Bare It All

chapter TWENTY

ALICE BARELY HELD back her groan. Like a dog with a bone, Reese didn’t want to let it go. “It would be...better if you didn’t bother him.”

Displeasure caused a muscle to tic in his jaw. “Better for you?”

“Better for everyone.” Now that he’d removed his touch, she felt bereft. Physical contact with Reese always made her feel more settled. Putting a hand on his forearm, Alice gave him the truths he wanted. “If it’s that important, I’ll tell you. I swear. But it’d be nice if you trusted me even half as much as you want me to trust you.”

“Shit.”

She smiled. “I know. You don’t like it when I turn things back on you. But it’s the same principle, Reese.”

“Not even close. He’s a loose end—an unknown variable.”

Alice shook her head. “He’s not a threat. Not to you and not to me.”

“Maybe. But that’s something I’d like to conclude on my own.”

After a lot of needless prying. “Why?” She didn’t want to change Reese, so she had better learn to understand him. “Because you’re a detective?”

“There’s that, and the fact that I want to protect you.”

“I’m not in any danger.” Nothing immediate, anyway.

“Jesus, Alice. You don’t know that.” Frustration carved a scowl in his features, delineated every muscle in his arms and shoulders. “A woman is dead. Another woman is on the run. And you—” he scalded her with a burning glance “—put yourself into the thick of it.”

“None of that has anything to do with Trace.” Yet. But if Trace thought there was any danger to her...

Shoot.

Probably another truth she ought to share with Reese. She sighed, and even that made Reese more alert.

“All right,” he said. “Let’s hear it.”

It was kind of a nice thing, having all that single-minded concentration from a man like Detective Reese Bareden. “There’s no reason for you to reach out to Trace. If he doesn’t want to connect with you, he won’t.”

Stopping for a light, Reese locked his jaw, waited.

And Alice added, “But if he does...you’ll be hearing from him.”

Going rigid, Reese slowly turned his head to stare at her in disbelief. “Just like that?”

“I told you he had great contacts. Now you’ve seen how great.” The light changed, and Reese turned back to the road, maneuvering through the traffic.

Hands flexing on the steering wheel, Reese gave one nod of grudging acceptance. “He didn’t want to be investigated, so he officially closed that option.”

“Yes.” Unofficially, though, Alice knew Reese would continue to pry.

“He must have some high officials in his back pocket.”

Reese continued to look at this all wrong, staying suspicious of Trace. Or...maybe as he said, he was jealous. Hoping to pacify him, she said, “I’m sure I won’t, but if I hear from him, I’ll tell you immediately.”

“Even if he tells you not to?”

She ran her fingers over his thick forearm. The hair there was soft, his skin warm, his muscles so well defined. “He wouldn’t,” she said simply.

Reese groaned. “God, you’ve got him on a pedestal.”

Of course she did. Trace was that kind of man.

But then, so was Reese, and he was the man she wanted. Now, tomorrow.

Forever.

Her mouth went dry—with acceptance and with uncertainty. She needed to know if Reese’s heart was involved. Falling in love alone would be...well, tragic. And she’d had enough tragedy in her life.

“Could you maybe take a day or two to think about it? To try to trust my judgment on this?” She cut him off before he could complain over her request. “And then, if you still want to know—”

“Need to know.”

“—I’ll tell you.”

Quiet, thoughtful, Reese took the road toward their apartment complex. “One condition, Alice.”

Her pulse sped up. “What is it?”

“I stay with you.”

That sweet, familiar ache pulsed between her legs. “In my bed?”

Satisfaction kicked up a wicked smile. “That’d be my preference, but it’s always up to you.” He shifted, stretching out one leg. “I meant in your apartment.”

“Oh.” How would that work? Them living like...roommates? No, thank you.

As if to convince her, Reese said, “I don’t want you alone until I’m sure that there isn’t any danger.”

Had they come full circle? She sighed. “Danger from Trace?”

