Shane ditched the car, bought a used sedan, and stopped at a Target so Talia could replace the clothing and items she’d left behind. He didn’t have a sister, wasn’t used to shopping with women, except for the few times Amy had guilted him into coming along to the mall. Not fun.
Still, he wanted Talia to get the things she needed, so he gritted his teeth and walked into the large store, bracing himself for a long haul despite the fact that they were in a rush. To his surprise, she breezed through the aisles, picking up leggings, a pair of jeans, T-shirts, bras, and underwear, all without missing a beat or trying anything on. The toiletry trip went equally fast.
“This was much easier than I expected,” he said as they reached the line for the cash register. He’d kept an eye out for trouble, but so far it was quiet.
She shrugged. “I have no time to shop, so I usually buy things online. I know my size. It was easy. Why so cynical?” she asked.
He squirmed under her perceptive gaze as they stepped closer to the register. “My ex-wife liked to go shopping and drag me along. Her idea of husband-and-wife bonding.”
“I take it it wasn’t your idea of a good time?”
“No.” He recalled how she’d dawdled, browsing and taking her time over each purchase, oblivious to his frustration, while he’d been antsy to get home to take care of things around the house on his rare day off. She’d wanted him nearby. He’d wanted downtime alone. “We were different on so many levels.”
“How’d you get together?” she asked, placing the clothes from the cart onto the conveyor belt.
“My partner’s wife introduced us. We were attracted to each other. I was ready to settle down, or so I thought.” He shrugged. “We didn’t take the time we needed to really get to know each other.”
The cashier began scanning the price tags, and they turned their attention to paying. But the words lingered in Shane’s mind, because once again, he’d tried to paint Talia with Amy’s personality…and was proven wrong again. It was a minor thing, but opened his eyes even more to how much he liked and admired his little brainiac.
After they’d paid, she changed in the rest room while he kept watch outside.
She opened the unisex bathroom door and poked her head outside. “All set. Everything I was wearing is in the trash.”
He nodded. “Okay. Before we go, let me come in and scan you one more time.” He raised the duffel he hadn’t let out of his sight that held not just his necessities but the formula, as well.
She stepped back to let him in, and he slid past her, breathing in the sweet-smelling scent of her shampoo as he entered the tight space and she closed and locked the door behind him. Just a whiff of her essence had him hard.
He frowned, placing his bag on the ledge of the sink and pulling out the scanner Hutch had given him. He needed to focus on this. Keeping her safe. Not the differences between her and his ex or the way she got to him on a visceral level that had him thinking about sinking into her warm body at very inopportune times.
“Ready?”
She spread her legs wide, arms following suit. “I’ve assumed the position,” she said on a laugh.
He chuckled and knelt down, managing an objective scan of her body, even though his eyes catalogued her full breasts beneath the thin T-shirt she wore and the tight leggings that hugged her ass and hips.
Her breath caught on an audible hitch. One that went straight to his cock.
“You’re clear,” he said, forcing himself to rise to his feet. As much as he was relieved, he was still uneasy. “We need to keep moving.”
“I know,” she said in a hoarse, too-sexy voice. Her gaze met his, distinct awareness in the clouded depths.
“So my plan is to get on the road and away from here, then pull over so I can catch some sleep.”
She nodded. “Do you want me to drive?” she offered.
He shook his head. “I’m fine, but thanks.”
They gathered their things and hit the road once more.
* * * *
A short while later, Shane pulled over at yet another motel, where they checked in and he settled in for a much-needed nap.
Talia was smart enough not to say a word when the motel had no double-double rooms, only one with a king-size bed. She wasn’t focused on anything except getting Shane some shut-eye. And though she might have told him she’d sleep, too, she lay awake, keeping an ear and an eye out for trouble.
He’d been so steady throughout the ordeal, for her, it was the least she could do. She placed her glasses on the nightstand, turned on her side, and watched him sleep, his handsome face relaxing at last.
But he never fell into truly deep breathing. He was on alert even when he was supposed to be resting and rejuvenating.
She relaxed herself, but she didn’t truly fall asleep, either, when after only a couple of hours, Shane came alert in an instant, eyes opened wide, and turned to face her.
“You’re up,” he said, sounding surprised.
She smiled. “Someone had to protect you while you slept,” she said, gesturing to her friend, the Taser she’d put on the night table.
“Tough and smart,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling.
