Page 52 of Midnight Secrets

“Thank you.” I sent him a sunny smile.

He nodded. “You’re welcome.” Returning to the desk, he picked up the bag and the other can of soda. “I think it’s best if I eat in my room. If you need something, call me.”

My smile dimmed. Dammit. I didn’t want him to leave. But judging by the set of his shoulders, I knew I’d never convince him to stay. “I will.”

“I’ll see you in the morning. Have a good night.”

“Goodnight.” I raised a hand in farewell, but he didn’t see it, already on his way to the door. In a blink he was gone.

I sighed, looking around the now empty room. With him gone, it was suddenly quiet.

Really quiet.

My fingers gripped the bedspread beneath me as loneliness took hold. I could really use another presence in the room to banish the heavy silence.

Swallowing hard, I flopped back on the bed.

I wished Pebbles were here.

CHAPTER 18

Ozzie

Dammit. Why did she always have to look so good?

I clenched my teeth as Claire answered the door. Her blonde hair fanned around her pretty face, which only had minimal makeup highlighting her features. An oversize sage-green sweater that hung to mid-thigh hinted at the curves I’d felt up-close-and-personal last night. Hiding them only made me want to strip the sweater off of her so I could see and feel them again.

It hadn’t escaped my notice she hadn’t worn a bra beneath her sleepshirt last night. I don’t know what possessed me to pick her up like that. It would have been just as easy to take the boot from her and pass her the other crutch.

But no. Crippled Claire turned me into a caveman.

My gaze traveled south, taking in the cream leggings and the orthotic boot on her foot. It ruined her outfit, but it also didn’t matter. Her beauty and confidence still shined through.

“Hi.” A sunny smile lit her face.

I scowled, holding on to my anger at myself for being unable to resist her charms. Riggs would ream me out for getting involved with her. I just thanked my lucky stars she hadn’tactually witnessed anything. It would jeopardize any case I built once I had a suspect. “You ready to go?”

Her smile dimmed, a touch of confusion entering her eyes.

Guilt hollowed my stomach. It wasn’t her fault I couldn’t keep my hands to myself.

“Yeah. Can you get my suitcase?” She looked back, then shifted to the side so I could enter.

The door snicked shut as I walked into the room, my carry-on rolling behind me. Her crutches creaked as she followed.

I picked up her small case from where it rested on the luggage rack and raised the handle, turning it so it was back-to-back with mine.

She shrugged into her coat and picked up her purse, slinging the long strap over her head so the bag rested against her chest.

I frowned and held out a hand. “Give me that. It looks heavy.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go.” She shuffled forward.

Another scowl darkened my face. I didn’t like that she matched my energy now.

Raking a hand through my hair and tipping my head up, I huffed a quick breath before looking at her. “I think we need to clear the air.”

“You obviously regret it, so there’s nothing to clear. Let’s go.” She shuffled toward the door again, but I stepped into her path.

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