Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #1 (9 page)

“I've told you before. There's nothing to connect us. We had very different lives. We hadn't spoken in three years.”

If what she said was true, and there was no connection between Rosa's murder and Congressman Jeffries's son's murder, then that made Adam's job harder because the unknown couldn't be predicted. The danger could come at any time from any direction.

He may have had reservations when he agreed to the assignment of sticking close to the beautiful curator to watch and protect. Even after her apartment break-in, he hadn't been convinced she was in imminent danger.

But now, there was no doubt of a threat trying to take her down.

And staying by her side was the only place he wanted to be. Which scared him all the way to his toes. Getting emotionally involved wasn't in his game plan. He'd seen what letting one's heart rule had done to his FBI partner. Adam had also suffered in the aftermath. Next to keeping Lana safe, protecting his own heart was a top priority.

He only hoped he could do both.

* * *

Lana tried to calm her racing heart. There was no reason for her to still be frightened. Sitting on the bar stool in the Donovans' kitchen with Adam and Ace only a few feet away should be enough to quell her fear, but she couldn't block the image of Adam's face as he'd shouted,
Get down
.

Shock, fear, panic. Then his big strong hand pushing her to the floor. The sound of the bullet exploding. Glass pelting her back, tangling in her hair. If he hadn't seen the shooter and reacted so quickly... She shuddered.

Thankfully, none of them had been hurt.

Adam covered her hand. “You're safe now.”

Appreciating his multiple attempts to reassure her, she turned her hand so their palms met and their fingers linked. The heat of their skin pressed together shot up her arm and wrapped around her heart, warming her from the inside out.

Her terror eased, making her aware of his closeness, of the stubble shadowing his jaw, the brightness of his blue eyes. So handsome. “I know I'm safe. Thanks to you.”

His fingers curled over hers. “He shouldn't have been able to get that close to you.”

The self-incriminating tone in his voice puzzled her. “He wasn't exactly playing by the rules of the road. This was not your fault.”

He nodded but his expression said he thought otherwise.

“Do you think he survived that drop into the river?” She'd heard Adam talking to the police officers who had arrived at the scene. The police would search along the riverbed and in the river itself.

His lips twisted. “Yes. This guy has skills. Military trained, even.”

Mark flashed in her mind but she quickly discounted him. He'd washed out of the army without even finishing basic training. “It's crazy. I don't know what I've done to incur someone's wrath like this.”

“Tell me about Rosa.”

She jerked as if he'd struck her. Again with the questions about her sister. He was like a dog with a bone.

Her gaze slid to Ace where he lay on the tiled floor providing a barrier between where they sat and the front door. Ace met her gaze, rose and came to her and laid his head in her lap. The dog had the uncanny ability to read her mood and offered his comfort when she needed it. She placed her free hand on his head.

She wanted to continue to avoid answering Adam's questions but if she wanted him to answer her questions...

Quid pro quo, she guessed. Though opening up wasn't something she did easily. But she trusted him with her life; she supposed she could trust him with her past.

But she wouldn't be reckless enough to trust him with her future. Their lives were on different courses, leading away from each other.

“Rosa was four years older than me. She was more into boys than studying. She had no desire to go to college. She was content to work with our parents while I went away to school and started a career.”

“Your parents must have been happy to have her stay. How did they feel about you leaving?”

Fondness and grief warred within her. “Mom wanted me to go. She would tell me I needed to use the gifts and talents God gave me. She wanted me to do more with my life than she had, not that she regretted her decision to marry Dad. But she'd had dreams that had never been fulfilled. I think it's normal for parents to want their kids to do what they never did.”

Her heart ached with loss. She missed her mom so much. “Dad missed me but I think he understood. He was proud of me and my accomplishments but would always tell me there was a place for me in the family business.”

“And Rosa? Did she understand?”

She gave a short laugh. “No. But I think she was glad for me to leave so she could have our parents to herself.”

“Lots of sibling rivalry?”

