Chapter 7
Rio and Skylar left to meet Dakota immediately after lunch. Skylar had been circumspect and kept her hands and lips to herself. She hadn’t wanted to do anything that might make Rio consider backing out of their cookout.
However, on the drive there she found herself wanting to touch him again. This time she didn’t see any reason for restraint.
“Things are coming along great for the auction, don’t you think?” She casually placed her hand on his thigh.
Rio glanced at her hand on his leg, then at her. “Skylar.”
“Remember when we talked about things we’d longed to do or have? This is one of mine,” she told him. “I’d tell you the rest, but I think I should just wait.”
“Skylar.”
“Yes, Rio.”
“We’re about five miles from Dakota’s office. If you don’t want me to embarrass myself, remove your hand.”
“Rio, I—” she started, then looked down, gulped, snatched her hand back, and faced forward for all of four seconds before cutting her gaze downward. He certainly was impressive.
“That’s not helping.”
She looked away. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
Silence reigned until they reached the police department. Rio got out of the Jeep and went around to open Skylar’s door. Head down, she got out wearing slim-fitting jeans, a tailored blouse, and a jean jacket with gold buttons. She’d traded the tall boots for a midcalf pair. She hadn’t wanted to waste time changing clothes when they returned. “Thank you.”
He didn’t move back. Her gaze stayed in the middle of his impressive chest. “What did you think would happen?”
She finally lifted her gaze to his. She couldn’t read his expression, but he wasn’t looking through her. “Not that,” she managed. His sensual lips quirked.
“What kind of men have you been dating?” His tone was partly curious, partly derisive.
She didn’t think he’d like her answer. “The regular kind.”
Rio grunted, took her elbow, and started for the police station. “I spoke with Dakota while I was waiting for you to come downstairs after lunch. They’ll have a room set up for us. One of his officers will run the tape.”
“Then you’re still staying with me?” She had been afraid he wouldn’t after what happened in the Jeep.
“You’re stuck with me until we find this guy.”
But what about afterward, Skylar wanted to ask. For once she kept her mouth closed. She wasn’t sure she’d like the answer.
* * *
Looking at the tape was as boring as Rio had told her. Even the possibility of identifying the fifth man wasn’t enough to keep her mind sharp, her shoulders from sagging. The uncomfortable chair didn’t help. Neither the policeman on one side of her or Rio on the other seemed to mind the tedious tape search or the chairs.
“You want me to get you something to drink?” Rio asked.
“No. I’d rather keep going.” They’d been at it over two hours. Rio and Dakota decided for her to view the film from two hours before she arrived to thirty minutes after she left. Occasionally they could speed up the tape, but other times they had to go at regular speed, even slow down or zoom in.
She propped her elbow on the table and put her chin in the palm of her hand. Her sigh just slipped out.
“Please stop the film.” Rio stood and reached for her chair. “Stand up and stretch.”
She stood up and promptly yawned. She slapped her hand over her mouth.
“Let’s go get you some sugar.” Taking her arm, he led her down the hall.
“You seem to know your way around here.” She followed him inside a room that had STAFF ONLY on the door.
He fed money to the machines. “It’s important that I have a good working relationship with the authorities in whatever city Blade plans to be in for any length of time.” He gave her a candy bar and a Pepsi.
“What about you?”
“Wouldn’t want to ruin my appetite for later on.”
Nothing could have revived her more. She unwrapped her Baby Ruth. “We can’t have that. Let’s go finish so we can get out of here.”
* * *
“He’s not there,” Skylar said when the tape ended. She looked at the disappointment in the faces of Dakota, who had joined them thirty minutes earlier, and Rio beside her. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” Dakota put his large hands on his hips. “It was a long shot, but worth a try. He might have taken off the jacket.”
From Rio there was nothing. “I hate that I can’t identify him, but it was probably random and he’s forgotten about me.”
“A random pursuit wouldn’t have been so persistent,” Rio said, his gaze finally meeting hers.
She didn’t want to hear that. “Like you said, I have no connections here except for the auction. Why would anyone be after me?”
“That’s what I’m going to find out.” Rio got to his feet and reached for her chair. “Let’s get out of here.”
Skylar stood on unsteady legs. She’d made herself believe the car following her had been random.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Rio vowed, his gaze intense.
“I know.” She faced Dakota. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“We’ll keep looking,” he said.
Skylar knew that without more information, there was pitifully little either Dakota or Rio could do. “If anything comes up or if you need me, you know where to find me.”
