“Your mom’s just making some grilled cheese sandwiches, you want one?”
“Yes, please.”
She and her dad fell on the plate of food when Nancy placed it before them.
“Thank God for Jake,” her mom said with a loud sigh. “He dealt with Melanie just like he did with Jilly. I just couldn’t do it,” she said, shaking her head. “I brought both those girls into the world; I couldn’t see them leave it too, not so soon, not murdered.”
“Jake understood that, Nancy.”
Katie watched her father place a hand on her mother’s arm. More contact, more comfort for a loved one, she thought.
“I know, he’s a good boy.” She sniffed. “Both my children are good and kind, and it’s times like these I realize how much I love them.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
They didn’t say much else, and when she’d eaten and drunk two cups of coffee, Katie hugged her parents and left them together, knowing they would comfort each other.
The rain had eased up when she reached the houseboat, but it was still cool. Stripping off her clothes, she walked off the end of the deck and into the water. It felt good to float with darkness settling around her. When she started to wrinkle, she climbed out, had a hot shower, then pulled on a long-sleeved t-shirt that came to midthigh, and panties. Turning on some music, Katie got out her candy stash and sat at the table. Bourbon would be better, but candy meant she didn’t disappoint anyone, least of all herself. She’d started working on the jigsaw she’d found in one of the cupboards last night, because it helped her mind focus on something besides the alcohol.
Car lights shining through the window alerted her that someone was approaching, and since she doubted the Alessi brothers would come calling like this, she didn’t retrieve her gun. The heavy thud of boots told her it was a large man, and as she knew several of those, this didn’t scare her either. Seconds later the door opened and there stood the sheriff of Lake Howling. His face looked like it was carved in granite, blue eyes haunted, body sagging with fatigue.
“I don’t know who killed those girls, Katie, or if I can keep it from happening again. I just left Melanie Todd’s family after tearing their world apart, and I couldn’t think of anywhere else to go but here… to you.”
Katie got out of the chair and walked toward him.
“Mrs. Todd asked me to catch whoever did this and make them pay, and I want to; I’m just not sure I will.”
“You will.” Katie took off his cap and threw it on the table, then raked her fingers through his hair. “I know you will,” she added, before walking into his arms and holding him close.
His big body shuddered as he lowered his head to her shoulder. Katie held him for a while, then eased out of his arms. Cupping his face between her hands, she then kissed him.
It was like pouring gasoline on a fire; he seemed to ignite. He gripped her hips, pulling her hard against him, and deepened the kiss.
“I want you so much, princess.”
“Then take me.”
He did. Lifting her onto the table, he stepped between her thighs. His hands swept her shirt up and off her body before he began kissing her neck and working his way to her breasts. He was thorough and by the time he reached the silk of her panties, Katie was burning to have him inside her.
“You need to do something about this ache I have, Sheriff.”
“I’m not done yet.”
“I nearly am!” she cried as he kissed the damp material. The feel on his breath on her was sinful, and when he eased the scrap aside and dragged his tongue over her, she let out a long low moan.
“Come for me, baby.” Cubby pushed his finger inside her and she did as he asked in a shuddering climax.
Katie watched him strip off his clothes and roll on a condom, and then he was thrusting inside her hard. She gripped his shoulders, wrapped her legs around him, and held on as the pleasure began to build again.
He stopped and scooped her off the bench.
“What are you doing?”
“Wait and see.”
He was buried deep inside her as they walked and Katie could feel the tension in his body. Once he reached the bedroom he withdrew and lowered her to the bed, then turned her over and lifted her hips, sinking into her from behind. Deeper and higher, it was even more intense as he drove into her again and again.
Their harsh breathing filled the small cabin until she cried out as a wave of pleasure hit her. Cubby wasn’t far behind, pumping into her hard and fast.
