JENNA STROKED GENGHIS’ head while listening to the sounds of Alex move around in the guest bedroom. Though Alex didn’t live in Ransom, he had a house a little east in Ft Worth. Come to think of it, most of the cops lived in other cities, probably for the same reason as her co-workers. When shifts needed to be filled, whoever lived closest was the first person called in. Which was exactly why she’d stayed in Ransom. She didn’t want to be left to her own devices. She wanted to be busy. Which was why she’d volunteered to be one of the SWAT medics on top of her regular duties at the hospital.

She’d met Alex that first day when she’d reported to the station. Even then, she’d shook his hand, and it was like the room went cold. She hadn’t been able to move, just gape at him. He was big and intimidating in a way that she found comforting. He had this intense way of looking at her. His tendency to monosyllabic answers should have put her off. And yet, it was enough to be selected to be on his teams for operations, to put in long hours of practice staring at his broad shoulders and be in his shadow.

God she had it bad for a man who barely seemed to realize she existed as something besides another check box of responsibility.

Genghis whined, as if sensing the turn of her thoughts.

She sighed and scratched the dog’s head. Why didn’t she have a dog instead of Mittens? The dang cat had scratched her going into and coming out of the carrier. But she couldn’t blame Mittens. Every time she took the cat anywhere people cut something off of him. His fur, his balls and even a leg. Not that only having three legs stopped Mittens. He didn’t let anything slow him down. Which was why she’d fallen in love with the damn cat.

Alex slid sideways through the guest room door and closed it behind him. His gaze landed on her before skipping to his dog. He smiled and one side of his mouth kicked up.

Great. She rated below the dog.

“Got someone to pet you?”

Genghis’ tail beat the floor, but he didn’t pick his head up from her lap, not even for his owner. At least one of the two men of the house liked her.

Alex sank onto the other side of the couch, his arm extending across the back of the cushions toward her.

“Bed’s made up,” he said.

Was that her cue to tuck herself out of his way?

“Thanks,” she said. Guilt gnawed at her. Her problems weren’t Alex’s, and yet, here he was, taking care of her.

“I checked to make sure nothing in there was full of feathers.”

Jenna blinked at Alex. Feathers? How did he know she was allergic to bird down?

“Your SWAT info has the allergy on there. Says you have one of those pen things.”

“Yeah, I do. I just didn’t remember that was on there. I’m surprised you do.”

Alex lifted a shoulder.

“If we were going into a chicken coop, it’s the kind of thing I’d want to know.”

“Let’s not jinx ourselves, okay? I’ve only had to use the pen once.”

“Let’s keep it that way.” He smiled, and she held her breath for fear she’d frighten it away. “Tell me about your family. I had no idea they went back so far.”

“Grandma’s side of things. The way I understand it, her parents owned some sort of general store that got destroyed in the fire of...68? Grandpa was in Vietnam, which left her raising Dad. I think he was almost out of high school by then...” It was hard keeping all the years straight, especially on so little sleep.

“That’s the fire that destroyed most of downtown?”

“The same. Grandma and Grandpa never rebuilt the store. They lost a lot of friends over that decision. I still get an earful from some of the little old ladies.” Jenna blew out a breath. There were some people who would never be satisfied.

“How’re the notes coming?” Alex asked.

“Good. I think I have it all down, including tonight.”

“I’ll look at it in the morning. How are you?”

“Fine.” She went back to staring into Genghis’ soulful brown eyes.

“Women say fine when something is wrong.”

Jenna lifted her gaze from the dog to his owner. She wanted to crawl across the couch and rest her head against Alex’s chest. He was a big, muscular man, built like a tank. Those shoulders carried the weight of their team. Was it too much to hope for his arms? It was a fruitless wish. He wasn’t into her.

“We wouldn’t be in here if everything was okay.” She sighed and scratched Genghis’ head. “It’s frustrating. I’ve been in combat situations where a man’s life depends on what I do next. We’re taking gunfire, and I don’t flinch. I just keep doing my job. The wrong place at the wrong time and it could be me who died. And now, the idea of someone being in my house has me so shook up I can’t think straight.”

Not to mention the nightmares, lack of sleep and missed meals because her stomach was so tied up in knots she couldn’t eat. It was a completely helpless place to be. And she hated it. Her vision blurred and damn it, she was not going to cry. She was a capable person. The police department might not allow her to carry a gun, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t defend herself. But this stalker—or PTSD—whatever it was, had her feeling helpless.

Alex’s hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling it away from Genghis. He tugged on her arm. She didn’t need more of an invitation—if that’s what it was. She scooted across the couch and leaned against him, closing her eyes as Alex surrounded her with his touch, his smell. Her body reacted immediately to him as it always did. Warmth settled low in her stomach and her heart beat a little faster. Her nerves pulsed, making her whole body throb.

Yeah, she wanted him. It wasn’t anything new—but it was the first time he’d held her.

This was why she hadn’t dated anyone in over a year—not that the dates before that had gone particularly well. But it wasn’t fair to those men to measure them to Alex because he was the man she wanted. The one that made it hard to breathe or even think when he was near.