“Yes, I do.” He glanced at Rio. “Let’s stay in touch.”
Rio sent him a curt nod and opened the door for Skylar. “You have the list of what you want from the store?”
“Men hate shopping,” she told him.
“Maybe, but I’m hungry.”
He was sticking with her until the man was found. She stepped through the door he’d opened and felt his callused hand in the small of her back as they continued down the sidewalk.
“Want to add some burgers or links?” He unlocked the passenger door and stepped back.
He was trying to take her mind off the fact that somewhere there was a man who wanted to harm her. “I’m all right.”
The back of his fingers glided down her cheek. “I’ve seen you look better.”
Despite the shiver that raced through her at his touch, she screwed up her face. “You certainly have a way with words.”
His hands gently rested on her tense shoulders. “I’ll never lie to you. You deserve to have it straight. I gave it to you because I know you can handle it. I know what kind of strength you have. You won’t buckle or let that bastard make you afraid to live your life. You’re a warrior.”
Her eyes shut for an instant while she gathered her strength. “Thank you for reminding me of that.” Her chin lifted. “Let’s find a grocery store.”
* * *
“Maybe we should order something for takeout.”
“I want to grill.” Skylar craned her neck, trying to spot an open parking space in the crowded parking lot of the large grocery store. People were going into the store and cars were in front of and behind them. “Let’s try over there.”
“We’ve been around twice already,” Rio said but he continued down the aisle in the direction she’d pointed.
“Hail Mary, full of grace, help us find a parking space.” Skylar leaned forward in her seat. “It’s worked in the past when I’ve been desperate.”
“Have you thought what it will be like on the inside if it’s this busy out here?” He turned the corner in front of the store. People were coming out, but seemingly none on their aisle.
“I want to grill,” she repeated, then sat up and pointed. “Brake lights up ahead.”
Rio flicked on his signal and slowed. “I see it.”
“Told you,” she said with satisfaction as the car backed out. Then she grasped his arm as a car coming from the opposite direction—the wrong way—sped up.
Rio whipped into the spot. The man in the small sports car laid on his horn, gesturing wildly with his hand. Rio ignored him. “Mark this down because it’s not happening again.”
He glanced in his rearview mirror to make sure the jerk had continued on, then got out to open Skylar’s door. She met him at the back bumper. “Thank you, Rio. I’ll be as fast as I can.”
He grunted, snagged a shopping cart between two cars, and continued toward one of the store’s three double doors. Inside, people were waiting for carts and the manager on the loudspeaker was asking for available staff to retrieve them. People were in front of the deli, the flower shop, the restaurant, the gelato stand. Every cashier’s line was open.
“Welcome to The Market,” a young man said, handing them a circular.
Skylar took the folded paper. “Is it always this busy?”
“Saturday and Sunday are our busiest days. Big game on TV tonight and tomorrow. Plus we have great prices.”
“Thank you.”
“This way.” Rio headed past the deli line.
“I should have asked where the meat and bread aisles were located.”
“Bread to the left. Meat on the other side.”
“Have you been here before?” Skylar asked, hurrying to keep up with him. He wheeled expertly around people and carts.
“I see the bread. Overhead sign for meats.”
Skylar finally saw the bread, but had to squint before she could read the overhead sign for meat. “I’m glad my teachers in high school didn’t have your vision.” She pulled four packages of hot dog buns, four packages of sesame seed hamburger buns, and three loaves of bread from the shelf and stacked them in the back of the cart.
“Aren’t you overdoing it?”
“I told you I wanted to cook for your men.”
He stared at her a moment. “Grab another package of each.”
Smiling, she did as he requested, then stepped beside him. “Thank you.”
“You aren’t the wandering-off type when you shop, are you?”
“No, but I could stick my hand in your back pocket if you really want me close,” she told him.
“Then we’d have the same problem we had when you put your hand someplace else.”
She looked up at him through a sweep of her lashes. “I’ll just have to wait until we’re not planning on going out.”
“There’s your meat.”
She lifted herself on tiptoe and whispered in his ear, “Just wait until I get you home.” Humming, she went to the view the selection.
A few seconds later a man walked up beside her. “Planning to do some cooking?”
She glanced up. He was in his early thirties, clean-shaven, with an expensive watch and clothes. “Yes,” she answered, picking up several packages of beef franks and hoping he’d heard the disinterest in her voice and would move on.
“You need any help?”
“No, thank you.” Why were some men so dense? Or was it that they thought they were irresistible.
