Chapter 10
A nervous twinge skipped through Kelley’s abdomen as the doorbell rang. She brushed her palms over her jeans, tugged down her T-shirt, and touched her hand to her hair that was pulled back in a French braid. Her short lace-up leather hiking boots squeaked on the tile as she headed to the front door.
She put a smile on her face, took a deep breath, and opened the door. Reese stood on her doorstep, his hands shoved into the front pockets of his blue jeans. He wore a black T-shirt, a black ball cap with Arizona Diamondbacks emblazoned across it, and hiking boots similar to hers. No question about it, her partner was the most scrumptious man she knew—and she knew a lot of men.
His intense blue eyes met hers and a smile curved the corner of his mouth. “Ready, Petrova?”
She nodded. “Just a sec.” She turned to the hall table and stuffed her wallet into the back pocket of her jeans and her phone in one of her front pockets then grabbed her keys. She shoved her holstered Glock into a hobo cross body purse, along with her belt. She made sure her hairbrush, lipstick, and a few other things were inside, then swung the purse over her shoulder. Reese waited for her on the porch as she locked the door with her keys then shoved them in her pocket.
They headed to his truck and he held the door open for her on the passenger side and she climbed in before he went to the driver’s side and seated himself. He started the truck and it roared to life.
She tilted her head to the side. “So where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” He gave her a quick grin as he pulled away from the curb.
Even though he’d smiled, it seemed tense and she felt like something was off. “I saw you yesterday when I was having lunch with Johan. Why didn’t you say ‘hi’?”
Reese’s expression tightened and he didn’t look at her as he drove down the street. “Didn’t want to disturb your lunch.”
“You wouldn’t have disturbed us.” She studied him as he kept his eyes fixed on the street. “We were just talking.” She continued to watch Reese as she said, “Johan is married to Stacy Herrington.”
Reese glanced from the road to Kelley. “The attorney who works for Johnson and Hawk?”
She nodded. “That’s the one.”
He looked back at the road, his features lightening almost imperceptibly, as if her explanation somehow made him feel better. “How is PT going?”
Whether or not he wanted to admit it, Reese felt something for Kelley, like she did for him. She didn’t know how much, but it was clear he’d been at least a little jealous until she’d told him Johan was married. The fact that Johan was gay probably made him less of a threat.
Less of a threat to what?
“Physical therapy is going well.” She shifted in her seat as she answered his question. “My shoulder is getting better all the time. I hope the doctor will clear me to go back to work soon.”
“No need to rush it,” Reese said.
Kelley frowned. “Yes, there is a rush. We have to find Belle.”
He met her gaze. “We will find her.”
She glanced out the window to see they were headed out of town. “Are we going hiking?”
“Nope.” He watched the road as he spoke. “I’ll give you a hint. You’re going to get dirty.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Hmmm…I hope you’re not planning on taking me to a mud bath.”
His lips twitched but he shook his head. “Not even close.”
She wracked her brain as they headed out onto Senator Highway and then she grinned. “The paintball arena.”
“Very good, Detective.” He returned her grin. “Thought you’d enjoy a little moving target practice.”
“You know me well.” She laughed. “I haven’t been to the arena in ages.”
Conversation was easy and natural with them as he drove, as if nothing between them had changed, as if the kiss had never happened. She decided not to ask about the case for now. She tensed at just the thought of it and today was about taking a break from life and enjoying themselves.
But Belle doesn’t get to enjoy herself.
Kelley frowned at the thought. Guilt caused her gut to clench.
“What’s wrong, Petrova?” Reese asked as he glanced at her. “I’d bet you’re thinking about the case.”
She sighed. “Like I said, you know me well.”
He reached over the console and squeezed her hand. “You need a day to relax. You don’t do that often enough.”
She was going to argue with him that she’d done all the relaxing she wanted to do since she’d been on leave, but she decided she wouldn’t argue and ruin the day. It was going to be hard enough to set aside thoughts of the case.
He let out his breath. “I’m just as guilty of not taking time off, but this is our two year anniversary as partners, and we’re going to have a good time. Got it?”
She managed a smile. “Got it.”
“Open the glove box.” He nodded toward it.
She opened it and on top of the heap in the glove compartment sat a blue paper-wrapped package with a glittery blue bow. She glanced at him.
“Happy Anniversary.” He gave a nod to the box. “Now open the package.”
She picked up the box and put it into her lap as she looked at him. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Just open it,” he repeated.
Never one to be patient with unwrapping a package, she tore off the bow and ripped off the paper. “You’re kidding,” she said as she looked at a black plastic case. “You bought me a gun.”
“You haven’t even looked inside,” he said with amusement.
She opened the case and her eyes widened. “A Glock.”
He looked back at the road as he steered. “Latest model for women and I think the size and weight will work well for you.”
“It’s too much.” She looked up from the case. “This cost a bundle.”
