CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Cora

She descended the county jail’s steps, the hot air stifling and oh-so-welcome. The same steps she’d watched Vaughn stroll down less than a week before.

Cora and Tom had managed to pull off the recovery of a lifetime, came out Scot-free, with a decent payday in the works, and would no doubt be the talk of the art world for years. One for actual history books.

She stood on the curb alone. Empty handed.

The job was finished.

Tom’s rental was no doubt cleared out by now. He had strict instructions to pack up and bail before anyone could catch on to his involvement.

If she dared show up at Vaughn’s apartment, he’d probably slam the door in her face. But…she had to try. Had no choice. At least give him a final explanation, before she skipped town. Before he threw her actions in her face.

She walked a few blocks over, and tried to hail a cab. None pulled over. The sun beat down on her neck, and her spirits faded. Dampening her bravery at facing the man to whom she’d finally let down her guard. Who’d given her the best time she’d ever had.

Cora’s sore feet carried her a few more blocks, until she recognized the gray van parked in front of a coffee shop. With the license plates from their bail vehicle.

What the hell is Tom still doing in town?

She glanced around. The police were probably tailing her. Or at least a private investigator from Portia Conway. It didn’t look like anyone followed her.

Cora strolled into the coffee shop, and gave her eyes a chance to adjust to the indoor lighting. She hadn’t been wearing sunglasses when they arrested her last night.

Only a few patrons sat in the store. No Tom.

She strolled up to the counter and ordered a water.

“Do you consider us even now?”

Her heart stammered. She held her breath and turned.

Vaughn stood behind her with a set of car keys in his hand, and a slanted smile. His husky cologne was the same he’d worn the night they’d gone dancing. And had completely swept her off her feet. The sangria T-shirt matched the subtle red tinges in his hair, and his stubble just started to show. So damn sexy.

“You dropped these last night.” He handed her the keys. His light touch was so warm.

“Thank you. I didn’t realize… What are you doing here?”

“Wanted to make sure they let you go.” He smirked. “Tom told me to wait here.”

“Tom?” She couldn’t hide the shock in her voice. “How do you—”

“He asked for my help last night.”

Cora bit her tongue. The keys dug into her palm. “He shouldn’t have involved you.”

“But he was right. You needed help.”

She took several sips of water, and swallowed. “The whole point was to keep him safe, so he could leave. Where is he?”

“Say thank you first.”

“I did.”

“For the keys you have, but not for getting you out.”

Her jaw dropped. “That was you?”

His silence and simple smile confirmed it.

Her head started to spin. “How?”

“Called a friend.”

“That Wade Mesa guy? How do you know him?”

“Old fraternity brother.”

A door slammed, and Tom came out of the bathroom, talking on the phone. His relieved smile made him look even younger.

She wanted to punch him. For breaking the rules of involving outsiders. Cora crossed her arms to keep her hands from doing something stupid.

“Mornin’, jailbird.” He grinned. “Did they strip search you?”

“You’re one to talk,” she growled. “You were supposed to bounce.”

“Excuse me, I think you mean, ‘thank you, Tom. For saving my arrogant ass.’”

“Arrogant? Who saved who’s ass?”

“Easy, children.” Vaughn stepped in, and gently held her shoulder, the touch warm, soft, and equally infuriating. “I don’t have any favor cards left either, so let’s not get busted for disturbing the peace.”

She pursed her lips, and lowered her voice. “Please tell me everything is still not sitting in that van. With no eyes on it.”

Tom scowled. “Do you really think I’m that useless? We have one hour to the hand-off. Across town, too, so we need to get going. Something I arranged, thank you.”

“Can I have a minute alone with her?” Vaughn kept his intense gaze on hers.

Her friend complied, and strolled out to the van.

Cora’s insides swirled and she wrung her fingers together. This is where he would cut all ties.

It was probably better that way. She couldn’t stay. Not with her cover completely blown.

“Thank you, for all your help.” Her mouth went dry, and she could barely get any words out. “Especially when you didn’t have to.”

“I didn’t?”

His smile actually made her chest ache. The debonair face, just as handsome as in high school. With just that one look, she was back to her adolescence, standing in front of her crush and too scared to admit it.

“Why?” was all she could muster.

“I wanted to.” His voice lowered, turned soft and husky. Vaughn suddenly took up too much room in front of her, breathed in too much of her air. Without her heels, he stood at least four inches taller, and she had to look up into those eyes. Eyes that clearly wanted more.

Cut it off now, before he does.

“We wouldn’t have worked out, Vaughn. I can’t stay. This thing between us was so…incredible. Thank you for that. But…” Cora swallowed the lump in her throat. “I think we’re better off…just…”

His intent stare cut through all of her excuses, literally stealing the words from her mouth. His hot hands glided up her arms, and slowly pulled her closer.

“Are you finished?” he asked.

She opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out. His mouth became hypnotizing, and all she could see was his face, slowly coming closer. Her breasts pushed up against his chest, and they started to throb.

Dammit, why does he have this effect on me?

“Because I wanted to ask for another night of dancing.”

“Okay,” she breathed, staring at his succulent lips. “Wait, I’m leaving. I can’t.” Her stomach twisted once again. “I’m sorry.”

“How about in Miami then?”

“Miami?”

“Or D.C. Wherever you’re going. I’m sure they have some kind of club where we can dance.”

Cora blinked, and took a few seconds to register what he asked. What he implied. What he offered.

“Seriously? You aren’t just being cute?”

“I hope I’m a hell of a lot more than just cute.”

I’d say so.

Her heart hammered at full speed, and the butterflies in her stomach must’ve been on crack. It really was hard to breathe now. She hadn’t dared entertain thoughts of a serious relationship with Vaughn, with her job alone being too risky. Although, now with the recent recovery, she was too high profile.

She wrapped her fingers around his bicep. So strong, and memory-inducing. The way they moved across her body…

Her face heated.

“You’re thinking way too hard, as usual.”

“Have you thought through what you’re asking? I mean, your job, your lifestyle…”

Vaughn’s hands slowly moved to her back, and down to her waist. “I’ve been thinking about a career change anyway. Now’s probably the best time to make a move.”

“To what, exactly?”

“You.”

Her tongue swelled, and her hands started to tingle. Among other sensitive places in her body.

“If you can handle a few more dances and late night lessons.”

She raised a playful eyebrow. “I can handle whatever you dish out, Vaughn Ayers.”

“I look forward to it.”