God, she had it bad for him, and he barely knew she existed.

Tonight though, she’d pretend—at least in her mind—that this embrace was real. That he thought about her in the same crazy way she obsessed over him. Hell, she might even flirt with him given the opportunity, but for right now, she wanted to savor the feel of his arms around her, protecting her even from herself.

ALEX SHOOK HIS HEAD at the TV.

“No, no, where are the gloves? He’s not wearing gloves.” Jenna shook her clenched hand and picked her head up from his shoulder, glaring at the latest, ratings success of a cop drama.

He rested his palm over her fist, smoothing her hand over his ribs once more. He had a crick in his neck, bruises from the op earlier on his sternum, his right arm was scraped from Jenna’s keys, his left arm was going numb, there was a bruise on his thigh from her knee that her hip pressed when she sat up and he was going to have another bruise from where she propped her chin on his chest when the TV cops did something stupid—but he didn’t care. He’d sit here all night if she let him hold her.

“God, can’t they just have a cop consult on the show?” She grumbled something else under her breath and settled against him once more.

“The show would be a lot slower and less exciting if it were real.”

“I know.” She sighed.

Alex stared down at the top of her head. He wanted to touch her hair, run his fingers through it, but he hadn’t. She’d permitted him this one privilege of holding her, but that didn’t mean she’d allow him anything else. He couldn’t put his finger on the exact moment, but somewhere in the last two hours there’d been a shift between them. Jenna had relaxed, they’d cracked a few jokes, and the mood changed. It was easy.

He had the oddest urge to kiss the top of her head. It wasn’t the first place he’d like to kiss, but right now it was a gesture that played on repeat in his mind. Running his fingers through her hair, kissing the top of her head and giving her a little squeeze.

Tomorrow she would no doubt treat him like another of the guys who flirted shamelessly. Not that he’d join their ranks. They needed to maintain professionalism, but damn it, he wanted to be the one she smiled at, who made her cheeks turn pink.

“Oh, no, no, no. That’s not how it works.” She flung her hand at the TV and propped her chin on his chest, driving the point into his muscle.

He winced and stroked her back as Genghis peered up at them, eyeing the couch with sadness. Usually the big dog got the run of the place, but Jenna had displaced him. Good thing the dog seemed as smitten with her as he was.

The show’s credits began to roll with a sneak peek at the next episode. The reruns would be on for the next couple of hours, should she feel like taking out her frustrations on the fictitious cops.

Jenna sighed and muted the TV off. Inwardly he groaned. It was creeping past one in the morning, but he’d gladly stay here all night if she wanted him to.

She sat up and glanced sideways at him.

“Sorry, I’ve become a bit of an insomniac lately.”

“The job doesn’t help,” he replied.

“No, it doesn’t, but it’s better since I’ve been on day shift.” She stretched and the hem of her shirt came up just enough for him to glimpse a bit of skin. “I’ll get out of your way and at least try to sleep.”

“You should get some rest.” It was the right thing to say even if he selfishly wanted to sit up with her.

“I know, and now I’m keeping you up. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

“You’re really great, ya know that?” Her smile was small, but it was all for him.

“Nah, just right place right time. Anyone would have done it.”

Jenna nodded and stepped over Genghis. He held his breath as she stepped into his guest room and disappeared. Tomorrow was going to be hell.

He glanced at the little notebook he’d given her. Tomorrow would also begin his investigation started. Alex might not be a detective, but he had almost fifteen years on the job. If nothing else, he could prove there was a basis for an investigation. But not tonight.

Alex stood and slapped his leg. Genghis jumped to his feet and bounded down the hall, through the kitchen and to the back door. He let the dog outside one last time before retreating to his room with the notebook to review it while the mental image of her place was still fresh in his mind. He flipped through a few pages, skimming her notes. Jenna’s handwriting was neat, precise, and she had a knack for compressing details into as few words as possible.

Nothing grabbed his attention, so he stuck it with his gear and headed for the bathroom. The two bedroom, one bathroom rental was nice for just him and his dog, but with two people it was going to be a juggling act. Jenna’s door was still closed and the light on. He ducked into the bathroom and plucked his toothbrush from the cup.

Damn, he could use a shave. His five o'clock shadow was coming in hard. It was no surprise Jenna had thought him an attacker earlier—he looked like one.

As if his thoughts summoned her, Jenna stepped into the doorway and froze. She’d changed into purple pajama pants with little white flowers on them and a purple tank-top. She had a small bag clutched to her chest and her hair was piled on top of her head.

“Oh, sorry, I’ll come back,” she said in a rush.

“I can share.” He scooted sideways and grabbed the toothpaste. His stomach rolled. He was no better than her stalker. Not only had he held her, but now he wanted to glimpse some part of her normal life? He really had to get it together.

“Okay.” She set the little tote on the counter and unzipped it. “Mittens has taken over the closet. Hope you don’t have anything in there you need.”

“Nothing important.”

She pulled out a package of what looked like fancy towelettes and swiped them across her face. He slowed the speed of his brushing, fascinated even by Jenna washing her face.

