Redesigning Fate (Revive #1) - A. M. Wilson Page 0,79

and the last remaining bit of anxiety slips away. He pulls away to look at me again, brushing his thumb over my tender lower lip. My tongue darts out to trace the path he only just drew.

“Want to tell me what happened?” he asks after a minute of gazing at each other. Feather light fingertips sweep gently along my temple, tucking an errant lock of hair behind my ear.

“Just give me a second to gather my thoughts,” I reply. Reaching behind me, I grasp the belt and buckle myself in.

He twists the key and turns the truck in the direction of the highway. We drive in silence for a few moments while I pull the reins on my emotions.

“The detectives came to work today,” I enunciate slowly.

Elias glances my way briefly before shifting his eyes back to the road. He waits for me to continue. I love the way he doesn’t press me for more, knowing I can’t be rushed.

“The detective who was at your place last week came by to question the staff. He was surprised to see me there. They hadn’t realized I actually knew Katie—they thought I had known about her only through you. He questioned me about my alibi and told me he’d be in touch. He was very interested in my dual connection to Katie…” I let the rest trail off. Elias will know what I’m getting at.

He’s silent, probably processing what I’ve told him. My hands fidget in my lap with my purse strap as I wait for him to reply.

“So you’re a suspect now?”

“I’m not sure, exactly. Person of interest? Is there even a difference?” I sigh. “Elias, I can’t—I, ugh!” I cry, palming my head in frustration.

“Calm down, Marlee. It’s going to be okay,” he soothes, his hand rubbing gently against my upper back.

“I can’t take much more of this, Elias. My life has become a chaotic mess. I don’t know what to do.”

“Don’t worry too much about it. They’re trying to scare you, and it’s too early in their investigation. The only thing they have found is her car. Once the evidence starts rolling in, they’ll rule you out. I know it. Besides, it probably isn’t even a serious inquiry. You said they came to question the staff.” His words bring me little comfort. The problem is I do have a shitty alibi. They can still bring up charges without having a body if the evidence is enough. Even though I know I’m one hundred percent innocent, the thought of even being considered as a suspect is completely baffling.

“I’m trying not to worry, but it’s hard. I just wanted to let you know what happened, though. Can we please go out to lunch and drop it now?” Surprisingly, I haven’t had a panic attack. I can’t help the little flare of excitement that shoots through me at the revelation.

“Of course. Let’s go to the deli you love.”

We order our sandwiches and take them to the patio, just like we did the first time. The weather is reminiscent of that day, and I lean back in my seat and soak up some rays. The heat from the sun warms me into relaxation. A hand settles over my hair, stroking the gleaming brown strands tenderly. I sigh in contentment.

Why can’t this be my life? With all the craziness from the past few months, I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever experience normal. Most days it sure doesn’t feel like it.

“You’re purring like a kitten,” Elias chuckles, continually threading his fingers through my locks.

A small smile creeps across my face as I roll my head towards him. “I am? I hadn’t realized.”

“Mmhm.” Warm breath tickles my neck as he leans forward and whispers in my ear, “What do I need to do to make you relax like this all the time?”

My insides flutter and chill bumps skitter up my forearms. “I like the sun.”

“Is that all?” His teeth nip my earlobe.

“No,” I breathe, arousal simmering low in my belly. “Your hands.”

Warm, moist breath tickles my ear as he traces the outer shell with his tongue. “What about them?” Drifting from my hair, down my neck, to my shoulders, his hands work magic on my tense muscles.

“They make me feel good,” I mumble, lost to the sensations his strong fingers are creating. His loud laugh reverberates through the air, causing me to sit up abruptly. I don’t think I’ve heard him laugh so freely. The sound is deep and rumbly, reminding me of train approaching