vanilla and wood polish. Emilia wasn’t in danger. She was at Bennett’s ranch, in the guest bedroom.
Emilia sucked in a ragged breath. Her pajama top was soaked with sweat. She hadn’t had a nightmare like that in months. It’d been so vivid and real. She kicked back the covers and papers slid from the bed. Police reports from last year’s murders. She’d fallen asleep reading them, searching for any clue that could lead them to Derrick’s partner. Was it any wonder she’d had nightmares?
If only she could remember the killer’s face or some distinguishing mark. But most of her captivity was a blur. She couldn’t even recall escaping the cabin.
Emilia collected the papers and stuffed them back into the folder before heading into the bathroom. Fifteen minutes and a shower later, her heart rate was back to normal. It was Sunday, which meant church. Bennett’s family attended the one in town and Emilia was happy to visit again. Prayer and an uplifting service was exactly what she needed. She dressed in slacks and a thick cable sweater. Emilia made sure the sleeve was adjusted at her wrist to cover the scars on her arm before heading downstairs.
The scent of coffee pulled Emilia to the kitchen. Bennett’s mom, Joanna, stood at the island reading a magazine. Her gray hair was cut in a pixie style that suited her perfect cheekbones and large green eyes. Holiday music filtered softly from the radio.
Joanna smiled. “Morning, dear. Would you like some coffee? Or I can make tea, if you prefer?”
“No, coffee is fine. I can get it.” Emilia selected a cup from the wooden mug rack on the wall. The coffee was strong and dark with subtle hints of nutmeg. “Is this a special blend? It smells wonderful.”
“I love it too. It’s a limited edition for the holidays.” Joanna opened the fridge and pulled out caramel creamer. “I remembered how much you liked this and picked some up at the store yesterday.”
Warmth flooded through Emilia’s chest at the other woman’s kindness. “Thank you.”
She added a generous amount to her cup. Had anyone ever bought her favorite creamer? Had anyone—other than Bennett or his mom—even remembered how she liked her coffee? The answer was simple. No. Emilia wasn’t used to being taken care of. Her own parents had been a whirlwind of dysfunction. Foster care had been little better. Survival had required complete independence, but it came at a cost. Being around Bennett’s family again made her realize how lonely her life was.
Joanna removed a mixing bowl from the cabinet. “If you give me twenty minutes, I’ll have a batch of blueberry pancakes whipped up before we head to church.”
Emilia put out a hand to stop her. “Please don’t go to any trouble on my account.”
“I’m not, hon. Bennett hasn’t had breakfast yet either, and my granddaughter will run through this house in half an hour searching for something to eat.”
“Oh, well, can I help?”
Joanna opened the pantry and started pulling out ingredients. “Why don’t you take Bennett a cup of coffee? He’s down at the barn in his office.” She winked. “Between you and me, my son can be a real bear if he doesn’t get two cups in the morning.”
Emilia laughed. She couldn’t imagine Bennett grouchy. The man was easygoing, and although she’d seen him under tense circumstances while working a murder investigation, he’d never raised his voice.
She poured a cup for Bennett, topped off her own, and then headed outside. Grass crunched under her boots. The cold air stung her cheeks and her breath puffed out in front of her. In the distance, horses grazed.
Inside the barn, Bennett’s dog raced to meet her. Duke’s tail wagged, but Emilia couldn’t pet him because she was holding the coffees. “Hey, buddy.”
Bennett came out of a back room, dressed in well-worn jeans and cowboy boots. He was handsome enough to grace the cover of a magazine. Or a romance novel. Emilia’s heart skipped a beat before taking off at a gallop.
“Morning.” Bennett smiled, his green eyes lighting up with warmth at the sight of her.
Emilia’s cheeks heated and butterflies rioted in her stomach. Her attraction to Bennett had been easier to ignore from hundreds of miles away. Up close, it was impossible to deny. But there was nowhere for these feelings to go. Bennett’s life was here, on this ranch, with his family. Emilia had the strength to handle being in Fulton County in doses, but every day? That wasn’t possible. Her nightmare was proof