“Actually, I was talking about the bastards using women as drug mules.” He shook his head, correcting himself. “But, yeah, your mysterious wraith, too. Hell, anyone from your past. Or...basically, anyone or anything.”

Alice licked her lips. “How long do you think that’ll take?”

“Days. Weeks.” He checked the rearview mirror, switched lanes. “No telling, really. In cases like this, we could get a break tomorrow or still be floundering months from now.”

Months! If it weren’t for women being in danger, she’d hope for the latter. “I see.”

Reese shifted his shoulders. “If that’s a problem, remember that I still have my own place and a job that sometimes keeps me away for the better part of the day. I won’t be underfoot.”

Why did he look so uncomfortable? He kept adjusting his big body as if trying to settle in. “I wasn’t worried about that.” But if he only wanted to be with her as protection, should she tell him that she loved having him around for any reason?

“I like that Cash will be with you during the day.” He glanced at her, then away. “But at night, I want to be right there with you.”

“Okay.” Hopefully, he’d solve the case quickly, but in the meantime she’d have an opportunity to make him fall in love with her. “I have a condition of my own.”

He gave a nod of acceptance. “I’m all ears.”

“No sleeping on the couch.” And to make certain he understood, she added, “If you’re there, even if it’s just in the capacity of a detective, I want you to...sleep with me.”

“Sleep, huh?” The quirky smile lifted into a full-fledged grin. “I can handle that.”

“I mean it, Reese.” She wanted no misunderstandings. “Even if I do something that annoys you. Or if we argue. You don’t get to shut me out.”

He surprised her by laughing. “I don’t move in on women just to play cop, Alice. I’m worried, true, but I wouldn’t get hard every time we talked if I only had protection on my mind.”

Her gaze shot to his lap, to the impressive bulge there, and she let out a breath. “Oh.” She reached for him, intent on touching. Stroking. “Good.”

He caught her hand, kissed her fingers. Fondness softened his humor. “If we start that, I’m liable to wreck. Just give me five more minutes, and we’ll be home.”

“Okay, but hurry.”

He answered by accelerating. “You’re one of a kind, honey. Do you know that?”

Probably. Not many women had spent a year in captivity, forced to work for a monster. That experience had forever changed her, giving her a unique perspective on life. She knew what she wanted, and she’d go after it.

Reese might not realize it, but she wanted him.

For however long she had, she’d do what she could to win his heart.

And she’d start with Pepper’s plan...as soon as she worked up her nerve.

* * *

WOODY SIMPSON LEANED back on the brick wall of the college bookstore, eyeing the merchandise as it passed. Sophomore girls with explosive sexual appetites, a few young teachers flattered by his attention, a volleyball coach with strong legs.

He admired them all, but it was the timid freshman, her load of books hugged to her chest, her expression flustered, that drew him.

With Cheryl soon to be out of the picture, he needed a replacement to keep up with demand. The little babe with her insecurity and anxious hope would be easier to handle than the others. He watched her as she peered around the campus, a little lost, a lot vulnerable.

Perfect.

Pulling his hands from his pockets, Woody started toward her.

Sometimes it was too damn easy.

But in the back of his mind, he thought about a woman who might be more of a challenge. She’d certainly gotten the best of that dumbass Hickson.

His heart started tap-dancing in his chest. He wanted her. To tie up loose ends. To punish her.

To experience her—in every way he could think of.

To prove that no bitch would best him, ever.

Cheryl would lead Hickson to her.

And Hickson would deliver her to him.

Smile predatory, body hungry, Woody stepped aside—and “bumped” into the freshman. Her stack of heavy books went scattering.

“Oh, damn.” Catching her shoulders, Woody stared into her startled eyes. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

She stared up at him, stunned, breathless, her lips slowly parting.

And just like that, another one bit the dust.

* * *

OVER THE NEXT eight days, Alice and Reese fell into a wonderful routine.

A routine broken only by spontaneous lovemaking. Many mornings Reese woke aroused, which meant he woke her with kisses...everywhere. Twice he’d come home for lunch...which Alice now knew meant a sandwich that he practically swallowed whole and fast, hot sex that he deemed “a quickie.”

