Page 38 of Abducted

“That’s Rufus. He likes to sleep in. He either heard you guys, or he finally smells the breakfast.”

A big Doberman came barreling down the hall, straight for her. His tongue hung out and his tail wagged as he slapped his paws up on her lap. She laughed and reached to scratch his ears.

“Oh, he’s such a sweetheart.”

“Careful, he’s a killer.” Nate’s tone was dry.

She laughed. “I can see that.”

“Roof, lie down.” The dog gave her hand a big lick, then settled at her feet. Nate grinned. “He’s a ladies’ man.”

Nate stood at the island across from them and took a big bite of scrambled eggs. “I have the guest room all ready for you guys, it’s just off the living room. You might want to grab a couple more hours of sleep.” He took another bite, “Don’t worry. My room is on the other side of the house. These walls are thick.”

A piece of toast lodged in her throat. She coughed, dropping her fork to her plate to cover her mouth. Cal passed her a glass of water. At the moment, sleep sounded more heavenly than sex.

Cal shook his head at Nate. “You’re such an ass.”

When they finished eating, Cal got his bag from the vehicle and led her to the spare room. A nice king-sized bed took up the center of the room. Cal opened a door off the bedroom. “There’s a bathroom in here. Feel free to take a shower and change into something else. I think I have an extra shirt in my bag.” He dropped it on the floor.

A shower could wait. She shuffled over to the bed, peeled back the covers, and got in. A soft smile touched Cal’s lips. He pulled the heavy brown curtains shut and approached the side of the bed. He lifted the covers to her chin and pressed a kiss to her mouth.

“I’m going to go pick our stuff up from the hotel. Get some rest, and I’ll see you in a bit.”

Her eyes closed before she could respond.

CHAPTER 15

“You did it,didn’t you? You rascal.” Nate stood in the kitchen with his arms folded across his chest, a stupid grin on his face.

Cal scowled at him. “What the hell are you rambling about?”

“You slept with her. I can see it on your face.”

Cal shook his head and poured a cup of coffee from the pot on the counter. “None of your damn business.”

Nate pumped his fist in the air. “Yes. I knew you had it in you, bud.” Cal took a swig of the strong brew as Nate slapped him on the shoulder.

The hot liquid splashed his face. “I can tell you’re happier, not as tightly wound. I’m proud of you.”

“Would you can it? I’m too tired for your shit.” He grabbed a napkin and wiped the coffee off his cheek. His brows pinched at Nate. He was getting on his last nerve.

Nate laughed. “All right, all right. Go take a nap, Carol. Nothing is happening around here for a few hours at least.”

Cal’s lips tensed at the feminine nickname Nate had dubbed him with since they were in recon. “Go organize a circle jerk, you prick.”

Nate laughed. “Can’t. That’s E’s specialty.” He dropped some bacon and egg scraps to a not-so-patiently-waiting Rufus. “Really, though, catch a couple of hours. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long day.”

Cal shook his head. “I can’t sleep. You know how it is.”

Nate nodded, his expression quiet and understanding. A rare moment. “Anything on Will Anderson?”

Nate blew air through his lips. “Not a damn thing. No record, no driver’s license, no lease agreements. He’s a ghost. But E’s working on it. If anyone can find him, it’s Ethan.”

Cal pulled outa chair and sat. Will couldn’t be a dead end. They didn’t need that shit right now. He ran a hand over his jaw. He hadn’t gotten the chance to dig deeper with Lana. His gut told him some answers lay with her, answers that she didn’t even realize she had.

“Let’s hope something turns up soon.”

Nate nodded. “Where’s your head at? You’ve gotta have a hunch on who’s behind this.”

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