She grinned. “And so far so good because nobody’s found us.”
“So either we dropped the tail or we got rid of whatever they were using to track you.”
She sighed. “Or we got lucky for now and we shouldn’t jinx it.”
“I don’t believe in luck.”
She couldn’t help but smile at his serious tone. “I like that you’re careful.”
“It’s my job.”
She didn’t care about the reason. “Well, it makes me feel safe, and I need that right now.” She propped her head in one hand. “You make me feel safe,” she admitted.
“I do now.”
She narrowed her gaze. “What do you mean?”
“There was a time I didn’t. I know it’s ridiculous all these years later, but I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have—”
“Kissed me?” she blurted out. Shut up. Let him finish his thoughts, she warned herself. Hear the man out. Don’t blow it for once.
His lips turned up in a grin. “Oh, I definitely should have kissed you. I just shouldn’t have tried to take it further.”
“And I shouldn’t have overreacted, but…it was my first time.”
His gaze softened. “I figured you’d never had sex before.”
Her cheeks burned, but she forced herself to correct him. “I’d never been kissed before.”
His eyes opened wide in utter shock. “Oh, man. No wonder you freaked out. I had no idea.” He reached out and placed his hand over hers, warm and comforting, alleviating her embarrassment somewhat.
“Why would you? You were so much more experienced than me in every way. And you were eighteen. I thought you were thanking me for helping you pass chemistry, but I didn’t want my first time for more than a kiss to be out of pity.”
“Pity?” He shook his head, and before she could blink, he moved near, his lips close to hers. “There was no pity in that kiss.” His gaze met hers.
“But… I thought you didn’t really want me.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You thought I didn’t want you?” he repeated in obvious disbelief. “Do you still think that?”
She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth before releasing it again. His stare tracked the movement.
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
“I do.” And before she could breathe, his lips captured hers.
A sweep of his tongue, a low groan at the first touch, and she knew. This wasn’t a teenage kiss. This was hot and electric. This was everything.
His lips were soft one minute, rough and demanding the next, and for a woman with some experience but not much, she reveled in the dominating way he took control. Much the same way he’d called the shots from the minute she arrived at his house, he dictated this kiss.
His body came over hers, big and muscular. He bracketed her in heat, his heavy erection settling gloriously between her thighs. Desire swamped her, and she slid her fingers into his hair, moaning under the onslaught of emotions rushing through her. Excitement that this was finally happening, a strong yearning she’d never experienced before for any man, and disbelief that the need overwhelming her was reciprocated.
His mouth traveled a hot path down her neck, suckling on her skin. Fire licked at her veins, and she was ready for so much more, but to her disappointment, he slowed down, lifting his head and studying her.
“This is too dangerous. I’m protecting you. And I rushed things once before—”
“I’m not seventeen, Shane. I’m a woman who knows her own mind.”
“And I’m the man who’s supposed to keep you safe.” He rolled off her and pushed himself to his feet, his shoulders stiff with tension. “We need to get back on the road if we’re going to make it to Portland in time for you to contact your mentor.”
She sighed but she couldn’t deny the timeline. She could, however, fight his sense of duty the next time they were alone. And she intended to do just that.
* * * *
Shane brooded for the better part of the drive to their next stop, annoyed with himself for making a move on Talia. He couldn’t seem to get it right with her. She was vulnerable and in need of protection, and he’d taken advantage. But was he right in his thinking? Or was he thinking more about his past with his ex than what he knew of Talia and the woman she’d become?
Clearly Talia had been a willing participant in that kiss, so maybe taking advantage wasn’t really accurate. He already knew he hadn’t labeled her correctly. When she’d shown up on his doorstep, knees buckling and panicked, he’d told himself she was like his ex-wife. Petite. Fragile. Afraid.
But what had he seen since? Strength of character. Someone who didn’t buckle under pressure, who held her own with an attacker, who didn’t give away the information they wanted in exchange for her safety. She’d even tased the guy before Shane could take him down and kept watch over him while he slept.
So clearly he not only needed to reassess his characterization of his smarty-pants, he had to stop comparing her with his ex. And cut himself some slack for wanting her.
Around eight p.m., he pulled off the exit and drove around until he found a roadside bar where they could eat dinner, and if his app was correct, there was a motel a half mile down the road where they could spend the night. No car had followed him or been behind him for miles, so he felt safe enough stopping here.
