that she’d gone to a party.”
“But why did he have possession of this picture? Why wasn’t it in Alice’s case file? And how does Henry tie into this? For that matter, how does Malcolm?” She rubbed her temples. “We have too many suspects and not enough hard evidence.”
Bennett’s phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket, surprise rippling through him at the name flashing on his screen. Sheriff King.
Bennett answered, putting the call on speaker. “Knox.”
“Morning, Bennett.” Randy’s voice was scratchy, so unlike his normal thunderous boom. “Hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”
“No, sir. How are you feeling?”
“Better. In fact, I’m being released from the hospital. I’d like to stop by your place and pick up my truck. Can you meet me at the gate? And bring Emilia. I’d like to speak to both of you.”
“You can come up to the house—”
“No. I don’t want to bother your folks any more than I already have.”
Bennett caught the thread of embarrassment running through the other man’s voice. He decided not to push the issue. “Okay. What time?”
“Twenty minutes all right?”
“Fine. See you then.” Bennett hung up and picked up the photograph. “We might get some answers to our questions after all.”
Emilia absently played with the GPS bracelet Bennett had given her. Her fingers trailed over the cross. “I’m surprised. I didn’t think Sheriff King would talk to us. Malcolm invoked his right to counsel when Claire tried to question him last night.”
“Sheriff King may be doing damage control. We’ll have to see. Want to horseback ride out to the gate? It’s a pretty day, and I don’t know about you, but I could use some sunshine.”
A smile broke across Emilia’s face, wiping away the exhaustion. “That sounds fantastic. I haven’t been riding in ages and a little exercise would clear my head.”
She tugged on her shirtsleeve and stood.
Bennett caught her hand. “You don’t have to cover your scars around me. I hope you know that.”
A soft look came into her eyes. “I do know that.” Emilia shrugged. “It’s a habit. People stare and ask questions. It’s difficult to explain. Kinda like my childhood. I’ve gotten used to hiding the ugly parts about myself.”
“Your childhood and your scars aren’t ugly. They’re proof of your resilience and your strength.”
Emilia lifted her head. Tears shimmered in her eyes. One dropped off her lashes onto her cheek.
Bennett’s heart sank. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No, please don’t apologize. It’s just…you say the most beautiful things to me.”
She cupped his face with her hand, her thumb running along the stubble on his cheek. Bennett’s breath stalled. Emilia’s touch sent warm heat arcing through him. He didn’t dare move for fear of ruining the sweet moment.
Emilia stood on her tiptoes and brushed her mouth against his lips. The kiss was featherlight and left him aching for more. She pulled back slightly but didn’t leave his embrace. Their gazes met and the desire in her eyes matched his own.
Bennett didn’t hesitate. He claimed her mouth, giving in to the emotion and letting go of his fears. Emilia melted against him, her body soft against his, and Bennett’s heart rate skyrocketed. The woman left him undone and muddled his thinking. She also never ceased to amaze him.
Bennett knew in that moment he was a goner. In love. Was there a future for them? He had no idea. In that second, he didn’t care.
He would love her with everything he had until she told him to stop.
Fifteen minutes later, Emilia's side hurt from laughing. She dismounted the pretty black-and-white mare. “I did not cheat. I won the race across the pasture fair and square.”
Bennett scowled playfully as he tied his horse’s reins to a branch. “You didn’t wait until I finished. It’s one, two, three, go. You went on three.”
“You said the race would start on the count of three. I merely followed instructions.”
His scowl deepened, and she giggled. He tickled her in the side, and she danced out of reach. Flirting had never come naturally, but with Bennett, it felt right. Like the kiss they’d shared earlier.
Emilia knew it wasn’t smart to get closer to Bennett. It would only make it harder when she left. But seeing him held at gunpoint yesterday brought home the stark reality of their lives. Every moment was a gift, and she was wasting them. Bennett Knox was a good man. He made her feel cared for and cherished. Emilia had never had that before. She wanted to hold