repair. The appliances are old, and the cabinets and counters are peeling. “Through that arch”—he points at the opening on one side of the room—“is the dining room, but I plan on tearing down the wall and making this all one space with an island and a breakfast nook.”
“I love it,” I reply, hoping I don’t sound like I’m designing the space in my head, even though that is totally what I’m doing. “Does that door lead to the backyard?” I ask, motioning to the door at the end of the counter.
“Yeah.” He opens it, and I look out at the backyard, which is surprisingly large and is fully enclosed with a tall wooden fence.
“Nice.” I look up at him and gasp when his mouth suddenly lands on mine and his fingers slide into my hair. I latch onto his shirt with both hands and tip my head to the side as he deepens the kiss. His hand curves around my back, and I arch into him, my breasts pressing against his chest. He growls against my tongue, sending a tingle down my spine. When his mouth leaves mine, I’m breathless and dazed. My eyes flutter open to meet his, and I see the same desire I feel reflected back at me. “Is that normal?”
“What?” he asks, sliding his hand around to cup my jaw and sweep his thumb over my bottom lip.
“This kind of overwhelming need I feel when it comes to you.”
“I’m not sure if it’s normal, but I feel it too.” His thumb caresses my lips again. “From the moment I saw you, I felt it.”
“You weren’t very nice to me the first time we met,” I remind him, resting my hands flat against his chest.
“Yeah,” he agrees, looking a little guilty.
“You’re lucky you’re handsome, Detective Miller.” I pat his chest, and he laughs as he captures my hand and kisses it.
“I did apologize,” he reminds me.
“Because your mom told you to,” I say; then I laugh at the look of surprise on his face. “She mentioned it the day of the barbecue.”
“I would’ve done it anyway.”
I raise a brow at him.
“I would have, and it doesn’t matter; you’re here now.”
“I am,” I reply, and he slides his arms around me, tugging me closer.
“I like you here.”
“Do you?”
“Oh yeah.” His lips press to mine, and I move my hands up to his shoulders and then freeze when his cell rings. “Shit,” he groans, and my stomach sinks. “While I get that, why don’t you go change?”
I nod, and he kisses the tip of my nose, then lets me go. I leave the kitchen and hear him answer the phone behind me with a brisk “Yeah,” but I don’t stick around to hear what else he says. I head down the hallway to his room and go in, closing the door behind me. I change into my sleep pants and T-shirt, then fold the clothes I had on and put them back into my bag. Once I’m done, I place the bag on the floor and go to the door. Since he’s still on the phone, I give him some time to finish his call. I grab my cell from my purse and open my texts. I see that not only has Lance messaged, but so have my dad and Lucy.
I fight back a groan of frustration when I see Lance has sent me his flight itinerary for the upcoming weekend, along with the information for the hotel where he’s staying. I send him a text, asking him to please not come, and then open the message from my dad. I take a seat on the end of Calvin’s bed as I read it.
We’ve put up with this foolishness long enough, Anna. It’s time for you to come home. Call me.
I text him back with shaking fingers.
I’m not a child having a tantrum, and I am home. I wish you could be happy for me and support me.
My thumb hovers over the send button for a moment before I press it. Whatever my parents’ deal is, I no longer care. Actually, I should have stopped caring a long time ago. When I open Lucy’s message, I frown, because at first it appears to be a dark, grainy image. Then my eyes focus, and I see a mostly naked Lance asleep in her bed. And I know it’s her bed, because I helped her pick out the spiral-print comforter that’s covering him from the waist down. I frown, wondering