“Crockett, what was your primary motivation behind WildeInnovations?”
Pausing, he broke eye contact. She waited, her heart hammering in her chest.Make this story personal, Crockett. Tellthem.
Several more seconds passed.Dammit. She’d have to cover with anotherquestion.
He steeled his spine. A flicker of misery shadowed his normally bright eyes. “My sister, Sophia, was abducted when she was fourteen. Although she’s been missing for thirteen years—almost half her life—I remain optimistic she’ll come home to us one day. Everything we create at Wilde is with her in mind. It’s my goal that improvements to surveillance will help bring her, and others who’ve been abducted,home.”
She breathed. He’d done it. Alexandra wrapped the interview. When Gavin stopped filming, she extended her hand. “That was fantastic, Crockett. You and your team did an outstandingjob.”
Instead of shaking her hand, he held it. Heat infused her body. Though she should have shook his hand and released, she gave him a little squeeze before letting go. Millie moved in and removed Crockett’smakeup.
“Crockett, who can I speak with about shooting footage at your manufacturing plant?” Gavinasked.
“We have stock you can use,” Crockettsaid.
“Great.” Gavin handed Crockett his business card. “My cell is the best way to reach me. Congrats on a solid interview. Alexandra, we’re gonna takeoff.”
“Did ya’ll drive together?” Crockett askedAlexandra.
“I drove alone,” saidAlexandra.
“Can you stick around for a few?” Crockettasked.
“Of course.” Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Gavin’ssmirk.
“I’ll escort you guys out,” Decker said to Gavin andcrew.
“Meet me in the Tank,” Crockett said tohim.
On a nod, Decker led Gavin, Millie and Tomout.
“Let’s talk in private.” Crockett gestured toward the back of thelab.
They walked into the isolated room. He shut the door, pinned her with a steely gaze. Suddenly, the air became electric. Her heart pitter-pattered, her bodywarmed.
“You’re a natural, Alex,” he murmured, his deep voice rumbling through her. “Talking about Sophia is very difficult forme.”
The need to touch him overpowered her and she caressed his muscular arm. “Thank you for pushing through. You did a great job. When it airs, I hope someone comes forward with information onSophia.”
“It’s a longshot.”
“You sound like you’ve losthope.”
“I never give up on someone I love.” His gaze turned fiery. He gripped her shoulders. Fierce blue eyes pierced her. “Last night I came home to an emptybed.”
His words rocketed through her. His touch ignited her need. “I crashed on your sofa.” Her words sounded hollow, pathetic. She leaned toward him, that familiar and powerful attraction takinghold.
He said nothing. But their increased breathing, now in sync, filled her ears. Seconds passed. Though desperate for his mouth on hers, she didn’t move. The energy swirled; her lips tingled.Kiss me, Crockett. Her heart dipped when he releasedher.
“After you left the club last night, I saw Jase escort Dracule and a male companion into that unmarked suite.” His jaw ticked. “And I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse ofSage.”
“What? Why didn’t you wakeme?”
He hitched a brow. “Because I wouldn’t have wanted totalk.”
Warmth spread down her chest and she moaned, quietly, under herbreath.
“Did you have another nightmare?” heasked.
