Chapter Seven

Ian was restless. It was two minutes to seven and there was no sign of Fallon. He looked down at his clothes: hiking boots, jeans, and a long-sleeved shirt under his Seahawks jacket. He didn’t want to overdress, but part of him had wanted to look good for her.

God, I’m acting like it’s a date.

“What is all this about, Detective Cavanaugh?”

He almost jumped. One second she wasn’t there, the next she was, materializing out of the air for all the noise she made.

“Good evening, Ms. Maddox.”

His heart sped up as their gazes met. There was something about her. Ian watched her eyes, noting the emotionless gaze. There was no fear, which pleased him, but there was not anything there at all. That bothered him.

“I didn’t come here for another of your lessons in manners, Detective. Your kind has nothing I wish to learn.”

He looked at her. Hair pulled back in a bun, as opposed to lunch when it had flowed over her shoulders. Otherwise, she wore the same clothes.

“What do you mean my kind?” He knew she had three white brothers, so it couldn’t be race, could it?

“Cops. You and your blue-blooded camaraderie that cover for each other.” The contempt in her voice amply clarified her earlier statement.

He bristled. “So what, you prefer Marines to cops? Is that why your hair was down with him?”

“Is this what you wanted to discuss with me, Detective? My hair? Why I prefer the company of Marines to cops?”

Ian held up a gloved hand. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things.” He flinched when the wind picked up.

“Why am I here?”

“I wanted to talk to you about the case.”

Fallon leaned back against the railing. “So talk.”

Ian watched her face in the glow of the streetlights. The weather didn’t seem to bother her; instead, it added a rosy tint to her beautiful dark skin. The horn from a ferry broke through the night.

“I think you’re right. There is something off about the report. I want to find the truth and I think if we can put aside our differences we could figure it out.” Ian waited. He frowned as amusement crossed her face.

“Is that what this is? An attempt to ferret out what I’ve learned?” She pushed away from the rails and closed the distance between them. “And tell me, Detective. How far are you willing to go with this charade?”

Ian tried to ignore his body’s reaction to her nearness. He noted how the lights glowed in pinpoints off the gloss on her lips, calling him to taste them. He swallowed and tried to tell his rapidly hardening erection to behave.

“It’s not like that.”

Fallon moved closer still. “No?” Her voice got all low and throaty. “I want to know how far you’re going to go to make me happy in hopes I’ll tell you what I know.” Her hands left her pockets and slid up his chest.

Ian fisted his gloved hands at his sides. He forced himself to remain standing in place. Neither into or away from her touch. His cock leapt to attention.

“Tell me, Detective. What have you been cleared to do? What’s the limit?” She wrapped her hands around his neck, pressing flush against him.

He gulped as her mouth moved closer.

Fallon’s fingers, covered by soft leather, teased the back of his neck. “Will you take me out?” She blinked once, slowly, her thick lashes falling and rising again. “Would you actually sleep with a Maddox?” Her lips were millimeters away from his, fanning his mouth with her warm breath.

Ian gave in with a low growl. He hauled her in close and covered her mouth with his.

***

Ah, hell, I’m in trouble. Fallon felt the ground fall out from under her as Ian’s lips mashed on hers. Her taunting little speech was supposed to get him to back off. She never expected him to call her bluff. She quivered as his touch turned tender, provocative, and sensual. His tongue slipped between her lips and coaxed hers out to play.

Her lower body trembled as her fingers wound into the hair at the back of his neck. She wanted to feel the texture of it on her bare skin. For the first time in longer than she wanted to admit, she burned with lust. Not just a small amount; more like she wanted to jump his bones right there, no matter who saw, and with no regard for public laws.

Fallon purred as his tongue made love to her mouth. Her body felt like it was burning up. Her skin was hot and she wanted to tear his clothes off. His strong hands cupped her butt and lifted her off the ground. Fallon wrapped her arms around him and pressed her pelvis closer to his, locking her legs behind him. He smelled so good. Dangerous. Explosive. And some very cool scent.

He began kissing along her jawline. “Fallon,” he whispered, his voice a sexy timbre.

Fallon forced back an extremely vivid image of her nude body intertwined with the man who held her.

“I think you should put me down, Detective.”

She watched as his eyes hardened. Then, to her surprise, they sparkled. “What if I like you in my arms? If I let you down, can we have a truce and go grab something to eat? We can talk over dinner.”

An eyebrow rose. “What if I say no?” Heaven help her, she liked being in her arms.

“Then I keep you here and do this.” Using one hand under her for support, his other brought her head closer to his and he kissed her again.

Fallon stopped her eyes from closing at his touch. She drew away from his mouth and unhooked her legs from his waist. She didn’t fall; one strong arm still held her up.

“Fine. We have a truce.” Her voice was heavy with desire. “Put me down.”

“Are you sure?” His warm breath teased her throat.

“Put me down.”

Ian did so without delay. “Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm to her.

