“It’s cause you’re a cop, okay?” She finally spat out the words. “My dad was a cop. He was killed in the line of duty when I was just a kid.”

“I’m sorry, Darcy. I didn’t know.” His voice was soft, shocked. “Were you close?”

Close? Darcy knew she had never loved anyone more than she’d loved her father. She didn’t know if close was quite the way to describe her relationship with her father.

“He was my best friend,” she answered at last. She couldn’t hide the catch in her voice.

“I’m so sorry, Darcy. What happened?” She could tell he wasn’t just asking to be kind. He really wanted to know.

“It was just an ordinary traffic stop. Nothing special. He pulled somebody over because they had a taillight out. He walked up to the window on the driver’s side, and the driver just shot him. He didn’t have a chance.” Her voice took on a cool tone as she tried to disconnect from the memory, but it wasn’t really possible. The pain stabbed her heart whenever she thought about it. She closed her eyes against the burn of tears and swallowed hard.

Nick shot her a glance then pulled the SUV off the road. Before she knew it, he had gathered her up in his arms and was kissing the top of her head. He didn’t say anything, just held her, and it was more than she could stand.

“My mom was totally dependent on Dad and just fell apart when he was killed. She started drinking and seeing all kinds of men. One of them beat her to death when I was 12.” She didn’t seem to be able to stop the words from pouring out, sobbing as she ranted.

“Ah, Darcy, you went through more than any little girl should have to endure.” His smooth baritone rolled over her, soothing and comforting. She buried her face in his shoulder and wept like she hadn’t cried since she was a child.

She finally managed to get her emotions under control and slowed her sobs to hiccoughs. She couldn’t believe she’d fallen apart like that. He probably thought she was a big crybaby. She pulled away from him and ran her fingers across her nose.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart like that,” she sniffed.

“I think you’ve been holding that in for a long time,” he said as he opened the console, pulled out some tissues and handed them to her.

“I think you’re right.”

He moved over and put the car in gear. “We need to get back on the road to beat the storm, but Darcy, we’ll talk some more when we get home.”

Not if she could help it, she thought mutinously. She’d ridden enough emotional roller coasters for today.

 

By the time they pulled in the drive at the cabin sleet was pinging off the windshield. The wind had picked up and nearly swept Darcy off her feet as she helped tote groceries inside. She put groceries away then hurried up to hide herself away in her own room. She surfed the web for a while and talked to Sophie on the phone but eventually had to give up and go back downstairs.

She found Nick in the kitchen staring hungrily into the fridge.

“Looks like you’re ready for supper,” she commented as she came into the room. “How’s goulash sound?”

“Sounds great to me,” he agreed enthusiastically.

“What, better than frozen pizza?” she couldn’t help teasing him.

“I admit it, you’ve got me spoiled.”

“Well, tonight I’m putting you to work. Know how to chop onions?”

“I’m a fantastic onion chopper.”

“Then get to chopping, buddy,” she ordered, grabbing an onion and tossing it at him.

“Yes, ma’am,” he consented while she grabbed some garlic and started heating a saucepan. They worked together with her singing along to the radio and him playing dutiful assistant. It felt funny to see Nick as subservient. His big, forceful personality was hidden, replaced by an easy-going relaxed guy now and then tossing out comical quips. Darcy was surprised she didn’t feel uncomfortable after the emotional scene this afternoon, but amazingly enough, she was perfectly peaceful.

Outside was anything but peaceful, however. The wind howled, hurtling icy pellets into the bank of glass windows. It howled mournfully around the corners of the house, occasionally adding a high-pitched wail that sounded like a woman screaming. It was scary sounding, but the inside of the cabin was so warm and bright Darcy could ignore the wind songs.

A fire crackled in the fireplace, and the spicy scent of goulash and garlic bread filled the air. Warlock curled up on the sofa, lying on a soft, plaid afghan. The wood floors gleamed in the soft light, and golden oldies music filled the room.

The food was hot, flavorful, and filling, perfect for a cold, windy night. They indulged in red wine with dinner and sat long after they were finished just talking about a variety of subjects. Nick told stories of his childhood and the mischief he’d gotten into with his brothers and sisters. She talked about adventures with Aunt Liz and Liz’s wide variety of friends.

They finally started clearing up and doing dishes. They were almost done when Darcy heard the rich voice of Elvis beginning to pour from the radio. It was Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.  Her gaze flew to meet his eyes to see if he heard it.

She found his gaze locked on her. They simply stared at each other for a moment then Nick moved to take her in his arms. He started to dance with her, crooning the words to the love song in her ear.

Darcy fell under his spell. She wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed him to guide her through some sensuous moves, losing herself in the moment. The warmth of his body seeped into her, and she felt herself drawing closer and closer to the heat. She let her head fall onto his chest and breathed in the scent of him, a mixture of soap and musk that swirled around her senses.

Nick swayed his hips to the rhythm of the music and Darcy could feel a growing swell against her. Her breathing quickened, and Darcy felt her nipples harden as they were pressed against his chest. They moved together fluently, like they were a matched pair. Darcy felt herself beginning to hope the music would never end.

It felt as if she were melting into him. She couldn’t tell where he stopped and she began. She was suddenly lost in a cloud of fantasy, of motion, and music. She was floating, only the embrace of his arms holding her on earth.

Despite her wishes, the song began to come to an end. She slowed with his movements and started to return to reality.

And then he kissed her.