Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“Well, I can understand that.” She let out a sigh. “You really trust them not to automatically turn my father or Tyler’s over to the police?”
He tilted her chin up and brushed his thumb over her cheek. “Those two? I’d trust with my life. And yours.” Leaning down, he did what he’d been dying to do since she flung herself away from danger and into his arms.
He pressed his lips over hers. He meant for the gesture to comfort both her and himself, but the fire between them sparked immediately. She licked her tongue over his lips, and his cock jerked in response. He gripped her waist, digging his fingers into the soft indentation, and held on, kissing her like he’d been starving for days.
And he had. He’d had no time to get together, no nights burying himself deep. Just the memory of sliding into her without a condom and losing every bit of sanity he had left.
Then today, Tyler telling him she was in danger and the sight of the menacing Russian looming close to her in the dark alley. His fingertips bit harder into her waist at the thought, and she moaned, shaking his composure.
He wanted nothing more than to sink into her body, but his sense of responsibility made his bigger, more level head prevail, and he forced himself to push her away.
“What?” She looked up at him with desire-filled eyes.
“There’ll be plenty of time for that once I get you out of town,” he said gruffly. Because it was his turn to look after her.
Chapter Eleven
They didn’t head out of town until later that night. Sam said he wanted anonymity and darkness. The timing gave Nicole the chance to organize herself, as well as talk to Aunt Lulu, whom she still felt like she was abandoning for the weekend. Aunt Lulu had no problem with Nicole’s sudden trip, understanding family emergencies better than most, she’d said.
While Nicole packed, Sam headed home to his place to do the same. He also took on the job of arranging for a place for them to stay. The goal, he’d explained, was to remain gone until they could return home to a quiet Serendipity on Monday.
To Nicole, it felt like running away, but he insisted on doing things his way. She let him. She’d been carrying the burden of information alone for so long, doing nothing but mulling over what to do, so she was grateful to have someone else in charge for a change.
She’d hoped they could talk about what would happen next while in the car. She was afraid that by involving Mike and Cole, she’d lose any chance to get ahead of this mess, but as soon as they hit the highway, the day’s events caught up with her. Nicole fell asleep, dozing for almost the entire ride.
When she woke up, it was pitch black outside and the clock on the dashboard told her she’d been asleep for almost two hours.
“Hey, sleepyhead.”
She turned her head toward him. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you to your own thoughts the whole trip.”
He shrugged. “I can handle it. You needed the rest.”
She nodded. “Where are we?”
“Saratoga Springs.”
“Oh! Home of the horse races.”
“And a casino, and shopping, among other things. Unfortunately, I don’t want to be out in public. We’re better off lying low. Just in case.” In case someone followed them, she thought, but didn’t say so. She was just glad to be away with Sam.
Once off the highway, he drove backroads, seeming familiar with the route. Eventually, he pulled the car into the driveway of a large house set back on a large chunk of property and parked in one of two extra guest spots.
Surprised, Nicole turned toward him. “This isn’t a hotel.”
“No. It’s not.” He shut off the motor and climbed out of the vehicle.
She followed, stepping out into the dense summer humidity, meeting him by the back of his truck. He’d insisted on leaving what he termed her more conspicuous car in her driveway so no one, the Russians especially, would jump to the conclusion that she’d left town.
Sam slid his duffel bag over his shoulder, picked up her suitcase too, and started up the walkway to a set of double doors.
“Where are we?” she finally asked.
“At an old friend’s house.”
“Oh. It was nice of him to let us stay over.”
Before Sam could reply, one of the large wooden doors opened and an attractive blond woman answered the door.
“You made it!” She pulled Sam into a long embrace, obviously excited to see him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“It’s good to see you, Sara.” He returned the hug without reservation before stepping back and studying her.
Nicole took the opportunity to do the same, struggling with the uneasy feelings she didn’t recognize as she took in Sam’s . . . friend. The woman wore a long, emerald silk robe that covered her appropriately, but it was obvious she had a long, lithe body in addition to the pretty face.