Arms crossed, Charlie stood in the doorway of the bedroom Derek had been using. She watched as he finished putting a set of clean clothes and a toiletry bag into a black duffle, just in case they ran into a snag and he had to stay overnight.
Her mouth watered just thinking about the kiss they’d shared the day before. Derek had been so sweet and caring.
For years, she’d dreamed of kissing him. So many nights she’d spent wondering how it would feel. What he would taste like. Now, she knew.It was like being in Heaven.
Unfortunately, he was leaving. He was going to fly to New York, go to her apartment, and retrieve the morbid journal she had hidden there.
“I told you I don’t want to risk Caleb seeing you there.” Derek zipped up the bag.
“But you’ll risk him seeing you? Derek, he’s not a stable man. If he sees you, there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
He slid the bag’s wide strap over his shoulder and walked toward her. His movements were slow but purposeful.
God, the man’s sexy when he’s determined.
“One, he’s scheduled to be in court all day. I already checked.”
Okay, so that did make her feel a little better. “And two?”
He stepped in closer, his free hand gently brushing away some of her hair. “Two...you don’t quit lookin’ at me like that, I’ll miss my flight.”
Charlie’s breath hitched inside her chest. “I thought you were the one flying the plane.”
He’d told her his boss was letting him use the private, company jet.
Derek gave her a crooked grin. “I am. But I still have a schedule to keep.”
The joy she’d felt from their mutual flirting dimmed. “If you know Caleb is in New York, then why does your teammate have to stay with me?”
“It’s just a precaution, darlin’. I don’t trust Caleb, and it’ll be easier for me to focus on getting’ in and out of your apartment if I know for a fact you’re safe.”
“I just feel bad for her. Surely there are more interesting things she’d rather be doing than babysitting me.”
Derek smiled. “Oh, don’t you worry about Mac. I heard her on the phone with Coop, earlier. Said she’d take you shoppin’.”
“We just went shopping. I have everything I need.”
“Everything?” His voice dropped, and the blue of his eyes darkened.
Blushing, Charlie playfully slapped his chest. “You know what I mean.”
“I know.” He grinned. “I just love makin’ you blush.” Taking her hand in his, Derek said, “Come on. Knowing Mac, she’ll find something girlie for the two of you to do.”
That struck Charlie as odd. From what Derek had told her, the woman assigned to be her keeper for the day was a highly trained sniper. She’d even been in the Army as a Ranger. That didn’t sound like a girly-girl to her.
“Well, at least you’re not going alone. That guy out there looks like he could take on three Caleb’s if he had to.”
Derek grinned. “Grant’s definitely a good one to have on your side. He’ll have my back, don’t worry.”
“And you’re coming back soon as you find my journal?”
Stopping their forward movement just before they crossed the threshold into the hallway, Derek turned to face her. His hand gave hers a slight squeeze.
“Stop worrying so much, Charlie. I’m gonna go in, get your book, and get out. I have your key, so it won’t be an issue making it up to your floor or into your apartment. As far as ops go, this one will be a piece of cake.”
His eyes fell to her mouth, and she knew he was going to kiss her. She didn’t stop him.
Derek’s lips pressed against hers, and this time, she didn’t hesitate. Charlie opened her mouth letting his tongue move slowly over hers. It felt as though he were savoring her.
