Page 47 of Peak Suspicion
They finished up with questions for the paramedics about her injuries. She called on different students to try their hands at translation and Bethany recorded the correct results under each question. Then they practiced repeating the phrases until it was time for class to end.
“How are you doing?” Carter asked as he helped her pack her things to leave. She wasn’t able to drive yet, so he had brought her to class and would take her home. He had been a huge help, but things still felt tentative between them. She sensed he was holding back, afraid to push her for too much. She needed to find a way to let him know she wasn’t so fragile, despite the cast and stitches.
“I’m fine,” she said. Only a slight headache, but that was starting to fade. “Everyone else did all the work tonight.”
He picked up her book bag. “Are you ready?”
“I am.”
On the steps of the building he paused, shoulders tensed. He had never said so, but she knew he was looking for another dark figure who might emerge from the shadows to attack her. After a few seconds’ pause, he touched her uninjured arm. “I think it’s okay,” he said, and escorted her to his Jeep.
He went through the same routine at her apartment, looking carefully before they emerged from the vehicle and staying alert all the way to her door. Inside, he checked all the rooms and double-checked the locks. When he was done, he said, “You’re probably tired. I should go home.”
“Don’t leave yet.” She moved in closer, and slid one hand to the back of his neck. He took the cue and kissed her, very gently. “I won’t break,” she murmured, and pressed against him.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said.
“You won’t.”
He kissed her again, like he meant it this time. The sensation buzzed through her. “That’s better than any painkiller,” she said when their lips parted.
“I can do better,” he said, and proved it by pulling her closer, grasping her waist with both hands, leaving no doubt of his arousal.
If only this cast wasn’t between them. She shifted, trying to make room for it. “Sorry,” he said. “I’m crushing you.”
“Come over here,” she said, and led him to the sofa. She pushed him down, then sat in his lap. “How’s this?” she asked.
He slid one hand beneath her shirt. “Nice,” he said, and kissed her again.
She began to undo the buttons of his shirt, running her fingers over the taut muscles of his abdomen. His breath caught and a thrill rippled through her. His eyes met hers and the heat of his gaze burned through her. This was what she wanted. What she needed.
She was working her way around to straddle him when the strains of bandatrumpets sounded. She groaned and pressed her forehead to his. “Is that your phone?” he asked.
“I’ll ignore it.” She pulled the phone from her pocket and glanced at the screen. “It’s my mom.”
“If she’s like mine, she’ll keep calling,” he said.
“You’re right.” She swiped up to accept the call and slid off his lap. “Hi, Mom.”
“I’m calling to see if you got the email I sent,” her mother said.
“I haven’t checked my email this afternoon,” she said.
“Well, you need to read it. I sent you a whole list of cute houses for sale here. And more information about the job at Our Lady of Sorrows.”
She was aware of Carter rebuttoning his shirt as her mother rattled on about the job and the houses. “Mom, I’m really happyhere in Eagle Mountain,” she said. Other than a dangerous stalker, life here was almost perfect.
“You could be happy here. One day when you have a daughter of your own, you’ll understand how hard it is to lose her.”
“You haven’t lost me, Mom.”
“You will always be my baby, and I worry about you.”
“I’m fine. Really.”
“I had a dream last night that you were hurt. I almost called you then.”
A shiver ran up her spine. “I’m fine,” she repeated.
