Page 53 of Special Agent Storm

Chapter Thirty-two

That afternoon, Ruby took her mother’s advice and sat in her tub, pouring the water hot as she could stand it. It felt wonderful on her bruised hip. In fact, she was able to do several exercises to release the stiffness, and when she got out, she felt a lot better.

By the time Jill came home with cartons of their favorite foods for supper, Ruby had begun to feel normal again. “Are you going back to work tomorrow?”

“Of course. I’m fine now.”

“You’re better maybe but not a hundred percent.”

“Chances are I’ll spend the day at the fire hall cleaning equipment and cooking. My turn’s coming up again.”

“This time, I’m not sending you trays. You know how to prepare most of the specialties yourself.” Jill teased and Ruby knew it was pure bluffing. There had been a number of times she’d relied on her mom to come through for her after she’d messed up a meal because of a call.

When the doorbell rang, she stood to answer and heard her mom’s warning, “Check the security camera before you open it.”

When she saw the good-looker standing with his legs spread and hands in his pockets, she felt her heart actually speed up. Lord, did those things really happen to people? She’d read about them but had never before experienced such a reaction.

Swallowing, trying to cover up the sudden dryness in her throat, she checked her hair, bit her lips for color, and opened the door.

“Hi!”

“Hi. How are you today?”

“Fine.” She saw his eyes look behind her, but she didn’t move. “What do you want?”

“I don’t want anything. I need to talk with you. I have some questions.”

“About what?”

“Hey, I’m the cop here. Back off and let me in.” His voice had become gruff, and his green eyes hardened with determination.

“Ruby quit being silly and let Agent Storm inside… now.” Jill’s angry voice sounded behind her.

Ruby backed away and swung the door wide. “Wipe that smug look off your face.”

Storm leaned in close. “Who spit in your soup tonight?”

The unexpected quip made a grin suddenly appear before she wiped it off. “You hungry?”

“Depends. What’s for dinner?”

“Mom brought it home from the restaurant.”

“Then I’m starved.” He followed her through the open, spacious house to the kitchen island where Jill was setting a third place, facing them. He tightened the rolled-up sleeves on his shirt, went to the sink to wash his hands, and slipped onto one of the stools next to Ruby.

Once he’d filled his plate from all the cartons they offered, he clinked wine glasses with Jill and ignored Ruby’s disgruntled snort when she lifted her water and then started to eat.

“You have some news.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“I can see it on your face.”

Kurt looked up and smiled. “You know me that well already?”

Jill laughed. “She’s right you know. You do look like the cat with a canary feather sticking out of his teeth, saying… who me?”

Kurt joined in their laughter and nodded. “You’re right. I think I know when you got impregnated. You were right all along. I believe it happened at the spa. I went there today to get some answers and a pretty young attendant who had lunch with me was very helpful.”

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