Page 28 of Until the End

Daren’s cheeks darken while a bashful smile peeks its way out. His demeanor straightens when he looks over at me, his brain switching back to work mode. “My guys just called to give me their report. We believe you have a stalker. This wasn’t an ordinary break-in. The place was destroyed, which is why it took so long to figure it out. None of your valuables were taken, but some of your clothes were missing.”

“What kind of clothes?” Gia asks as if she already knows the answer. I frown at the two of them.

Daren’s body tenses. “Your underwear drawer was almost empty.”

My stomach drops, and I have to press my hand to my mouth to keep from vomiting. Someone violated every inch of my privacy. I feel dirty.

“Did her security camera pick up anything?”

Thank god Gia is still levelheaded.

Daren shakes his head. “The cameras were turned off, and the system was disarmed.”

“How’s that possible? She has some of the best security money can buy.”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out now. My first priority was to figure out a motive. Now that I know their goal, we can figure out how they did it. We’re doubling your security here. The paps have diminished significantly, but all it takes is one determined photographer to get through and we’ll have an issue on our hands. I also want you to talk to your assistants. It’s only a matter of time before the police leak the story. I’m surprised it hasn’t gotten out already.”

“Right now, they think it’s a random break-in. Once they piece it together, that it’s both a stalker and related to Ginny, the rags will be all over it,” Gia says.

Daren nods in agreement. “I’m sorry this was the update, but now that we’ve got more information, I’ll be able to protect you better.”

“Thank you for your diligence on this, Daren. I really appreciate you taking this threat seriously.”

“Just doing my job. I’ll let you know when we get any further information.” Daren leaves through the garage.

“I think this calls for another round.” Gia grabs our glasses.

“Or five,” I murmur.

Chapter 17

Carson

My heart thumps as I pocket my keys and head into Ginny’s house. I haven’t seen her since our text exchange a few days ago. It’s taken everything I have not to drive over here to talk to her. I want to know if she regrets it or if she wants to forget it ever happened in the first place.

I hope like hell that’s not the case. Everything I’ve dreamed of is at the tips of my fingers—if she means it, and if I don’t screw it up first.

“Anyone home?” I call out. Ginny’s living room is empty, which isn’t a surprise. The girls are never ready when I come to pick them up. If Gia’s here, like I suspect, she’ll have roped Ginny into her perpetual lateness.

“Up here! I need your help,” Ginny yells from the stairs.

Nerves swoop through my gut at the invitation. She wouldn’t… She doesn’t mean…

There’s only one way to find out. I dart up the stairs, where Ginny’s waiting for me in the doorway of her bedroom. An ill-fitting emerald green jumpsuit hangs on her shoulders. Has she lost weight, or does that outfit not fit her?

“You have amazing timing. I needyour help.”

Okay, so she doesn’t want me to get her naked. I’m both disappointed and relieved. Until she turns around. The back of the jumpsuit gapes open, making her gleaming bare skin a temptation I have a hard time ignoring.

“Can you zip me up, please?” Ginny pulls her straight blonde hair over her shoulder and looks back at me. Those blue eyes spear me with a knowing gleam, and all I want to do is strip her naked and worship the ground she walks on.

“Temptress,” I grumble at her. Her little giggle tells me everything I need to know.

Stepping close to her, I run the pad of my thumb from her neck down her spine. Turnabout is fair play. Plus, I couldn’t keep my hands off her if I tried.

Goose bumps spread across her golden skin. I temper the urge to follow the path with my lips, grabbing the zipper of her outfit instead. The tines snapping together are loud in the silence of Ginny’s room, the moment heavy with desire and want. We’ve been dancing around each other for so many years now, I’m not sure either of us knows how to take the next step forward.

Ginny turns around, her eyes wide with a myriad of emotions. “Thank you.”

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