Talia had dozed off again, and he gently shook her awake. “Rise and shine. Time to eat.”
She popped up quickly at the mention of food, causing him to laugh. He liked a woman who appreciated a good meal, and from the time they’d gotten on the road, Talia hadn’t eaten one salad, which was amazing considering her petite, albeit curvy frame.
From the amount of cars in the gravel parking lot, the restaurant was obviously busy.
“Looks like we found a popular place,” she said.
As long as he could get them in and out safely should the need arise, he’d make it work. The place was old and beat-up-looking, but it was the best he could do under the circumstances.
Despite the number of people, they were lucky enough to get a table immediately, as most of the crowd was hanging out around the bar and near a dance floor.
The hostess, a young girl in a cowboy hat and a perky smile, seated them.
“It’s so rustic,” Talia murmured as she slid into her chair. “I kind of like it.”
He shook his head, amused. He should have realized by now Talia was one to make things pretty damned easy considering their situation.
They settled in to their seats and studied the menu, which offered some pretty basic fare. Shane didn’t mind.
“Can I take your order?” A waitress arrived at their table, a pad in hand.
“Talia?” He gestured for her to go first.
“You go. I’m not sure yet,” she murmured.
“The barbeque chicken sounds good. And a Diet Coke.” His stomach growled at the mention of the food, but the music was loud, so nobody noticed.
“I’ll have the same,” Talia said. “Thank you.”
The waitress took the menus and left them alone.
“It feels so good to get out of the car.” With a low, sexy groan, Talia stretched beneath the table, her foot rubbing up against his leg.
The gesture and sound were innocent, but his body’s reaction wasn’t. His cock perked up in his pants. Not that his dick was ever unaware with Talia around.
“Agreed,” he said, shifting and adjusting himself discreetly beneath the table.
After sitting in close quarters with her for hours, smelling her fruity shampoo, watching her alternate between making cute noises when she slept and entertaining him with stories of people in her lab when the silence became too much, he was very much aware of her.
Not to mention the kiss that was always playing in the back of his mind, on a never-ending loop. Mocking him for being an idiot and ending things before either of them found any true satisfaction.
It had just been a prelude. A tease. And he wanted more.
“Aww, look.” She pointed to an older couple who had risen from their seats and were walking hand in hand to the small dance floor, which was crowded with people. “That’s so sweet,” Talia said as the woman put her head against the man’s chest.
He mentally added romantic to her list of attributes. “They remind me of my parents,” he said, grinning as he watched them.
“You’re lucky and so are they.” Her eyes misted as she took in the slow movements of the older couple.
His heart twisted in his chest as he realized the things she’d missed out on in life. The things he took for granted. Parents who not only grew old together but who, by example, proved that happily-ever-afters did happen. Maybe not for him, but he didn’t not believe they could occur.
He glanced over. Her eyes had filled up, misting with tears. “I just miss her still. I think I feel an ache for the events she missed out on in my life…graduations, jobs, celebrations. She’d be so happy about this cure. Not for herself, but—”
“She’d be proud of you.” He smiled because he was proud of her. “So would your dad.”
She brushed at a stray tear. “I know.” She smiled. “Hey…let’s dance,” she said, clearly wanting to change the subject.
Before he could answer, she rose from her chair and grabbed his hand, pulling him to join her.
He gave in…only because he would have an eye on the front and back doors the whole time. She slipped into his arms like she was meant for him, her breasts pressed enticingly against his chest, causing his body to hum with desire. A burning need for this one woman.
And when she slid her hands into the back pockets of his jeans and cupped his ass, all bets were off. He wrapped an arm around her waist, lifted her until she was up on her toes, and sealed his lips over hers. He felt her mouth curve up in a smile. Little smarty-pants had gotten what she wanted, but in doing so, he’d won as well.
He slid his tongue between her lips and delved deep, indulging in her sweetness and taste, his cock pulsing against his jeans and her soft body. They swayed in time to the music, her tongue gliding against his, his mind wondering how fast he could get her out of here and into a bed.
“Food,” she whispered, breaking the kiss. “We need to eat so we can get out of here.”
She was reading his mind. “I could devour you,” he said, nipping at her bottom lip.
Now that he’d overanalyzed for the better part of the day, he was finished treating her with kid gloves, as if she were some fragile flower. This woman had guts and strength, and he wanted her bad.