“Yes. She would get so mad when anyone paid me any attention, especially our parents. I think she felt like she couldn't measure up to me, which was ridiculous. She was much prettier and more gregarious than me. Everyone loved her.”

“But she was jealous of you.”

Lana sighed as memories assaulted her and pierced her heart. She marveled she still could hurt so badly. “Yes.”

He squeezed her hand. “Tell me.”

“When she came to live with Mark and me the first time, after our parents died, she was hurting, grieving for Mom and Dad but...”

Lana frowned, thinking of those days. Tears had never been far from the surface but Lana had had to be strong for Rosa, who'd been devastated. “There was something else, too. I didn't realize what until she returned a few months later. She was so angry with me, so full of hate and bitterness because my parents had paid for my college tuition.”

Guilt squirmed inside her chest. “I never asked them to. I was prepared to take out student loans, but they refused. They didn't want me to start out with massive debt. Even though I had scholarship money a good portion needed to be covered. After I graduated and started working I sent them money to repay them.”

“So is that what caused your estrangement?”

A knife twisted in her gut. “Partly. Rosa returned at a time when my marriage was falling apart. I—” Humiliation burned a hole through her and heated her cheeks. Her tongue felt two sizes too big for her mouth. The words didn't want to come. She forced them out. “I had decided to divorce Mark. I couldn't take his abuse anymore.”

A tick appeared in Adam's jaw. “No man has the right to abuse a woman, let alone his wife. You were protecting yourself by leaving an abusive situation. No one can fault your self-preservation.”

Her breath stalled. Tears pricked her eyes. She blinked them back. “You believe that?”

His brows dipped. “Yes, I do. Abuse is not acceptable in any form.”

No doubt he'd seen more than he wanted to in law enforcement. She couldn't imagine the horrors he'd witnessed and had to deal with every day.

He put his free hand on her shoulder. “God would never want you to suffer abuse. He loves you and wants only the best for you. Your ex-husband acted with cruelty. That is not how a man of integrity behaves, especially to a woman or a child. Mark broke his marriage commitment to honor and protect you. God deals harshly with those who are cruel.”

Integrity. A word she would use when describing Adam but not Mark. “My mother saw Mark for who he was and had tried to warn me, but I was too smitten to listen. After my parents' death, I felt so alone, so trapped.”

She swallowed back the bile that rose to burn her throat, making the telling difficult. She pressed on. “I confided in Rosa. She used the knowledge like a weapon. She said horrible things to me.”

Lana licked her dry lips. The searing wound in her heart bled. “She said I deserved the abuse. She said I was doomed if I divorced Mark. We were raised to believe in the sanctity of marriage and to honor our commitments.”

Lana was afraid her sister was right. Afraid God wouldn't forgive her.

Compassion filled Adam's eyes. “She was wrong to say that. God knows your heart. He would never abandon you or turn away from you because you protected yourself.”

Adam's words seeped deep into her heart, soothing the ache there.
Please, Lord, forgive me
, her heart whispered for the millionth time.

“Did you and Mark seek counseling?”

Her stomach knotted. “No. I was willing to go.” She needed Adam to understand how hard she'd tried to keep her marriage alive. “As hard as it would have been to talk about what was going on, I would have done so to save our marriage, to help Mark. But when I brought up the idea of counseling, he laughed, then he hit me. I never brought the subject up again.”

Rage flashed in Adam's eyes. “He will never hurt you again.”

As much as she longed to imagine a life without the fear of her ex-husband haunting her every day, she knew Adam couldn't guarantee that Mark wouldn't find an opportunity to gain control over her again if he could.

But the guy who'd attacked her in the museum wasn't Mark. Mark was slight, thin even. The man who'd attacked her had been big, bodybuilder big. Besides, Adam had said during the time of the break-in Mark was at his janitorial job. His boss vouched for him.

The shooter... She hadn't caught a glimpse of him so she couldn't say if he was the same person who'd attacked her in the museum.

A shudder of fear rippled through her.

This new threat scared her even more than Mark did, because she didn't know who was threatening her or why.