“Nothing’s too much for my favorite partner,” he said.
She took the weapon out of the case and weighed it in her hand. “Feels nice. Different than my other Glock, but I like it.”
He smiled. “Ammo is in the glove box.”
She peered into the compartment and fished out the box of ammo then loaded the magazine before inserting it into the weapon. “It’s great.” She glanced at Reese. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He pulled the truck off of the highway and onto the rough road that led to the arena.
As they arrived at the paintball arena, she tucked the weapon back in its case and into the glove box again. She dug into her purse and pulled out a package wrapped in gold paper with a gold bow.
After Reese parked, she handed him the gold package. He raised an eyebrow.
“Happy Anniversary,” she said with a grin.
With a smile curving his lips, he tore open the package. It was a finely crafted pocketknife she’d picked up some time ago and had planned to give him for their anniversary since it had been coming up.
“This is great.” He put his hand over hers and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
She smiled and put her purse with her Glock into the center console where he left his own service weapon and the new pocketknife. He locked the glove compartment as well as the console and then they climbed out of the truck.
She had a feeling it was all he could do not to open up the truck door for her and help her out. He was giving her a different kind of respect as a cop because they were in public. He opened the back door to the cab on the driver’s side and she joined him. He drew out two paintball guns, along with facemasks and paintballs. He also brought out two camouflage shirts with long sleeves, one small enough to fit her.
It was a beautiful day with a clear sky and a soft breeze. The air smelled sweet and clean.
When they were ready, Reese and Kelley headed up to the cabin where they checked in and were assigned to a team. Reese had made reservations earlier in the week.
“Oh, so not fair,” came a female voice from behind them when they were putting on their red armbands to show they were on the red team.
Kelley and Reese turned to face Reese’s cousin, Clint, who was with his new wife, Ella. It was Ella who’d spoken.
“Two detectives on the same team?” Ella shook her head. “Definitely not fair.”
Reese grinned. “I seem to remember hearing you’re a pretty damned good shot.”
Ella shrugged and Clint put his arm around her shoulders. “She shoots almost as well as she sculpts.”
“Then that’s pretty damned good,” Reese said as Ella gave him a hug.
“How are you two?” Kelley asked. “Enjoying wedded bliss?”
“We’re doing great,” Ella said with a stunning smile.
Reese nodded. “Ella made one hell of a beautiful bride.”
Clint gave a proud smile. “She certainly did.”
They chatted a little more as they stood in the dead zone. Their teams were called—Clint and Ella were on the blue team while Kelley and Reese were on the red team. Today’s objective was to capture the flag at the center of a maze in the arena.
Adrenaline pumped through Kelley’s body as she and Reese joined their team. It wasn’t long before they were in the arena.
Kelley was determined to get the flag. She and Reese covered each other as they worked their way through the maze made up of bunkers and other structures. They picked off one opposing team member at a time. Kelley moved with smooth precision, her heart beating from the thrill of the hunt.
She had one near miss when a paintball splattered a foot from her arm. Her aim was true as she nailed her attacker in the chest.
As she rounded a structure, adrenaline kicked higher into gear. “There it is.” She looked through her scope and saw a blue team member approaching the flag. She took aim and hit the player in the shoulder, above his heart.
When he turned his head, she saw that the player was Clint. He’d come close to taking the flag.
Reese and Kelley took out two more players who tried to capture the flag. When Kelley felt the coast was clear, she looked at Reese. “Cover me.”
He gave a nod and she tore out into the open. She felt a paintball whiz by her ear but kept going. She heard a shout of “Damn,” and thought that Reese must have nailed whoever had shot at her.
Another paintball hit the ground by Kelley’s boot, splattering a little on the leather.
The flag was almost within her grasp. A blue team member charged out, trying to beat Kelley to the flag.
She was inches ahead, but she was shorter than her opponent. But she was also fast. She put on a burst of speed and dove for the flag.
With a triumphant shout, she clenched the yellow cloth in her hand as she surged to her feet and raised the flag.
The remaining red team members gave her high-fives and slaps on her back and she had to dodge a couple so that they didn’t hit her shoulder.
Reese gave her a one-armed hug as they walked to the dead zone. “That’s my girl.”
She looked up at him and smiled. “Forget diamonds. This and the Glock are the best anniversary gifts a girl could get.”
He laughed and released her. “Ready for another game?”
She gave an enthusiastic nod. “Absolutely.”
They played two more games before quitting for the day. She and Reese hadn’t captured the flag again, but they’d both made it through to the end of the games. Kelley’s shoulder was sore, but she’d had more fun that she’d had in a long time.
“Thank you,” she said as they walked back to the truck.
Reese stowed their gear. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
“That I did.” She stretched her arms over her head, easing out the kinks. “Best day ever.”
He took the camouflage shirt from her after she stripped out of it. “Hungry?” he asked.
She held her hand to her belly. “Starving.”
