“But—” She closed her mouth as he pressed a finger against her lips. The touch felt intimate, soft, and caring. He cares about you. Her mother’s words filled her head again.
“Please, don’t argue.” He brushed his finger down to the edge of her jaw and under her chin. With the slightest pressure, he tilted her face back. She watched his tongue brush a layer of moisture onto his bottom lip, and his blue-greens stared at her mouth.
Tanya’s gold Toyota darted past, and the moment shattered like dropped crystal. Tanya had lousy timing. Or great timing. Did she want him to kiss her?
“It’s an in-service day.” She threw words at the awkwardness.
“A what?”
“Kids are off. We’ll have meetings all day.”
He looked at her mouth again, then glanced away. “You have security here, don’t you?”
“Yes. Roberto Garcia; he patrols the lot.” Right then, Roberto’s security car pulled around the side of the school.
“I’m going to talk to him.” He started off.
She grabbed his hand. The warmth of his palm against hers gave her a jolt. She released him. “I wish you wouldn’t tell him about all this.”
“He needs to know. Humphrey broke into your car yesterday, and he could come back.”
Cali knew Brit was right, but something he’d said yesterday teased her mind. “Did you tell Mrs. Jasmine about everything?”
“Mrs. Jasmine?”
“The principal? You said she gave you Tanya’s number.”
He nodded. “I only said I was worried you could be in danger. I didn’t stay to explain things.”
Cali sighed. “Guess I’ll be called into the office today.”
He frowned. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble.” Concern darkened his eyes.
She offered him half a smile. “I’ll survive.” Silence fell again. More awkwardness.
“I’ll be here at three. You wait inside. Promise me?”
She nodded. He gave her mouth one more glance, then walked away. But he looked back and then smiled and winked. The quick flutter from his eyelid spread to her stomach.
“I’m in so much trouble,” she muttered.
“Why?” Tanya appeared beside her. “Because he has a nice ass?”
“Yeah. And awesome shoulders, too. And a good heart.” Cali frowned.
Leaning in, her friend asked, “So is he still a dickhead?”
Cali considered it. “Let’s just say, he’s a smaller dickhead than I thought.”
Tanya grabbed Cali’s arm. “I’m scared to ask if you mean that literally.”
They giggled like teens all the way inside.
~
Brit heard laughter, but didn’t look back. If he did, he was afraid he would go snatch her up and kiss her like he wanted to, like he felt damn sure she wanted to be kissed. But he had to leave. He had Keith’s and now Anderson’s killer to look for. And Susan to see. But not until he spoke to the security guard.
“Hi.” Brit approached the older man as he stepped from the car. “I’m Detective Lowell, HPD.” He purposely didn’t mention the homicide division. It usually made people nervous.
“Roberto Garcia. Retired HPD. What can I do for you?”
Brit liked knowing the guard had carried a real badge and offered the man his hand. “It’s about one of your teachers.”
“Someone in trouble with the law?”
“Nothing like that. You know Cali McKay?”
The quick smile made the old man look younger. “She baked me a cake for my birthday last year. Don’t know how the woman knew it was my birthday, but I tell you, she’s one angel.”
An odd sense of pride swelled in Brit’s chest, as if Cali was his to be proud of. “Yeah. Well, there’s trouble with one of her old boyfriends.”
“Stalking her?”
Brit glanced back to where Cali had parked. “Her car was vandalized yesterday.”
Garcia frowned. “It could just be a kid. You have no idea what—”
“I don’t think so. This guy’s trouble. I have a mug shot in my car. I want you to take a look at it. Keep an eye out. We believe he’s driving a white Ford pickup. An older model.”
They walked back to Brit’s SUV. He reached into his file and took out the mug shot.
The man studied it intently. “What’s he wanted for?”
“We’re looking at him for a murder,” Brit answered.
“That serious, huh?” Garcia frowned. “How did someone like Cali get mixed up with someone like that?”
The question hit hard. “Just watch out for him.” Brit reached into his front pocket. “My card. If you even think you see him, call me, then call 9-1-1. Don’t try to apprehend him yourself. But keep him away from Cali.”
“Don’t worry. I owe Miss McKay.” Garcia widened his shoulders. “I may look like an old codger, but I still got it.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Brit shook the man’s hand again. Garcia’s grip held firm, solid. Getting in his car, Brit felt better about leaving Cali. A little better.
Chapter Eighteen