Page 19 of Bold Encounter
When she moved, her knee brushed against his thigh.The casual contact sent heat through her, and she had to resist the urge to move closer, to see what it would feel like to rest her head on his shoulder.
When the movie was over, Genevieve said, "I should probably get some sleep."
"Of course."Abe stood and escorted her to the guest room, bringing her a spare toothbrush and a cotton shirt."I hope that will be okay.If you need anything, just holler."
Alone in the guest room, Genevieve brushed her teeth and slipped into the bed, but sleep wouldn't come.She couldn't ignore the way she felt when Abe looked at her.She was attracted to him—more than attracted.She was falling for him, despite every rational thought telling her to be careful.
But there was too much happening right then.Jason's threats came at a time when her career was at a crucial juncture, with a potential recording deal.And now her complicated attraction to a man whose job put him in danger every day.She needed to stay focused, needed to protect herself from getting in deep too fast.
*****
After midnight, Genevieve finally dozed off.The smell of coffee woke her the next morning.She opened her eyes to sunlight streaming through the windows.She slid out of bed and put on the dress she'd worn the night before.
She found Abe standing at the stove dressed in jeans and a polo shirt with his hair still damp from his shower.He looked up when she entered.
"Good morning," he said warmly."I hope you don't mind, but I started breakfast.There's fresh coffee over there."
"You don't have to cook for me."But even as she protested, Genevieve was pouring herself a cup of coffee, inhaling the rich aroma gratefully.
"I like cooking.After all, I have to eat too.Did you sleep?"
"A little."She settled at the kitchen table, wrapping her hands around the warm mug."I have too much on my mind, I guess."
Abe seemed to understand without her having to explain.He plated eggs and toast, then served her before taking his seat.
"This is delicious," Genevieve said after her first bite."Thank you."
She found herself thinking how natural the domestic scene felt.Waking up in his house and sharing breakfast seemedright.She wanted it to be real, and wished for more than just a temporary arrangement born of necessity.
Abe's phone buzzed during their second cup of coffee.He glanced at the screen and answered.
"Stewart."His expression grew serious as he listened."No usable prints at all?What about the envelope?"A pause."All right, thanks for letting me know."
He hung up and looked at Genevieve."Fingerprint results came back, but there were no usable prints from the note or envelope.Jason was careful."
"I'm not surprised."She sighed."He's always been methodical."
"Until we know more," Abe said, "I'd prefer that you stay here."Anticipating her protest, he held up his hand."It's no trouble, really."
Genevieve nodded."Okay, but only as long as it's necessary."
"We need to get you some clothes from your place," he said."The building management expects that the security cameras will be fixed by this afternoon.We can reevaluate then."
Genevieve stood and took the empty plates."I won't argue…for now.At least let me help with dishes."
*****
The drive to her condo was quiet.Genevieve studied Abe's profile as he drove, admiring the strong line of his jaw, and the confident way he navigated the morning traffic.
At her building, the lobby was empty and the elevator ride to her floor was uneventful.But as they approached her door, Abe stopped.
Genevieve looked at him."What is it?"
He pointed to the floor by her door.A manila envelope lay against the doorframe with her name written across it in the same bold black letters as the previous note.
"Don't touch it," Abe said, pulling out his phone to take photos.Then he carefully picked up the envelope by one corner, opening it with his pen.
Inside, there were dozens of photographs.
