Page 27 of Chasing a Kidnapper

She wasn’t a detective with a gold shield, but his comment was sweet. Maybe he was just trying to be nice to her, but she liked feeling as if they were working together as a team.

Too bad they were only a team when it came to police work. She knew West checked in on Kenyon’s twins, but he hadn’t seemed very interested in getting close to Gabriel.

Maybe she was making an assumption, but what did it matter? She had no interest in getting married again. One mistake was more than enough. Gabriel needed stability in his life—he’d already lost his biological father. She wasn’t interested in risking her heart again.

Nope. Not. Happening.

“Did you find a hotel?” West’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“Oh, yeah. There’s a place called The Scenic Suites, overlooking the Black Hills. They have two-bedroom suites and a small kitchen for a reasonable price. They are also pet friendly, which I knew was important for Peanut’s sake. I’ll gladly pay for the room,” she added quickly, not wanting him to think she was being extravagant. She’d thought the suite would be better for West so he wouldn’t have to put up with Gabriel’s crying. “We’re going there because of the danger to my son.”

“I’ll foot the bill, since it seems we must have been followed to my place from the gas station.” His brow furrowed. “I don’t like thinking the perp waited for me to leave, then decided to make his move.”

“It’s possible.”

“I don’t like it,” West muttered with a scowl. “I feel like I failed you and Gabriel.”

“You didn’t.” She reached over to rest her hand on his arm. “I don’t blame you. I just wish I understood what this was all about.”

West surprised her by covering her hand with his. “We need to keep thinking through potential options for this mystery key. The gym key was a good thought. Maybe we should check the local post office. A safety deposit box. Or the bus station.”

His hand radiated warmth to the point it was distracting. What had he said? “I—uh, yes. You’re right. That’s a great idea. I think the bus station is the most likely option.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, as if he was actually enjoying their time together as much as she was. But that couldn’t be the case.

As if on cue, Gabriel started to fuss.

“He’s teething.” She moved her hand from his, praying Gabriel wouldn’t break into a full-scale wail. “I have some teething rings for him in the diaper bag.”

“He’s handling it well,” West said. “We’ll be at the Scenic Suites shortly.”

“I know.” She leaned back to snag the diaper bag from the floor of the back seat. After finding the teething ring, she stretched as far as she could to give it to Gabriel.

West pulled into the Scenic Suites and chose the closest available parking space. “I’ll move the vehicle around back after hauling everything inside.”

She understood his concern. If the driver of the stolen vehicle was looking for his SUV, it wouldn’t be good to have it parked out front in plain view.

Fifteen minutes later, they were settled in. Gabriel was in full fussy mode, quieting down only when she gave him a bottle.

Letting out a long breath, she caught West watching them. “I usually feed him dinner around six. I hope there’s a place nearby we can get something to eat, too.”

“I’ll check it out when I move the SUV. Speaking of food,” he said, unfolding several pieces of paper. “This is a list of past and present employees for the pizzeria. I’d like to cross-reference this with the gym membership list.”

He used the termweagain, which made her smile. “Sounds good.”

After West returned from moving the SUV, they ordered food. Gabriel finished his bottle. After his usual burp, she sat him on a blanket on the floor, then gave him his chew ring. He instantly stuck it in his mouth.

She straightened, bumping into West in the process. “Oh, sorry.” Her cheeks burned as she wondered how a two-bedroom suite could feel so small and cramped.

His arms came up to steady her elbows. They were so close, an enticing wave of his aftershave washed over her. “How’s your knee holding up?”

His voice was low, and surprisingly intimate. His gaze locked on hers, and it was as if time stood still. Then his gaze dropped to her mouth. She found herself leaning toward him, when Gabriel let out a cry.

She moved back so fast, she nearly fell. Then she turned to pick up her son. “There, there, you’re okay,” she murmured, trying to steady herself as much as reassuring her son.

The moment was broken, but awareness still shimmered through her system at their near embrace.

Something that, if she was smart, would not happen again.

---