He lifted his hand. “Please, I insist.”
“My husband is the only help I need. Isn’t that right, darling?”
The man whirled around and almost bumped into Rio. He backed up and swallowed. “I—I didn’t see you.”
“You see me now,” Rio said.
“Yes. Good-bye.” The man took off.
Skylar laughed, put the franks in the cart, then picked up six pounds of beef sausages. “The poor man left his basket. Chuck for the burgers next.”
Rio retrieved their cart. “Does that happen often?”
Skylar shrugged and went to the meat counter. “Forty chuck patties, please.”
“Coming up.” The man tore off a section of butcher paper and placed it on the scale.
“I don’t like asking a question twice.”
She went to stand beside Rio and whispered, “Grocery stores are supposed to be a good place to pick up a date. So, yes, it happens. Mentioning my husband in the next aisle looking at whatever usually does the trick. This is the first time there’s actually been a man with me.” She smothered a grin. “It’s awful of me to laugh, but I thought he’d faint. Maybe the next time he’ll take the hint and leave the woman alone.”
“Here you go, miss.”
“Thanks.” Rio took the meat and placed it in the cart. “You ready to go?”
“We need drinks, vegetables, condiments, plasticware, dessert, chips,” she rattled off.
“Then we’re finished.” Rio headed for the front of the store. “We have all that at the castle.”
“But I wanted to do this on my own,” she said, catching up with him to grab his arm. “I’ll be fast. There’s an employee. I can ask where everything is and we can be in line in thirty minutes.”
“Thirty minutes.” Rio spoke the words as if she’d said Thirty hours.
“Maybe twenty.” She bit her lower lip, her hazel eyes beseeching him.
“Twenty minutes. Go ask.”
* * *
They made it out of the store forty-five minutes later with a cart of groceries, and Skylar carrying a tray each of assorted cookies and assorted brownies. Another minute and he might have grabbed her and left.
“I’m sorry it took so long.”
“Just get in.” He placed the last bag in the back and started to return the cart.
“You finished with it?” a young woman with two small children asked.
“Yes.” Rio held the end while she placed both children inside.
“Thanks.” She hurried toward the store.
Rio got into the Jeep. Two cars heading in the opposite direction were already waiting to take his spot. Madness, he thought. Just as quickly he realized that someone had to do the grocery shopping. He was just glad it wasn’t him.
He pulled out in such a way that the driver driving correctly was able to take his spot. He was more than ready to get back.
“I really am sorry.”
Skylar had apologized several times already. “This had better be the best hot dog I’ve ever tasted.”
She lifted her arms to hug him. “Driving.”
“Just you wait,” she promised.
* * *
After Skylar fired up the grill near the kitchen, she went to prepare the meat. When she came back outside, Rio had a large ice chest and was putting soft drinks, lemonade, and tea inside.
“Thanks for helping.” She placed the patties on the front burner, the franks and Polish sausage on the back burner, and closed the lid. “I’m going inside to get trays and bowls for the buns and chips.”
“Not necessary.” Rio closed the lid of the ice chest and began to pull out condiments, napkins, and plates. “They don’t want fancy. They just want good food and lots of it.”
“All right. I’ll get something for the meat when it’s cooked and be right back.” She hurried inside and came back with a roasting pan big enough for a thirty-pound turkey. Placing it on the table, she opened the tray of brownies, took one, and went to Rio. He had a bag of chips in each hand. “Open?” she asked with a smile.
He stared at her. “Come on. I don’t want your franks to burn.”
His strong white teeth bit the sweet in half. Skylar popped the other half in her mouth. “Delicious. Better check the meat.” Humming, she opened the large grill top. Hickory-scented smoke wafted up. Some of the franks were ready, their skin glistening. Pleased, she grabbed the pan, placed them inside, and went to the table to prepare Rio a plate. “Mustard, ketchup, relish?”
“Where’s your plate?”
“I thought we’d share.” She glanced at the grill. “I’ll be running back and forth until the meat is ready. It just makes sense.”
Rio took the plate. “What do you want?”
“Besides you?”
His expression didn’t change. “Mustard, ketchup, relish?”
“Ketchup, lots of relish, potato chips, sugar cookie, Pepsi. Since I can’t have my original request.” She went to the grill, checked the meat, then took a seat on a cushioned bench and patted the place next to her. “I won’t bite—at least not until later.”
Rio sat and slid the plate in front of her. “Eat while you have a chance. And I can feed myself.”