Every single night, regardless of how late he got in, he wanted her. In the shower. The kitchen. Her office. The bed.

They’d even ended up on the floor once.

Alice never objected.

She felt immersed in pleasure, her body in a constant state of tingling awareness. Fast or slow, in the bedroom or spread-eagle on her desk, the man knew how to send her over the edge. His stamina amazed her, but then, given his size and fitness, she should have realized he wouldn’t tire easily.

Most mornings before Reese left for work, he took Cash for a jog. It gave Alice an hour to herself, but even then, Reese kept a cell phone on him, and he never left without first gaining Alice’s promise that she’d lock the door behind him.

Cash loved it. As soon as he’d see Reese in his running shorts, he’d head over to the door and wait by his leash. Alice had coffee ready for Reese when he returned. After showering and getting dressed, he’d join her for breakfast at the table. Before heading off to the station, he always patted Cash, and he never forgot to kiss her goodbye.

It all seemed so domestic and so...enduring.

Cash felt it, too. In such a short time the dog had flourished. He no longer felt the need to stay right on top of them. They could actually leave the room without him following.

While Cash didn’t exactly pine for Reese when he left for work, he still went berserk when Reese got home again.

In no time, Alice not only caught up with her work, but she also took on a new client who designed and built children’s playground equipment. Of course, that made her think of kids, but she always snuffed the thought. Her relationship with Reese was still too new to start daydreaming about a family together.

Usually he got in by six. On those nights, they took turns cooking dinner and cleaning up afterward. But when circumstances dictated it, Reese could be out ’til well past dinner. A few nights ago, after a robbery at a local diner that left three people injured, he’d followed leads that kept him gone through half the night. In the end, he’d managed to catch the two men, and got beat up a little in the process. Nothing serious, but the bruising of a black eye lingered still.

As yet, they hadn’t found out anything about the murdered girl or Cheryl’s abductors. Reese and Logan shared a lot of private calls, and occasionally Rowdy stopped in for a hushed conversation.

Knowing Reese wanted to insulate her from his police work didn’t make it any easier to be excluded. Just as she tried not to worry, Alice also tried not to smother him with too many demands. Reese hadn’t asked anything more about Trace, so in return, she tried not to ask too many questions about the case.

It would all be easier if she knew Reese was falling in love with her. He was kind, caring, attentive and beyond sexual.

But did any of that equate to an emotional commitment?

Or did it just reiterate that he was a great guy?

So many times, she’d thought to implement Pepper’s plan. The idea of taking charge in bed, taking charge of Reese, was incredibly tempting. She would love to have him so sexually excited that he shared his innermost thoughts.

About her. About their future—if they had one.

So far, Reese hadn’t given her a chance. He left her so exhausted each night that he woke up before her every morning. If she smiled at him, he was on her. If she looked at him over-long, just admiring him, he took it as an invitation—which, she supposed, it was.

The chemistry between them hadn’t waned and, in fact, seemed hotter than ever. Could that turn to love? God, she hoped so.

She paced the floor, wondering how to implement the plan, when she heard Reese’s footsteps in the hallway.

An hour early!

Cash got to the door before she did; Alice stood there, probably looking guilty. After all, she’d been plotting his seduction and working herself up in the bargain.

As he came in, Reese knelt to say hello to Cash. Alice saw only the top of his head, the set of his brawny shoulders in his dress shirt, but she sensed a problem.

“Reese?”

“Should I take this beast out?” He rubbed Cash’s neck. “What’dya say, boy? Wanna go out?”

Since Cash had been out twice already, he only sat there wagging his tail without encouraging Reese.

Alice strode forward. “What’s wrong?”

“Who says anything is?” He reached for the dog’s leash.

His avoidance alarmed her farther. “Reese Bareden. Don’t you dare use that sweet animal as a way to dodge me!”

Giving up, Reese straightened to his full, impressive height.