She missed his touch immediately, but wasn’t about to touch him again for fear of jumping him. Instead she shoved her hands in her pockets and said, “Let’s go.”

***

Ian glanced at the woman beside him. He was glad his jacket covered the full-blown erection he sported. What the hell was I thinking? I’ve never forced my attentions on a woman.

She hadn’t been mad at his actions. No. In fact, she responded to his touch like a lover. He groaned softly as the memory of her wrapping her legs around him, pressing them together, surfaced in his mind. His cock throbbed, demanding attention.

He didn’t know much about her, but one thing was certain. There was a volcanic heat in her that she kept buried beneath her calm demeanor. From her heated response, he knew she was as attracted to him as he was to her. But where to go from here?

Bed?

He grinned before sobering. Part of him realized she was not going to be a pushover. Her earlier question told him that.

Would he sleep with a Maddox?

Hell yeah, he would. But only one. Fallon Maddox.

“Where are we going?” Fallon asked.

“I thought Waterfront Seafood Grill or The Crabpot.”

“Hmm. I bet you look pretty cute in a bib. The Crabpot sounds good to me.”

One side of his mouth lifted. “Are you flirting with me, Ms. Maddox?” A chill flashed across her gaze and he added, “I hope so. I like that side of you.”

“This is my third day back. I buried my father two days ago, Detective. I don’t have much joy in me.”

“I know. I just meant I like you joking, as opposed to that expressionless look.” Ian hoped he hadn’t ruined the evening.

She stared at him before her shoulders shrugged. “Feed me.”

***

They were enjoying their dinner at The Crabpot. He had ordered The Alaskan, which consisted of crab, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Both of them wore bibs and had a mallet by one hand.

Fallon took a swig of her beer as she stared at the man across from her, who was sucking crabmeat from a leg he had busted.

She relished the tight fit of his royal blue long-sleeved shirt. Tonight he wasn’t wearing his shoulder holsters, but she knew he had guns on him. She had felt one on his waist when her legs had been around him. Most cops she knew had a backup on their ankle. What drew her attention mostly was the way his mouth moved as he ate his food.

“What?” Ian asked. “Do I have food on my chin?” He reached for a napkin and wiped his face.

“No, nothing like that.”

“Whew. I was worried, considering how you were staring at me.” He smiled, melting her insides.

“I was just wondering when you were going to tell me what you knew,” she lied. Fallon wasn’t about to tell him she had been remembering how it felt to have his arms around her. Or his lips against hers.

“Really? I was thinking how good you tasted.” He held her gaze.

Her belly tightened and it took immense willpower not to squirm in her seat. “The case, Detective. What do you know that wasn’t in the report?”

Ian Cavanaugh fell silent for a moment. “Can you at least call me Ian?” His eyes cut to the side before he muttered, “Ah, shit.”

Fallon glanced in the direction Ian had, but her line of vision was filled with the body of Rick DeVane. Her body tightened with the possibility of a fight. She barely stopped her lip from curling into a snarl.

So much for all that training to control my emotions.

“Well, well, well. Surprised to see you here, Cavanaugh,” Captain DeVane said.

“Good evening, Captain,” Ian replied. “You remember Ms. Maddox.”

Fallon turned in the booth so she faced DeVane. Her left hand tightened around the neck of her beer bottle.

“I remember her,” DeVane spat and looked back to Ian. “I thought you were working tonight, Cavanaugh.”

“I’m off tonight. I worked this morning.”

“Actually,” Fallon interrupted, “he is working. He’s trying to convince me to let my father’s death go. He’s been telling me that it was nothing more than what the reports said it was. How I should mourn my father’s passing and move on.”

“That’s sound advice.” DeVane nodded. “You should listen.” The man glared at her with cold eyes.

Stupid ass. Like I’m going to want to listen to you.

“We’ll see,” Fallon said. “It depends on how well he is in bed. If he can rock my world, I’ll drop it. If not...” She shrugged.

Ian choked on his drink and Fallon tried not to laugh at both men’s expressions. Her comment had slipped out. Their shock was well worth it.

“Yes...ah...well. Goodnight, then.” DeVane walked off.

Ian waved at his boss, but remained silent. He wiped his bow-shaped mouth with the napkin. “Rock your world?” The question sounded almost like a declaration.

Butterflies grew to rhinos and stamped through her belly. Her pussy clenched and let her know it was ready for some long overdue attention. Still, there was no expression on her face to let him know that.

“I figured he’d be okay with this dinner arrangement as long as you’re trying to get me off the case.”

Ian smiled. It was a predatory smile. One that said he didn’t believe her at all. Damn him for being so hot. He made her toes curl. In a very good way.

“Is that what you need to tell yourself? All you need to tell me, sweets, is the time and place, ’cause I have no doubt I’ll rock your world.”

“How much have you had to drink, Detective?”

“Ian,” he corrected.

“Whatever. I’m thinking you may be intoxicated.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled and a dimple appeared in his left cheek. So damn cute, boyish even.

