Until Kane.
There was no way she wanted to walk out of this house looking like the woman he’d met three days earlier. Not when she felt so different inside. Raiding Catherine’s closet was the only solution. A few trips to her sister’s room and she’d made her decision. She pulled a pair of black thigh high boots over tight leggings, then eased another of Cat’s V-necked tops, this one a light pink, over her head. Cleavage she was used to hiding was visible. Enough to be presentable not classless.
Glancing in the mirror, she ran her fingers through her hair, when she caught sight of Kane standing guard in the doorway.
“Ready for action. How do I look?” She turned toward him.
His scowl spoke for him. “This isn’t a date. What the hell do you think you’re doing, dressing like that?”
She recognized his roar. She’d gotten to him on some level that made him uncomfortable. Mission accomplished, she thought, and smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment. So you like it?” She smoothed the fitted top over her hips.
“Damn right I like it. You look great.” His smoky gaze lit on hers.
Her grin widened. “Thank you, Kane,” she said with a deliberate lilt to her voice.
The tension eased and he smiled back. “So the files were right. You are a quick learner.”
“I’m the best.”
“I know that,” he muttered. “Now take it off.”
“Excuse me?”
“You don’t want to arouse the guy; you want him in and out as fast as possible. You want to convince him you want out of the business, not that you’re looking to be hooked up with his next client.”
“It’s an outfit most women wear every day.”
“You’re not most women,” he muttered. “Now do this one thing for me. You don’t want that kind of reaction from the guy.”
“I didn’t think.” Not about anyone’s reaction to her outfit but Kane’s, and she’d already gotten what she wanted.
“That’s the point. You’re taking this whole meeting too damn lightly.”
“If you’re talking about the clothes, I’ll change.” Kayla wasn’t one to argue with reason, no matter how bossy the command sounded.
Besides, this was her golden opportunity. Her one chance to have Kane see he could be emotionally involved without harmful or, worse, fatal repercussions. Everything rode on this meeting turning out as planned. She would follow his advice, but she would also show him that she could stand on her own.
“But if you’re talking about attitude, you ought to take a lesson. Will obsessing over the meeting change the outcome? You prepped me and I’m ready. I’ll be mic’d, and I know you’ll be as close as possible. I’ll be surrounded by protection.”
“And you don’t move from your seat. Either he wants the books or he doesn’t. You got that?”
“Considering you told me at least ten times, how could I forget? Relax, Kane. Take a lesson from me.” After her initial panic last night, she’d realized nothing would alter fate…whatever it held. Somehow, the knowledge eased her fear and helped her remain calm. “I can’t control the future,” she told him. “But I can enjoy now.”
He threaded his fingers through hers. The comfort she found in his touch amazed her, as did the strength of her feelings. She’d only known him a short time, but it was enough.
“Is that what you’re doing?” he asked. “Enjoying now?”
“What else?”
“Changing before my eyes.” He tugged on her hand and she drew closer. Their bodies aligned until she felt his weight and heat pressed intimately against her. His arms wrapped around her waist, moving her into the V of his legs. His erection hardened and grew against her stomach. A harsh groan escaped his lips, telling her he was unbearably aroused.
At that moment, she knew she could have one last time with him.
His hips jerked forward, and she swallowed a moan. She licked her dry lips. “You tempt me, Kane.”
“Only fair since you drive me out of my mind.” His lips lowered, capturing hers. This kiss wasn’t urgent and out of control; it wasn’t slow and determined with seduction as the result. His tongue delved and played inside her mouth, devouring, arousing…remembering for the future.
Kayla had no doubt. In Kane’s mind, this was goodbye.
* * *
She ordered a drink from the waiter, as planned. Kane breathed a sigh of relief. He’d heard her loud and clear through the mic she wore. Now he settled in to wait.
Five after twelve, and the lunch crowd had all taken their seats, fellow cops with big appetites and good instincts. He’d still rather be inside himself rather than listening from the manager’s office just outside the dining-room entrance.
“It’s time.” A male voice interrupted Kane’s train of thought.
“Actually past time. I’ve been waiting since twelve, like you said.” The edge in Kayla’s voice was unmistakable. Relax, sweetheart.
“Change of plans. I can’t stay long.”
“Too bad,” Kayla said. “I…I just ordered a drink, and I was hoping you’d join me.”
Perfect, Kane thought. Keep him talking and keep him in the restaurant.
“Not that you don’t tempt me, honey. You do. Hell, with a body like yours you’d tempt a monk, but I’m in a rush, so…maybe some other time.”
“That might be possible if I wanted to continue the business—which I don’t.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Like I told you on the phone, my mother’s sick and I want some of your aunt’s crossword books to keep her busy.”
Damn. The guy suspected a trap. Kane hoped like hell Kayla stuck to the plan. “Give him what he wants,” he muttered.
“You know, my aunt was really into these books. I’d hate to just give them to someone who didn’t appreciate them the way she did. I’m sure you understand.”
Kane could practically see her batting those big, green eyes for effect…at the same guy who’d wrapped his arm around her neck without a second thought.
He exhaled
