“I bet you’re surprised to see me here.”

“You might say that. I mean, I know you’re not in the market for a house. I just sold you one.”

  “ You’re right. I was just worried about you.”

“Yeah, right, Marissa.” He scowled at her as he strode into the room.

“Hey, Marcus.”

“Hey, Aaron. Good to see you.”

Yeah, right. Marissa grumbled to herself. I’m glad you think so . ,

The three of them gathered in the kitchen, Aaron automatically reaching for a Hershey’s kiss from a bowl of candy she’d placed on the bar. She’d noticed he had a sweet tooth and then reprimanded herself for noticing anything about him.

The talk turned to the possibilities for the baseball season then was interrupted by the ringing of Marcus’s cell phone. Turned out to be work and he was being called away to a crime scene.

“Go t to go,” he informed them. “I’m glad you’re here, Aaron. I don’t feel so bad leaving Marissa alone. You’ll stay until she’s finished?”

“You bet. Go and don’t worry. I’ll be here.”

Marcus seemed relieved and headed out the door but Marissa simmered inside. How dare her brother assume she needed protection? After all, she used to beat the snot out of him when they were kids.

"I'll be closing up in just a few minutes," she told him stiffly.

“Marissa, don’t be mad at me. I just couldn’t stay away. I was worried.”

“I’m not mad.”

“Yes, you are. I can tell.”

“Oh, you know me so well?”

“I think I do.”

“You’re nuts. You don’t know me at all.” She turned and began to stiffly gather up cards and literature in preparation to close the property down.

“I know you’re honest, I know you’re beautiful, inside and out, and I know you’re one tough lady. I also know about your scandal with Dominic, your love / /hate relationship with Staci, and your love for your family.”

“Those are things a player would say.” Her voice was cold when she replied.

"Damn it, Marissa, I am not a player."

“You are according to E, Yahoo, and Entertainment Tonight. You even dated that actress, Bianca Blaine.”

“Oh, come on, Marissa. You of all people ought to know most of what you see, read, or hear is mainly lies. You’ve been on the receiving end.”

“Yes, I have. And I don’t want to find myself there again.”

“Well, who the hell does?” he demanded.

She turned and gaped at him, her mouth hanging open. At first , she didn’t know what to say, and then the realization hit her. He was right. Nobody wanted to be caught up in sordid headlines are or   part of vicious gossip. Nobody enjoyed being viewed in a negative spotlight.

This was a two-way street. Males, as well as females, could be caught up in dirty journalism or tawdry rumors. She wasn't the only one it had happened to.

Well, so what, she thought. Then they both knew better than to put themselves in that position again.

“You’re right, Aaron. Nobody wants to go through that. So why put ourselves in that position? If we just stay away from each other, then we won’t have to worry about being caught up in the mess.”

“I’m not a coward, Aaron Mathews. I’m logical, practical, and realistic.” She set her jaw in such a way that Aaron couldn’t miss her stubbornness on the subject.

“So , you’d rather give up any pleasure we might experience together than face up to some possible bad publicity? ”

That thought sent pain shooting through Marissa. Was she really willing to miss out on the opportunity to be with Aaron because she was afraid of what might happen? After all, he might actually be a decent guy who wouldn’t pull a Dominic style stunt. He might actually be a good man. Was she sacrificing too much just to protect herself?

She was still pondering that thought when her cell phone started whistling Back Home Again in Indiana, her ring tone.

“Marissa McCall,” she answered distractedly.

“It’s Marcus, Marissa. I’ve got bad news.”

Marissa’s heart stilled. Marcus had been called out to a crime scene, a homicide. Now he was telling her he had bad news. What the hell? Who had died? Surely not one of the family. Marcus sounded too calm for that.

“Okay, Marcus” she replied. “I’m ready.”

“You’re boss, Lydia Hart, was murdered this afternoon. She was hosting an open house.”

The world spun before Marissa’s eyes. She dropped the phone on the island countertop, shock running through her. No. No, it wasn’t possible. Not Lydia, not the Dragon Lady. She couldn’t be dead. She felt Aaron draw near to her. He slipped behind her, bracing her trembling body against his. She fumbled for the phone, but his hands beat her to it.

“Marcus, what’s going on?”

He listened intently for a moment or two then answered before disconnecting.... "Got it. I'll take care of her."

“Marissa.” He breathed her name against her cheek as she leaned against his frame. “It’s okay. Take deep breaths. Come on.”

Marissa drew in several shaky breaths and felt herself melt into the strength of his body. He felt so alive. His warmth permeated her, the feeling of his heart beating against her chest.

She didn’t move for several minutes, just breathing in the essence of him, the reality of him, the solidness of him as she leaned against the length of him.

Then reality came swirling in.

Lydia was gone. Murdered and, if the plot followed the previous murders, sexually assaulted . , She had just been doing her job. Just trying to sell a house. No one deserved to die for doing that. Only a monster would do that. A male monster.

There was no way Aaron could be responsible. He’d been here with her, right? At least unless the time of death was before 3PM 3 pm , right? After all, Marcus hadn’t received the call until after 3:30.

But what if she had been killed earlier. What if Aaron was a suspect? She had no idea if he had a connection with the first realtor, but he definitely had a connection with the second. And now her boss had been killed. Coincidence? She had to wonder.

That was impossible, of course. No way would Aaron be involved in this nasty business. She knew, in her heart, he was a good man, a man who valued life. She leaned into the strength of his muscular physique and felt the truth. This was a good man, a strong man. She shouldn’t even think any other thoughts. It was wrong.

Overwhelmed with conflicting emotions, she turned and wrapped her arms around Aaron’s waist and let the tears come. She was so tired, so mad, so scared, she couldn’t stop herself. She just had a complete meltdown all over his chest.