Skylar quickly said grace and picked up the hot dog. It was just the way she liked it. She took a bite. “Good.” She held it out to him. “Humor me. We went through a lot today for this moment.”
He picked up his own hot dog and took a bite. She grunted and slid the plate over with the other hot dogs. “Suit yourself, but I bet mine tastes better.” She took a sizable bite and went to check the meat. Satisfied that the food was cooking well, she prepared Rio a hamburger, wishing she had thought to get cheese.
She took a seat beside him and placed the burger on his plate. He was on his second hot dog. He probably hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
“Thanks.”
She picked up her cookie, glad to see that Rio was eating. “How did you, Blade, and Shane meet?”
He was silent so long she didn’t think he’d answer. “Army.”
“And?”
“We became friends.” He popped the top of a Pepsi for both of them.
“I’m sure there’s more to it than that.”
“Not really.” Rio polished off his hamburger. “Sometimes you meet a person and just know they’re going to be an important part of your life.”
“That we agree on.” She stood. “The last of the meat should be ready. You can call your men. Do you mind taking food to the quarters for the ones on duty?”
“Why are you doing this?” he asked, coming to stand by her.
“Because they’re your men. I see the respect you have for each other. Sierra said they helped move the things out of the room we’re using for the auction. All of this activity must make your and their job more difficult but, unlike the rude delivery driver the first day, they’ve never shown it.” She lifted the last burger from the grill. “My situation isn’t helping. I just want to thank them.”
He turned her to him and palmed her face. “Nothing is going to happen to you.”
Her hands tried to circle his strong wrists. “I know. Now, call your men so they can rave about my cooking.”
* * *
Rio thought his men were like a polite pack of hungry wolves. The food disappeared with alarming speed. They raved about the meal and thanked Skylar profusely. Conner offered to take food to the command center and to their quarters for the men on duty. By the time he left thirty minutes later, all the food was gone, the area clean, and two kitchen bags held refuse and recyclables.
“I’d say that went very well.” Skylar turned to Rio with a smile.
“You didn’t finish your hot dog.” Although he told her it wasn’t necessary, she’d played the perfect hostess, getting the men seconds or condiments.
With a gleam in her eyes, she opened the warming drawer of the grill and pulled out a foiled-wrapped plate. “Guess what I have?”
Rio stepped beside her and opened the drawer beneath, lifting out a plate with an assortment of cookies and brownies. “Since I saw you stash the hot dogs and hamburger, I thought I should get the dessert.”
“Like minds.” She placed the plate on the table. “I’ll get the drinks.”
“Sit.” He pointed to the cushioned love seat. “You’ve run around enough.” He grabbed two soft drinks and sat down beside her.
She leaned her shoulder against his and looked up at the clear sky. “The night is so quiet here and so peaceful. The moon looks close enough to touch.”
“You need to eat.”
She straightened. “Some romantic you are. What if I said I was too tired to even lift my hands?”
He stared at her, picked up the hot dog. She’d worked hard; it wouldn’t hurt this one time to humor her.
Her white teeth bit into the hot dog, her eyes on his, her tongue flicking out for the errant dot of mustard at the curve of her sensual mouth.
Rio shifted. His blood headed south. She grabbed his wrist, leaning forward for another bite, her full breast brushing against his arm. He almost shot out of his seat. He put the hot dog on the plate. “I think you’d better feed yourself.”
“I like it better when you do it.”
Skylar was sexy, sophisticated, and stubborn. An intriguing combination if he hadn’t been trying to keep things more or less on a professional level. He’d crossed the line a time or two, but he was trying not to make that mistake again. Skylar was trying just as hard to get him to forget the line entirely. “The problem is, we both like it.”
She put her arms around his neck, her lips inches from his. “Wanna see what else we both like?”
He already knew the answer to that. He picked up a sugar cookie. “You didn’t get to finish yours.”
“If I was sure one of your men wouldn’t pop back around that corner, you’d have your hands full and it wouldn’t be with food.” She took the cookie and munched.
Rio was thinking another strategic retreat might be in order. He was fighting his body and Skylar.
“Why don’t we go watch a movie?” Skylar was already standing with both plates. “It’s an action movie so it won’t make your teeth ache. Grab the soft drinks. I can leave this in the kitchen.”
Being alone in the house wasn’t wise, but there didn’t seem much choice. They couldn’t stay out here all night. Rio picked up the drinks to follow, well aware that Skylar wasn’t through tempting him.