A few minutes later, Jared walked over. He crouched beside her chair and caught her free hand, his thumb stroking over the minor cuts and bruising left by Chris’s handcuffs. “Let me take you home.”
Her gaze met his and her heart warmed. “Are you done?”
“I’ll have to come back, but you need a hot bath and your bed. I’ll hurry and get back to you as quick as I can.”
Her mouth curved. “Don’t rush for me. I understand the job.”
“I know you do, just like I’ll understand yours when it takes you away from me. It’s one of the reasons why we fit so well.”
“Is that what it is?” Her widening smile betrayed the sexual undercurrent of her thoughts.
He blew out his breath, looking relieved. “You’re going to be all right.”
She realized then how worried he’d been that she wouldn’t be. “Yes. I’ll be fine.” Standing, she said, “Take me home so I can get out of your hair.”
Jared linked his fingers with hers and started toward the door. “Won’t matter. You’ll still be under my skin.”
“Good. That’s right where I want to be.”
Epilogue
The closing of the rolling metal door on the back of the moving truck was loud in the otherwise quiet afternoon. Darcy leaned into Jared as he draped his arm around her shoulders and they watched the truck drive away.
He nuzzled his lips against her temple. “Anything left inside?”
“A couple boxes.” She glanced at her childhood home, now sporting a Realtor’s sign in the lawn. “I’m glad to be going, but I have fond memories of this house.”
“So do I,” he murmured, his mouth curving against her cheek.
She laughed softly, then jumped a little when he gathered her close and squeezed her tight.
“It’s good to hear you laugh, sweetheart.”
“I’m getting there.”
“We’re getting there.” He pushed his fingers into her hair and cupped her scalp. His blue eyes were clear and warm, filled with a tender heat that never failed to touch her deeply. “And we better get moving. We’re supposed to be at your parents’ house in a few hours.”
Placing her hand in his, Darcy whistled for Columbo. Together, they went into the house to gather the last of her things.