“I’ll make dinner.” He braced one hand on the truck. “My place isn’t far from here.”
“Okay.” She nodded. After all this time being partners, she’d never been to his home. They’d worked together professionally and the only time they’d socialized had been when other officers were around, such as the Highlander, where a lot of firefighters and police officers preferred to hang out.
It was early evening when they pulled up to Reese’s ranch home. A dog bounded away from the house and rushed up to the truck when Reese had parked. He’d already unlocked the center console and she took out her purse after he removed his own Glock. “We can leave your new Glock in the glove compartment. It’s locked so it’ll be safe,” he said.
When Reese and Kelley were out of the truck, she slung on her cross body purse and he locked the truck.
He gave Ruff an affectionate pat. “Kelley, meet Ruff. Ruff, meet Kelley.”
Ruff gave a doggy grin and bounced around as Reese introduced Kelley.
She held her hand out for Ruff to sniff and he pushed his nose beneath her palm so that she would pet him. “I see how you are,” Kelley said to the dog whose one ear perked up while the other was flopped down. “You’re a lover, aren’t you?”
“He is,” Reese said. “But he also makes a great watchdog as well as a good herder.”
“What breed is he?” She looked at Ruff who had one green eye and one blue. “He looks like a mix breed.”
“He’s a mutt.” Reese walked with Kelley to the front door of the house. “Best guess is he’s got Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, and probably Lab, too.”
“He’s a cutie, whatever he is,” Kelley said.
“Don’t let him fool you.” Reese looked at the dog fondly even as he spoke. “He can be a big pain in the ass.”
“Like some partners,” she said with a grin.
Reese swatted her on the butt and she jumped and gave a little yelp of surprise. He winked and held the front door open for her.
Not sure what to make of her partner and his playfulness, she walked into the coolness of his home. She suddenly felt like she could use a good shower after their hours of play.
She looked around at the masculine décor and found that she liked what she saw. It had a comfortable lived-in feel to it. He told her she could leave her purse on the hall table. She set it down and then followed him into a kitchen with black appliances and dark green granite with black and gold flecks in it.
“You made dinner for me last time,” she said. “Hardly seems fair if I don’t do it this time.” She hesitated, “Although that’s only if you don’t mind your food extra crispy or well-charred.”
He grinned. “I’ve got it under control.”
“I want to help.” She leaned her hip against a counter as he opened the fridge. “What can I do?”
He rummaged around in the fridge and she watched as he pulled out a package of fresh salmon he’d obviously purchased from the grocery store, along with a lime and veggies.
Her stomach rumbled. “What are you making this time?”
“Grilled chili-lime salmon.” He headed for a pair of arcadia doors off of the kitchen. “I’ll fire up the grill.”
She followed him and watched as he started a wood fire in an old-fashioned grill, including mesquite wood. Outside the weather was nice and she looked over his back yard. He had mostly desert landscaping with a few trees that towered above them, shading the porch and part of the backyard.
When they went back inside, Reese set to work. He looked so comfortable in the kitchen and she felt entirely inadequate as she offered to help again.
“I’ve got this.” He nodded to the fridge. “Why don’t you grab a couple bottles of beer?”
“That I can do.” She opened the fridge and grabbed two bottles of Samuel Adams, then shut the door behind her with her hip.
He pointed her to the opener and she cracked open both bottles then handed one to him. “Happy Anniversary,” he said and she repeated it as they clinked their bottles together. They both took a swallow.
Their eyes met and she thought for a moment that she wasn’t going to be able to breathe. The way he was looking at her…
He turned back to preparing the salmon and she let her breath out in a rush. Having dinner with Reese in his home might not be such a great idea.
She took another drink of her beer. She wasn’t driving so maybe she’d just get good and tipsy. Maybe then she’d be relaxed instead of worrying what tonight might bring.
What she wanted more than she was willing to admit.
She was grateful when she and Reese started into a conversation about the paintball games and the strategy they’d used or had seen used. Clint and Ella had come close to getting the flag once each, but they’d both been shot dead-on with paintballs.
When dinner was ready, she was on her second beer while Reese was still nursing his first. She felt a little reckless, wanting a closeness to him that only increased with every moment that passed. Dinner was wonderful but all she could think about was Reese and how much she wanted him. It was crazy and she knew better, but she couldn’t help her wild thoughts.
After dinner, they cleaned the dishes and put everything away. Still feeling reckless, she opened up a third beer while he worked on his second. When they’d finished cleaning, she set her beer down on the counter and went to him.
His blue eyes looked dark and smoky, and she knew that he was feeling the same as she was. She took his beer from his hand and set it on the counter next to hers.
She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. His body felt warm and hard next to hers. He settled his hands at her waist, the heat of his touch traveling through her T-shirt. She smiled at him.
“Happy Anniversary,” she said before rising up on her tiptoes and kissing him.