He had another, freshly swollen black eye! And a split on the bridge of his nose. A cut on his lip...

Alice froze in place. “What in the world happened to you?”

One hand on his hip, the other holding Cash’s leash, Reese dropped his head forward as if disgusted.

Alice waited while he grumbled to himself.

Finally he met her gaze. “A couple of yahoos got into a fight inside the station.”

“And you used your face to try to stop them?”

“No, smart-ass.” He moved closer, his expression fierce.

And tired.

Huh. So Reese was human after all.

“I got sucker punched when I told them to knock it off.” His jaw firmed. “That was the shot to the eye. I got the rest when I subdued them.”

“Oh.” The discoloration beneath one eye had only just started to fade. Now the other eye was swollen and purple. She realized his tie was gone, his shirt torn and dirty.

Poor Reese. He’d apparently had a terrible day. She found one of Cash’s chew toys and tossed it toward the center of the room. Cash went after it, then took it to a ray of sunshine to work it over.

Alice turned back to Reese. “You didn’t kill anyone, did you?”

With a long-suffering sigh, he shook his head. “No.”

“Good.”

“But I wanted to.”

She could see that. Though Reese tried to hide it, he still looked ready to chew nails.

Brushing at a spot of dirt on the front of his shirt, right over his chest, she felt the radiating tension in his muscles. Going brisk, automatically knowing he wouldn’t want to be coddled, Alice asked, “How badly did you hurt them?”

His green eyes glittered with new intent. “Enough to get them cuffed and handed over to a uni.”

“Remarkable restraint. I’m sure they deserved more.” She opened a button on his shirt. Then another.

“Alice?”

“Hmm?” She continued until she had the shirt open, then pulled it from his slacks. Right where she’d seen the dirt, he had a bruise.

“What are you doing?”

“Undressing you.” Leaning forward, she put her lips to his hot skin and filled her head with his intoxicating scent.

He dropped the leash to tangle a hand in her hair. “I’m a sweaty mess, babe.”

“I know.” While kissing her way across his chest, she opened his belt buckle. “You can soak in a cool tub while I fix you something to eat.”

Using the hand he had tangled in her hair, he tugged her head back. “I don’t need to be babied.”

Alice slipped her hand inside his slacks and fondled him. “I wasn’t trying to baby you.” She felt her nipples go tight as his erection grew. “I just want you ready for me, sooner instead of later.”

They stared at each other, and she watched his eyes go a smoky green. “God, that feels good.”

Finally, she had some control. Excited but determined to do this right, she took away her hand and turned toward the bathroom. “My mouth will probably feel even better.”

When Reese didn’t follow her, she glanced at him over her shoulder and smiled at the scorching way he traced her every step. “Come on, Reese. Let’s get the show on the road.”

* * *

SENSES HEIGHTENED, Reese watched Alice finish with the dishes. After she’d insisted he soak while she grilled chops and potatoes, he felt like a slug—a very horny slug who’d had too much free time to think about what she might do. He understood that Alice wanted to pamper him since he had a few new bruises. But a couple of lucky shots to his face weren’t enough to slow him down. Piss him off, yeah. He’d been plenty pissed.

Until he saw Alice.

Even now, while loading plates into the dishwasher, she wore that small, sexy smile that made him nuts with need.

“You know I could’ve helped with that.”

“I know.” She bent to add in another plate, putting her rump on display. “But I want to do it.”

Just as she’d wanted to undress him and prepare his bath? All right, so now what?

“I’m bathed,” he told her. When was the last time he’d soaked in a tub? “Well fed, too.” The dinner had been fast but filling. “I’m even wearing clean clothes.” Clothes that she’d laid out for him. He would’ve definitely protested that, except that he had a feeling she’d deliberately chosen the draw-string athletic pants and soft cotton undershirt because they’d be easy to remove.

She dried her hands. “You could take Cash out one last time.”

He glanced at the clock. Hell, it wasn’t late. What did “one last time” mean? Unless...did she plan to keep him in bed the rest of the night?

