she was. His lips gentled and his face eased back but his forehead stayedtouching hers.
“I’m sorry. Iwas too rough.”
Caressing the side of his face, she said, “You didn’t hear me complaining. Seems like I was equally as involved.”
He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. When he opened them again, gratitude shone in their depths. He kissed her again, this time sweet, and—dare she even say—lovingly. His lips skimmed along hers, his tongue tracing the outline. Watching him was heartbreaking. Like she was the answer to all his problems. Not likely. She was merely a distraction. But she was happy to help him if it meant he could forget everything fora short while.
Pushing him, she adjusted so they faced each other again, their lips still in contact. They felt right, touching, nibbling, nipping, and caressing. His fingers stroking her cheek.
As his eyes fluttered, she moved her lips down his face, snuggling upcloser. “Rest.”
“Mmm” was all she heard, though his arms encircled her in a steel band. Nothing too tight but he wasn’t letting her go anywhere. It was all right, she didn’t want to leave where she was. It felt good. Was this how Callie felt when she had Jack next to her in bed every night? It was pretty damned fantastic.