After they got through this meal and he checked them in for the night, he wasn’t backing off once they were alone. He’d be careful with her safety, but he was giving in to what they both wanted.
He grasped her hand and led her back to the table, where their plates were waiting. He barely tasted his food, eating only as a means to keep up his strength—they were both going to need and appreciate it later.
“This is good barbeque sauce,” she said, her eyes glittering as she ran her tongue over her lips. “Hot and spicy.” Her cheeks flushed a healthy pink.
He knew it wasn’t in her nature to be the sexual aggressor, but she was pushing him anyway. Even if it wasn’t easy.
“You’re stepping up your game.” And she was getting to him. He gestured for the check.
She lifted her shoulder in a delicate shrug. “You didn’t give me much of a choice. You weren’t going to make the first move. Or the next one. And we’re long overdue for this, wouldn’t you say?”
He reached into his pocket and threw cash on the table, pulled her from her seat, and made a beeline for the door, his body hot, bothered, and insisting that he get her alone.
Except as he pushed through the crowd, the back of his neck began to tingle, and a glance at the front entrance told him why. A man stood at the entryway, looking out of place in black slacks and a white shirt, a holstered gun covered by his jacket but visible by the slight bump of fabric.
And though this guy could be anyone, Shane never ignored his sixth sense. But fuck. How the hell had they been located again?
He pulled Talia behind a group of people, out of sight.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, taking his cues and inserting herself into the crowd.
“We’re going out the back. Take off your glasses,” he instructed Talia. “Just until we get to the car.” They were less likely to recognize her without the visible prop.
She slid her glasses off her face and tucked them into her hand. “I don’t get it,” she said, her frustration mirroring his own.
“Let’s figure it out once we’re out of here. Stick close.” He glanced around and saw the man walk up to the hostess stand, which was far from the dance floor, giving them the opportunity to slip away.
He kept to the perimeter, making their way toward the back door by the restrooms. They ran for the car and were on their way before the guy realized he’d missed her.
“What the fuck?” he said, banging his hand against the steering wheel. “How do they keep finding us?”
He glanced at her just as she lifted a hand, rubbing the locket around her neck, a nervous gesture she made a habit out of doing when she was upset. “I’ve scanned that thing,” he muttered.
“What?”
“The locket. I’ve scanned it three times now. I hate to say it, but you’re going to have to toss the necklace.” He slowed and pulled over to the side of the dark road. “Out the window. Do it now.” He hit the electric button and her window went down.
“What? No! It belonged to my mother!” She rubbed the heart possessively, her long fingers touching the gold piece. “I can’t give it up.” She placed a hand on her own button, and the window slid closed.
Frustration warred with a heavy dose of sympathy, made even more relevant because of the conversation they’d had and her admission about how much she missed her mom. Unfortunately it was compassion he couldn’t afford if he was going to do his job.
“Talia, if somehow they tagged the necklace, we have to unload it to keep you safe.”
Tears formed in her eyes as she hung on to the precious piece. “It’s the one thing I have of my mother’s. You can’t possibly expect me to throw it away.”
He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. He hated putting her in this position, but he couldn’t see an alternative. “If it was morning, I’d put it in a safe deposit box at a bank or open a post office box and leave it there, but it’s after business hours. I don’t know of any other way to drop the tail.”
The only shot she had of keeping the jewelry was if whoever was after her never had the opportunity to get their hands on it. He met her gaze. “Do you ever take it off?” he asked.
She blinked, answering without thinking it through. “Of course I do. I leave it on my dresser when I shower.”
He doubted anyone had been in while she was there. “Do you always wear it to work?”
Meeting his gaze, she shook her head.
“So they could have gotten into your apartment and tagged it without you knowing.”
A tear dripped from her eyes as she nodded.
Then, she took him by surprise, lifting her hands to the back of her neck and unhooking the clasp. “Dad gave this to me after Mom died. He said she’d want me to have it…to remember her by.”
She drew a deep breath. “But I don’t need a thing to keep my memories alive.” She curled her hands around the chain, the locket dangling from her hand, and she pressed her lips to the heart. “I have her in here.” She touched her chest.
His own heart ached watching her.
Then she opened the window and tossed the heart out, turning away. “Let’s go.” She closed the window, squeezing her eyes shut tight.
“Talia,” he said gruffly. “I’m sorry.”
She didn’t reply.
He put the car in drive and pulled back onto the road.