EIGHT

N
eeding a distraction, Lana shifted on the bar stool to face Adam. Her heart beat too fast from the scare on the bridge. She didn't want to think about the danger or her past with Mark. She wanted to know more about Adam. “You were telling me about your FBI days. Your partner got involved with a suspect.”

His lip curled at one corner. “I was hoping you'd forgotten that.”

She tapped her forehead. “A memory like an elephant.”

Ace went to the back patio door. Adam let the dog out into the backyard then remained at the glass window, his big body silhouetted by the sun.

Lana waited for him to speak, sensing his tale was as hard to tell as hers had been. His words of God's love soothed her soul and made her spirit quicken with hope. Hope that her sister was wrong and God forgave her for divorcing Mark. Hope that someday her heart would be healed and she could find a man of integrity and honor.

A man like Adam.

The rash thought squeezed her heart in a tight grip. She shouldn't allow her emotions to get caught up in a fantasy that could never come true. Adam was protecting her because it was his job. Nothing more. There couldn't be more.

“Branson, my partner, was a veteran. Twenty years on the job. I trusted his judgment. Even though I had strong doubts about the woman's innocence, I stayed loyal to my partner.” Adam turned to face her. The misery in his eyes made her chest ache. “I covered for him. Nothing illegal. But I didn't use good judgment. I took his word at face value and didn't question his sporadic behavior.”

He ran a hand over his jaw. “I was too green to realize he was playing me. He and the suspect took off when incriminating evidence surfaced that implicated Branson in the murder. Apparently they'd been having an affair for some time. They were caught crossing the border into Mexico. Both are serving time.”

“Wow, that's really...”

“Sordid.”

“Yes. But no more sordid than my past.”

He frowned. “Your past was not of your doing.”

“Neither was yours. Your partner betrayed your trust. He betrayed his badge.”

Adam ran a hand through his hair. “I betrayed myself by not seeing what was going on.”

“Is that why you left the FBI?”

He reclaimed his seat next to her. “Yeah, pretty much. I was questioned. Treated like a suspect, an accomplice.”

Outraged on his behalf, she laid a hand on his arm. The muscles beneath the rough texture of his shirt bunched. “How could they think you were involved? Anyone who knew you would know you'd never do anything illegal or questionable.”

He held her gaze. “Thank you for saying that.”

She found herself diving into the ocean of his gaze. If she weren't careful, she would be pulled under. “It's true.”

The slight scratching of Ace's paws at the window alerted them the dog wanted back in. Adam moved to open the door. Lana took a breath, realizing how easily it would be to fall for this man.

Honor and integrity were such an integral part of Adam. His upstanding demeanor was as natural to him as breathing. He was generous and considerate, loyal and protective. Qualities that appealed to her, that made the struggle to keep her growing affection and respect under wraps more difficult.

But hopefully not impossible.

Ace ran straight to Lana. She laughed and slipped off the bar stool and bent down to hug the dog.

“He's taken a shine to you,” Adam commented. “Other than with the twins, he's usually more standoffish.”

“I like this guy, too.” Knowing that Ace liked her filled her with pleasure. She couldn't help but wonder what Adam thought of her. Pushing the silly thought away, she rose and asked, “What led you to the K-9 unit?”

“After the debacle in LA, I turned in my resignation. Joe invited me to come here to DC. He had a contact in the White House who was putting together an elite K-9 unit. He gave the contact my name and I was asked to join the team. I am glad to have a partner I can count on. One whose judgment I can rely on.”

“But you have good judgment, too. Just because you wanted to believe in your former partner doesn't mean you should question yourself. You're a good investigator and a good cop. Ace can point you where you need to go or help you but ultimately you're the one who does the important work.”

A bemused look crossed his face.

The front door opened. Ace raced to greet the Donovans. Laughter echoed from the foyer and made Lana's heart squeeze tight as she held Adam's gaze. Interest flared in his blue eyes. Her pulse skipped through her with an answering awareness. His gaze dropped to her mouth, making her lips tingle with want. She wanted him to kiss her.