“Trust me, I’m not intoxicated. Are you finished? We still have dessert to get to before we find out if you leave the case alone.”

She chuckled slightly as she drank some more of her beer. “Right.”

***

Ian was content. The woman who sat across the table enchanted him.

She was different from other women. Her aura of quietude and strength called to him. He wasn’t used to such restraint.

Ian had a volatile temper, and her handle on her emotions, considering what she was going through, was amazing.

That wasn’t all. The explosive passion that erupted between them when they kissed... It was a feeling he believed warranted further exploration.

“Come on, whaddya say? A nice big dessert,” he tempted. He smiled victoriously as he watched her gaze glaze over. “You already know what you want.”

“Yes, I do.” Her eyes cleared and held his.

“And that would be?”

“A big pastry with Bavarian cream, whipped cream on top and drizzled with chocolate.”

Ian waved for the bill. “You got it.” He wasn’t sure where he was going to find it, but if that’s what it took to keep her there, he would get it for her.

He watched her finish off the rest of her beer. They stared into each other’s eyes as the bill arrived. Not really paying attention, he left a tip and signed his name.

As he stood, Ian saw Rick watching him. There was suspicion in his stare. Nodding once, Ian returned his attention to Fallon as she slipped on her jacket. He wished it were summer so he could stare at her without a coat on.

“Gee,” Fallon muttered. “Maybe you should carry me out so your boss stops glaring.”

Spinning her into his body, Ian felt himself harden in response. “Is that what you want?” He lowered his mouth by her ear and allowed his tongue to trace the outer edge. “I will if you want. Trust me, I would love to have you in my arms.”

She shuddered slightly before she stiffened.

“I’ve been walking on my own for a while now.” She pulled back.

“I guess so.”

Ian allowed her to turn and take a step away from him. Grabbing her coat sleeve, he spun her around again to be met by his lips. All rational thoughts fled as their mouths melded together. He forgot about his boss, everything aside from the woman in his arms. Her response was hot-blooded and pure, just like the previous time they kissed. He felt all his hair stand on end. His cock sprung to life, demanding attention.

Despite all that, Ian moved slowly. He made a slow, thorough perusal of her mouth. She tasted like beer and seafood, and behind that, he could still identify Fallon’s own taste. Slow deep strokes swept him around the warmth of her mouth. His hands gathered her in so one held the back of her head and the other ran over her butt and squeezed.

A low rumble of approval rippled from his throat as her hands settled on his ass, holding them tighter together. Approval turned to frustration as she backed away. Ian gloated inside as he witnessed the raw lust swirling in her brown eyes.

Damn, I want this woman.

Her hands moved around to the front of his coat. “Let’s go.”

“Dessert, right.” His voice was graveled. Ian stared down at her, his fingers teasing the back of her hair. Something passed between them at that moment. A connection.

“I think your boss should be appeased. Going by that kiss, he probably thinks I’ll let it go.” Fallon carefully removed his hands from her body.

He didn’t appreciate how that sounded. Had she only done that as a show for his boss? Was she still trying to see how far he’d take the charade? It was a thought that left a sick quiver in his belly.

Forcing back any emotion, he agreed. “Let’s go.”

***

Fallon could feel the tension radiating from him. He almost acted hurt by her words. Get a grip, Fallon. He bleeds blue; ultimately, he wants you to lay off the case. Or just lay you.

The large man beside her held her arm like a gentleman, yet remained silent as he led them to a parking lot.

“Where are you taking me?” Fallon queried.

“For dessert.”

Soundless, she watched him lead them through the parked cars. He unlocked the door of his vehicle.

“This is a sweet ride.”

This time his smile was unforced. “This is my baby. 1968 Ford 428 Cobra Jet Mustang.” Pride filled his voice.

Fallon gazed at the muscle car. Silver blue finish with a black racing stripe up the middle of the hood. It was gorgeous. It fit him.

“You have a gorgeous car. Bet you get a lot of women with it.”

He shrugged as he helped her into the car. “I guess.”

I bet you’ve done more than guess in this car.

She buckled her belt as his large frame filled the driver’s side. He removed his jacket and set it in the back. Fallon swallowed. Watching him at the restaurant had been hard. Hell, behaving herself had been a very difficult chore since she met him at Pier 57. And that went sooo well. Remembering the kiss, she flushed. She’d been in his arms, so could that really and truly be wrong?

Fallon cast a sideways glance at him as he started the powerful engine. Strength, power and a lot of fuck potential. Both the car and the man. She shifted on the seat as ribbons of desire wove through her.

“Where are we going for dessert?”

Ian looked at her as he drove them through Seattle. “My place.”

Her eyes grew wide as her heart rate tripled. “Really?”

“You said you would go wherever.” He tossed her words back at her. “You’re not backing down, are you?”

“Not at all.” She settled more firmly back against the seat. Fallon licked her lips as her body grew damp. “I hope you have what I want.”