Tomorrow and the days following would be hard. For a few brief moments he’d let himself taste what having Jenna as his might be like. Truth was he enjoyed it too much. Damn, he had to rein it in. His thoughts and these little allowed behaviors were a break of trust.

Jenna needed support, not someone with their own agenda. He had to pack his desires down tight and keep it professional. Because the last thing she needed was him.

“Where’s the trashcan?” Jenna had let her arms drop as she glanced around.

Fuck. She wasn’t wearing a bra. Her nipples had pebbled and the tank top wasn’t thick enough to hide them.

He pointed to the ground next to the counter and stared at his own reflection as she scooted past him. Her hand slid across his back and her knee bumped his. He’d never thought of the rectangle bathroom as small, but the close confines were hell on his control.

She tossed the towelette into the trash before slithering back to the spot she’d taken up as hers. An odd little vial and bottle were her next withdrawn items. She squirted liquid in the vial and once more he watched with rapt attention as she plucked a contact from her eye and placed it in a basket that lowered into the liquid.

“I didn’t know you wore contacts,” he said. That wasn’t in her file.

“What? Something you don’t know?” Jenna glanced at him and chuckled. “I’ve worn lenses most of my life. The optometrist gave my parents hell about putting an eleven-year-old in contacts but I broke so many glasses it was cheaper.”

He turned on the tap and washed his mouth out. Much more brushing and he’d rub his gums raw. By the time he was done, Jenna had on a pair of thick, lime green frames. He actually liked the way they featured the green of her eyes, making them look even more exotic.

“Don’t say it.” She wagged her fingers at him.

“Say what?” He wiped droplets of water off with the back of his hand. There was a towel around here, but he couldn’t tear his gaze from her.

“Four eyes, specky, poindexter.”

He scowled. Sure, kids might be that mean but he was an adult.

“You have pretty eyes. The glasses bring the green out more.”

“Oh.” She blinked a couple of times. “Thanks. I picked them because they were bright and cheerful. My army issue ones were these awful, thick black things that were not made for a woman’s face.”

He had to stop these observations, but something about the weight of the frames made her face look more refined and a bit more angular. It was her same face, but the glasses highlighted something besides her mouth, which had admittedly been his focus as of late. He just couldn’t get the idea of kissing her out of his head.

She put her contacts away and produced a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. He could squeeze by her and give her the run of the bathroom which would be the most polite thing to do, but he found he’d lost the ability to move.

“It’s a shame. I think I like you better in glasses.” He clamped his lips shut. What he liked didn’t matter.

Jenna tilted her head to the side and smiled. He loved that look on her face, not that he had any business loving anything about her, but he couldn’t help it. She was Jenna.

She washed out her mouth, and he shifted his weight from foot to foot. Maybe he should have excused himself.

“Think they’d look good with my helmet?” She leaned a hip against the bathroom counter. The front of her tank top was splashed with water, drawing his attention once more to her breasts—he was not supposed to be looking at.

“They might stand out. I’d probably have to nix those as Team Leader.”

“Oh, come on, if I look good in them they’re worth it, right?”

“You look just fine in anything you wear.”

Danger. Danger. Shut the fuck up.

“You think so?” Jenna asked.

“Sure.” Alex shrugged and eyed the hall behind her. He did not want to become yet another of the guys who flirted with her. This was not a line of talk that needed to continue.

“You sure know the way to give a girl a compliment.”

What was that supposed to mean? Had he fucked up? Said the wrong thing?

Jenna studied him, her gaze roving over his face with an intensity he imagined only those who screwed up or those grievously injured got to see.

What should he apologize for?

Jenna took two small steps and flattened her palm against his chest. He stared at her, unable to puzzle out the inner workings of her mind. She wasn’t a suspect, he had no idea what she’d do next, the rules of engagement were entirely different.

She lifted up on tip-toe, her gaze on his mouth.

No.

All the reasons this shouldn’t happen shot through his brain faster than he could process them and make a choice.

Jenna leaned against him, pressing her breasts to his chest and set her mouth to his.

This was a bad idea. And yet, how many times had he imagined kissing Jenna?

Despite knowing better, he placed his hands on her hips and let his head tilt to the left. Her lips moved, teasing him. The voice telling him, No, was swiftly drowned out.

He pulled her closer until he could feel the heat from her body. The frames of her glasses hit his cheek. Her arms looped around his neck, one hand cupping his head as she arched her back. He parted his lips, tasting the mint of her toothpaste. She groaned as he swiped his tongue along the seam of her lips. Her mouth opened, yielding to him. He drank her in, wanting all of her at once. As he thrust his tongue into her mouth, she groaned again and her nails pressed gently into his skin.

The sound of her desire was the sweetest thing he’d ever heard.

Except, this wasn’t desire for him. It was a case of right place, right time, and if he didn’t stop this now, chances were she’d hate him tomorrow. As much as it killed him, Alex stepped back. Her lips were glossy and wet. She swayed slightly, pressing her hands against his shoulders.

This fucking sucked.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t...” He stammered a few more incoherent words. “It’s been a long night. Things will be clearer in the morning.”

What the hell was that supposed to mean? He had no idea, and from the way her brows drew down and she blinked at him neither did she.