Despite his best efforts at control, his Johnson jumped at the possibility.

Damned unruly body part.

“Sure,” he said, hoping she didn’t hear the lust sharpening his tone. “I can do that.” He left his chair.

“But Reese?” She came up to him, smoothed a small hand over his abs—abs now clenched tight with anticipation. A pretty blush warmed her cheekbones. “Make it fast, okay?”

“Not a problem.”

She got out Cash’s treat jar—a sure sign that she wanted uninterrupted time with him. “When you’re done, give him one and then come into the bedroom.”

Fascinating how her blush deepened, but her eyes didn’t waver. Bold. Sexy. Sweet.

He liked it. A lot.

Wondering how far she’d go, Reese dipped his head and took her mouth in a hot, possessive kiss. “Give me ten minutes, tops.” Sometimes Cash liked to explore every possibility before choosing the perfect spot.

Luckily, Reese didn’t run into anyone else in the lot, and Cash didn’t find any birds or squirrels to provoke him. With the promise of a treat, he urged Cash to hurry, and in record time he had him back in the apartment.

Reese hadn’t even been out long enough to work up a sweat in the thick humidity.

The second he closed and locked the apartment door, he heard Alice in the shower. Picturing her wet, naked, he started to join her—but he hesitated.

He didn’t want to steal her thunder.

Instead, he took a minute to play with Cash before giving him the chew treat. When he heard the water shut off, he went into the bedroom and sat on the side of the bed to wait.

Fully erect.

Every nerve ending sizzling.

Anticipation honed.

Wrapped in a towel, skin still damp and one hand lifted to remove a tie from her hair, Alice rushed in.

She halted at the sight of him. Those luscious eyes showed surprise, a hint of embarrassment, even a little disappointment.

Until determination overrode everything else. He saw the shift in her expression, in the way she moved.

Looking her over, Reese badly wanted to strip away the towel that kept her slender body hidden from his view.

Instead, he made himself sit there, the epitome of patience.

Movements measured for effect, Alice finished freeing her hair so that it tumbled down around her shoulders. “That was fast.”

“You thought I’d linger?”

In a small, telltale sign, the hand holding the towel clenched, and her breathing deepened. “I’m glad you didn’t.”

She stood there a moment longer, maybe working up her courage—or figuring out how to proceed. As sexual as they’d been, as open and honest as she was in bed, this was new for her.

She dropped the towel.

Just like that, with no warning. Reese sucked in a breath, soaking up the sight of her. It didn’t matter how many times he’d already seen her, this was a new attitude for her, and it fired his blood.

His gaze moved to her tight nipples, the damp curls between her legs, her soft, pale skin now rosy all over.

He did his own heavy breathing.

Beautifully bare, she turned and closed the bedroom door. He heard the quiet click like a blast of thunder.

“Damn, you have me tightly strung.” Her ass was a special source of lust for him, and she knew it. “Come here.”

Facing him, she murmured, “I’d like to get your clothes off, okay?”

“Great. Clothes off.” He reached for her, but she shook her head.

“Raise up your arms so I can take off your shirt.”

Reese started to strip it off himself, but she stepped between his thighs, and the sweet scent of her body filled his head.

Catching his shirt, she tugged it from his hands. “Arms up, please.”

Jesus. Unable to recall the last time he’d been this frantic for sex, he lifted his arms.

Alice worked the shirt up, slowly, over his chest and arms until it cleared his head. After tossing it toward her discarded towel, she stepped closer still. Her plump pink nipples were right there, close enough to kiss. The spicy scent of her arousal mixed with the scent of her soap, the scent of his need.

She touched his shoulders with both hands, gliding her delicate fingertips over his skin, around to his nape, up and into his hair—which brought her closer, so close he couldn’t resist.

He ducked his head to move his tongue over her left nipple.

Her fingers knotted in his hair. “Lay back.”

Tension coiled tight.

“This time,” she told him, “I want to touch your big, gorgeous body.”

He met her gaze.

And she whispered, “Without you taking over.”