Page 25 of Bold Encounter
She trusted Abe.He was a friend.And she realized that Cadie had been right—the relationship could be so much more.But until the threats were handled and her life was her own again, she couldn't trust herself.She'd believed too many times and been crushed just as often.
She steeled herself to keep her distance, until she looked into Abe's eyes.There was more emotion there than concern or support.His expression was filled with desire matching hers.
He kissed the top of her head, then put his fingers under her chin, and her gaze met his.She couldn't resist, despite what her rational mind told her.He leaned in and kissed her tenderly.And she kissed back.
Her voice was a whisper."Abe…"
"You're safe, honey," he said, then kissed her again.
Genevieve's body warmed, all the way to her toes.Abe lifted her onto his lap and she put her arms around his neck then kissed him with abandon.
Chapter 6
The next morning, Genevieve stared out the passenger window as the streets of New Orleans blurred past.But her mind wasn't on the scenery.Every few seconds, she found herself stealing glances at Abe.
Kissing him was memorable.The feeling of his lips on hers had lingered long into the night.She'd savored the feeling before falling asleep, grateful that he hadn't pressed for more.
He seemed to understand how she felt, and maybe felt the same.Attraction had blossomed into more than expected.When she thought of Abe's touch, desire surged within her.She knew if she didn't watch it, she'd fall hard.
She was kidding herself that she hadn't fallen for him already.Yet it was too soon.Genevieve didn't usually care about that.She'd embraced relationships without considering how long she'd dated a man.
Maybe that meant she was growing emotionally.Or that she really cared about Abe.She cared about the relationship and didn't want to blow it—quite an earth-shattering thought.
Abe's happiness mattered to her.That had to be love.She wanted him, without a doubt, but also cared about creating a relationship to last.It was possible that past the age of forty, she'd finally matured.
Genevieve turned toward the window, afraid that if Abe saw her face, he'd see too much.She couldn't hide her feelings.
"You're quiet this morning," he said.
She risked a glance at him.He focused on the road, but she could see the concern in his expression."I really missed Brooke, and it will be great to see her."
"I'm glad you can spend time with her this morning and catch up," Abe said."From Gabriel's text, it sounds like they had a good time in the Bahamas."
"I hate that I've disrupted things," she said."You should be working your regular cases, not babysitting me.And Gabriel should be enjoying his first weeks of marriage, instead of worrying about his new sister-in-law's stalker."
Abe pulled up to a red light and looked over."We want to help.This isn't an obligation or a favor.You matter."
"I appreciate that," she said."I'll just be relieved when Jason is out of my life."
The light changed, and Abe reached over to squeeze her hand before returning his attention to driving.Twenty minutes later, they pulled up in front of Jasper's Bistro.A small sign in the window indicated they wouldn't open for lunch service until noon.
"I'll pick you up whenever you're ready," Abe said as she gathered her purse."Just text me."
Genevieve hesitated with her hand on the door handle."About last night…"
"No pressure," he said immediately."We have time to figure things out when all this is over."
She smiled, then leaned over and kissed his cheek before getting out of the car.The look on his face was heartwarming.
*****
Abe watched Genevieve disappear through the bistro's entrance before pulling away from the curb.The drive to Guardian Investigations would give him time to shift his focus from personal to business.
Kissing Genevieve had been the most natural thing in the world.Holding her afterward, feeling her relax in his arms, had awakened protective instincts that went far beyond his job as a detective.But he also knew that pursuing a relationship in the middle of a stalking case was complicated.He wanted Genevieve to feel safe without the added pressure of romantic expectations.
The Guardian Investigations office occupied the fourth floor of a corner high-rise on St.Charles Street.Abe took the elevator up, noting the security cameras and key card access that protected the upper floors.Gabriel and his partner Weston Lang had chosen their location well.
The office door bore a simple brass nameplate:Guardian Investigations - Private Security and Investigation Services.Abe knocked once and entered.
