breathing ragged and his eyes glittering with more than simple lust. He wanted her, but in that moment, Angelina knew he realized he also needed her. Would he admit it?
“Want to go for a drive this morning? Wouldn’t hurt to get out for a while. Could head down to the coast as long as we’re careful and pay attention to our surroundings.”
“That would be fantastic. I haven’t been to the beach since I left Miami.”
“The beaches aren’t as pretty here,” Micah warned.
“I don’t care. Just being able to breathe the salt air again will be heaven.”
She went back into his arms and squeezed tight.
“Thank you.”
He hugged her back and kissed the top of her head.
“Go get dressed and we’ll head up. I need to make a few calls and let everyone know where we’re going. I want to keep watch and see if we’re followed.”
She sucked in her breath. “Is it safe?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be armed and we’re going to stay in very public places at all times. If we’re followed, then we know we’re not safe here at The House. I’m hoping he’s still waiting for you to show at your apartment or at your job. If he makes a move there, we’ll bust him.”
“Okay.”
He kissed her again. “Now go get dressed so we can get out of here.”
CHAPTER 25
Micah watched Angelina arch her face into the sun and breathe deep of the sea air. The stiff breeze blowing off the water sent her hair rippling in a wave behind her.
He didn’t move, didn’t say anything. He didn’t want her to move, because he was content to watch her turn into the sun like a cat seeking the warmth.
She was beautiful. Why had he never noticed before? He’d been married, not dead. Yeah, Hannah had been the only woman he was focused on, but that didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate the rest of the opposite sex. Angelina had never registered on his radar. She’d been David’s little sister. Family.
“It’s such a beautiful day.”
Micah smiled at her rapt expression.
“Nothing can ruin this. I won’t allow it. We won’t even think about the asshole stalker. Agree?”
Well, he certainly encouraged her not to think about the guy after her. He’d prefer for her to relax and enjoy herself, but that didn’t mean that he wouldn’t be spending every minute of the day looking over their shoulders.
But he smiled and nodded, enjoying her enthusiasm.
She walked over and sat beside him, snuggling into his side as they overlooked the seawall. He wrapped his arms around her and enjoyed the feel of a warm, soft woman against him. He hugged women, his friends, but this was different. There was more than affection working.
“Tell me about Miami,” he said as he stroked her hair.
“What do you want to know?”
“Did you finish school? You never told me.”
“I did. I graduated a year ago. That’s when the notes started actually. I’d gone out to celebrate on graduation night. Came home to a dozen roses and a sweet congratulatory note.”
Micah frowned. “Wonder if it was someone at the university.”
“Could be. I didn’t date that many guys in school. I mean I kept it casual. Friends, movies, group dates, that sort of thing, so I doubt anyone could have gotten the wrong idea from me.”
“So what did you study? Last I knew you were wanting to be an art major. David was less than enthused.”
He felt her smile against his chest.
“I made him crazy with my hippie notions as he called it. Said I was too much like our flighty mother. He was always so sensitive about her. He was afraid I was too much like her.”
“He never talked about her. Just your dad,” Micah said.
“Yeah, I know.”
She sounded a little sad, and he squeezed her a little tighter to him.
“She’s not dead, you know.”
Micah stiffened in surprise. “I was certain David said they were both dead. Your mom first and then your dad right after David graduated high school.”
She sighed against him. “Mom left when I was really young. I don’t remember her. I just get glimpses, you know? And even then I’m not sure I’m remembering her. It could be someone else. David never forgave her for breaking Dad’s heart. According to David, she was flighty and irresponsible. An artist with no ambition other than wanting to travel to en vogue places and paint the clichéd scenes.”
“Ah, so that explains the aversion to you being an art major.”
She shrugged. “It was a passing fancy. I mean how many