She tore her gaze away, needing to breathe, to put distance between them. After sharing such intimate details of their lives a sense of bonding was not unreasonable. But definitely unwise.

Tinkerbell and Ace rolled on the living room floor. Their antics made Lana giggle. The release of joy brushed away the other, more confusing emotions that had crowded in her heart and her head.

“Uncle Adam!” the twins shouted in unison and flung themselves at him.

He scooped the girls up and smothered them with kisses. Lana's insides melted.

“You said you'd be back,” Tara exclaimed.

“And you are,” Kelsey stated.

“I never break my promises, little darlings,” Adam said. His gaze lifted to Lana.

What kind of promises would he make to her? Did she want promises from him? She sucked in a breath as a bout of yearning smacked her in the solar plexus.

No. No, she didn't. She wasn't looking for promises. She wasn't looking for anything but protection from this man. That was all she could allow because her heart couldn't take any more pain.

She turned her attention to Ruth and Joe as they each carried in bags of groceries. Lana rushed to Ruth's aid. “Here, let me take one of those.”

“Thanks.” Ruth relinquished her hold on one bag. Lana set it on the counter and unpacked the contents.

“Hey, bro,” Joe said by way of greeting.

“Hey. You're home early,” Adam said.

“Yep. Some days I can do that.”

Still holding on to the twins, Adam said, “I have an idea. Why don't you take your wife out to dinner and a movie? Lana and I will stay with the girls.”

Lana paused with a can of olives in her hand to stare at Adam. He raised his eyebrows as if asking for her approval. Her mouth went dry. Protest rose to the tip of her tongue. She needed space away from the conflicting reactions she kept having toward him. But the thought of him leaving brought a panicked flutter to her tummy and overrode her good sense.

“That's a great idea,” Lana said, ignoring the alarm bells clanging in her head. “I can fix dinner.”

Ruth's gaze bounced between Lana and Adam and then an amused gleam entered her eyes. “If you're sure...”

No, not really.
Lana nodded. “I am.”

Ruth turned to Joe. He grinned. In unison they said, “Bernardo's?”

“I'll take care of the groceries,” Lana offered. “Go.”

Ruth looked down at her jeans and T-shirt. “I need to change.”

“Me, too,” Joe announced and grabbed Ruth's hand. “Come on. Before they change their minds.”

The two raced upstairs, their laughter echoing off the stairwell walls. Lana let out a small sigh of longing. She caught Adam's speculative gaze and flushed with embarrassment. And sent up a silent plea of forgiveness for her envy. “They're so cute together.”

Adam's mouth tipped up at one corner. “Cute is not a word I would associate with my brother. But yeah, they're good together.”

Would Lana and Adam be good together? The unbidden thought rammed a large fist of yearning into Lana. Forcing a calm she didn't feel, she returned to unpacking the groceries and prayed for strength to never attempt finding out.

* * *

Several hours later, after a dinner of chicken and cheese enchiladas and Spanish rice, Lana and Adam sat on the couch watching an animated movie with the twins, bathed and ready for bed, wedged between them. Ace lay beneath the front window with Tinkerbell curled next to him.

Adam's gaze kept straying to Lana. She'd taken control of the kitchen like a general, getting all of them involved in making the meal. The place was a disaster by the time they were done, but the food had been delicious. Her time in her parents' restaurant had served her well. He wasn't sure what spices she'd found in the cupboards, but whatever she'd done had made the few ingredients they'd used burst with flavor.

She slanted him a glance and lifted one eyebrow. He smiled. She smiled back, looking lovely with her long dark hair fanned out over her shoulders, little tendrils curling around her face. The red of her blouse emphasized the olive tone to her complexion and highlighted the color in her cheeks. Her gaze dropped to the girls. Surprise widened her eyes. “They're asleep.”

Sure enough, both girls' eyes were closed. Tara curled into his side, while Kelsey curled against Lana. Something about this domestic scene clutched at Adam's heart and wouldn't let go.

This was what he wanted. A family. A wife and kids. A legacy to leave behind. One day he would have it.

But not here in DC. He wanted to go back to Colorado, to be near his parents so he could care for them and they could enjoy the kids he hoped to have one day. They traveled to DC to see the twins every few months but the routine had to be tiring for them.

It was up to Adam to build his life near them. To give back all the love and support they'd shown him over the years. The only hard part would be leaving Ace and the unit behind. The dog was an officer for the Capitol K-9 Unit. Someone else would become his handler.

Adam should be hearing about his transfer request soon. But he wouldn't leave until this case was finished.

He had an obligation to protect Lana... No,
obligation
wasn't the right word. At least not now.

Maybe in the beginning it had started as obligation, as part of his job, but somewhere it had turned into something bordering on personal. He cared about this woman.

But caring was a long way from love and as long as he didn't go down that road he'd be fine. He didn't want any ties that would keep him tethered to DC. When he finally put down his roots and was ready to explore romance again, it would be in Colorado. Lana's case would end, he'd say goodbye and move on with his life, just as he'd always planned.

“Let's get them to bed,” Lana whispered.

“Can you carry her?” he asked.

“I'm stronger than I look,” she quipped and picked up Kelsey.

Oh, he knew she was strong. She was one of the strongest women he'd ever met. And brave and caring, compassionate. Everything a man could want in a woman.

His gut twisted with a spurt of jealousy for some faceless, nameless man who would capture Lana's heart. Because Adam wouldn't be that man. He couldn't be. Not if he intended to return home to Colorado.

He lifted Tara up and followed Lana to the girls' bedroom at the top of the stairs. The pink-and-purple room was every little princess's fantasy. Flowers had been painted on the wall and frilly and fluffy bed coverings lay over the two twin-size beds. He laid Tara down and covered her with a heart-patterned comforter. Lana did the same with Kelsey.

Joining Lana in the doorway, they stood silently together and watched the two little sweeties sleep.

He slipped his hand into hers. Her fingers curled around his, their palms touching in the most natural way as if they'd been born to be together. She gazed up at him with tenderness in her eyes. He liked this, liked not seeing the guarded expression that usually appeared in her gaze. Her lips parted. A flare of something, something he was afraid to name, shot between them.

He pulled her into the hall, away from the girls' room, and leaned toward her even as his head bellowed a warning signal. His heart hammered a staccato rhythm in his chest so loud he actually heard the beat in his ears. He hovered over her mouth, waiting for her permission, half hoping, and half dreading she'd move away.

Instead, she rose on her toes and closed the distance between them. Her lips were soft and moist and fit so perfectly against his. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer until their hearts beat together in the same erratic rhythm.

He couldn't have said how long they stood there locked in an embrace that melted his mind and touched him deeply. When the kiss eased and they withdrew from each other, he couldn't bring himself to release his hold on her. Not yet. He dropped his forehead to hers.

Her hand touched his face, her palm warm against his cheek.

He lifted his head and searched her face for regret. Thankfully he saw none. Even so, remorse for taking their relationship further than he anticipated rose within him, crowding aside the affection and attraction that wanted to take over. “I should apologize.”

Her chin dipped. “If you do, I'll punch you.”

He grinned. “Okay, then I won't.”

The key in the front door jangled. The perfect cue for him to leave before he asked for more of her kisses. They went downstairs to greet Joe and Ruth. After briefly exchanging details of their respective evenings—except for the kiss—Lana walked Adam and Ace to the door.

“Thank you,” she said.

He tilted his head. “For?”

“Staying this evening. For making me forget to be afraid.” She laid a hand over his heart. “You're a good man, Officer Adam Donovan.”

His heart swelled, nearly bursting through his skin. Alarm buzzers should be scrambling his brains but for some reason his danger alert wasn't working. Logically, he knew he needed to retreat back to a professional and impersonal position with this beautiful woman but he defied his practical side and touched his lips to hers for a quick, sweet kiss.

She blinked up at him, her eyes huge in her face. Was that yearning he detected in her expression?