When Maggie exited the bathroom, Ericka rushed inside.

  They had been placed in the rooms above the office where they would soon work. The biggest disadvantage was having only one bathroom for six people.

  At least they each got their own bedroom.

  Ericka stepped beneath the spray and bit back a yelp. Ice cold water struck her already chilled skin. She wet her hair, cut the water, lathered, and put the water back on only long enough to rinse out the soap. Fanny and Maggie had been conservative on their bathroom time. So, she didn’t think they’d used all the hot water. However, it was possible.

  But they’d arrived the day before, so they hadn’t had time to test everything. This gave Ericka the idea that the hot water tank was super small, or they didn’t have hot water. Either of which wouldn’t work with six people needing to shower around the same time.

  She stepped from the shower and turned the wall heater on. The coils lit red, and Ericka moved as close as she dared. A white scar on her leg reminded her of a time that she had been forced into one of those heaters. It hadn’t been a pleasant experience. And it wasn’t something she cared to repeat.

  After she warmed up, she dressed rapidly and stepped from the room. Tristan was next. She wished she didn’t have to tell him, but she would.

  “The water is cold.”

  “Oh.”

  “Sorry. I had no hot water either.”

  “Did anyone turn on the hot water heater before we left?” Quinn interrupted.

  “What?”

  “The owner of the building said he didn’t like to leave it on because he was afraid to. He said to turn it on in the morning, use the shower at night, then turn it off when we went to bed.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  Quinn shrugged. “It’s an old building with old equipment.”

  “Couldn’t the PAU spring for something better?”

  “Guess not.”

  Greg was silent on the matter. Instead, he stared at her. The heated gaze took her aback, but she wasn’t sure why. He’d been doing it since they arrived in the area. She wasn’t sure if he was upset or if it was something else. If they ever had a moment alone, she would ask him.

  “I’ll go turn it on.” Quinn disappeared down the long hallway.

  If he turned it on now it wouldn’t be warm until morning. Maybe they’d have hot water for dishes or something.

  With slumped shoulders, Tristan entered the bathroom with his armload of clothes and toiletries.

  Ericka looked along the long empty hallway before she approached Greg. He took a step back as she came toward him, not stopping until his back touched the wall. She leaned into him. Only a sheet of paper could have fit between them.

  “What’s up with you?”

  “Um, nothing.”

  “Uh-huh.” She took one step back and swirled her finger in front of him. “This is not nothing. You keep staring at me. It’s making me worry that I have something peeping out of my nose.”

  He shook his head.

  “Tell me what’s wrong. Did I do something? Did I say—”

  His hand snaked out and wound about her waist as he spun her around until her back was against the wall and she was pinned against him on the opposite side. He lowered his head and smooshed his lips against hers until she let him part her lips.

  When, finally, he pulled back her heart was racing, and she was breathing so hard she couldn’t catch her breath. His forehead leaned against hers.

  “What was that?”

  “Something I’ve wanted to do for years.”

  It wasn’t like the other casual, yet heated, kisses they’d shared. This one held restrained passion that expressed the depth of his feelings for her. She wasn’t sure whether to be pleased or scared.

  She placed her hand on his cheek. Her thumb moved back and forth across his lips.

  He closed his eyes. “It’s good that we’re here with so many other people.”

  She snickered. “Is it really?”

  “Oh, yeah. Otherwise, I might go all caveman and whisk you to my cave. I might beat my chest a little so you’d know how manly I am, then I would make you mine forever.” His pupils had dilated.

  Ericka didn’t know what to say. She thought a little more dating was in order. They’d known each other a long time, and there was no doubt an attraction was there. If she did anymore squirming her panties might fall off, but this wasn’t the right time. She really wanted to wait. She wanted to be married. She wanted it to last forever. This wasn’t just a one-time or afternoon deal for her.

  How could she tell him that without causing him to be upset?

  ****

  Greg bit his tongue until he tasted blood. He’d come on too strong. This was what came from waiting too long. Now he had to be slow after all the buildup and anticipation of being with her.

  Again, separate houses were a better plan. As soon as the door opened and Tristan walked out, he released her and raced to the bathroom. He didn’t want the water to have time to warm up. He welcomed the cold shower.

  He’d seen Ericka’s face when he pulled away, but he couldn’t talk. Not yet. He’d tell her later that he was fine with waiting. He could do this.

  All of this.

  The shower was indeed still cold. It didn’t take long for the frigid water to cool his ardor. His mother, sister, and even Dr. Ellen would have been appalled that he’d come on so strong.

  Oh, well.

  He loved Ericka.

  He wanted to be with Ericka.

  It was simple biology, but also so much more.

  He finished his shower. Dressed with his stuff packed to take out, he hesitated. What if she was still out there and he had to come out and face her now? He might run back inside the bathroom.

  He was such a chicken.

  “Come out, dude. She left.”

  Greg stepped out of the bathroom. Quinn stood there with his eyebrow cocked and his bare foot tapping the plush nineteen seventies rug.

  “You took my spot.”

  “I had to.”

  “I guess so. Ericka had these rosy cheeks, and her hair was all messed up. I’d ask what you two were up to, but that is none of my business.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Although, I will say that if you don’t want everyone to know, you shouldn’t be mumbling so loud about it in the shower. Or kissing her in the hallway.”

  “What?” Had he been talking out loud?

  “I heard some language I didn’t think you used anymore. I know that military is ingrained in you and all, but we’re in a community place now.”

  “You’re kidding? I don’t remember saying anything.”

  Quinn snickered. “Gottcha.”

  Greg punched Quinn in the arm. “Get in the shower.”

  “Yes, boss.”

  Quinn entered the bathroom, and Greg started toward his room. He passed an open doorway and stopped when Ericka walked out. She had her arms crossed over her chest and she looked mad. Like really mad.

  “Are you mad?”

  Wait. What had she said?

  “Greg, are you mad? I mean, we haven’t discussed how this relationship was going to work. And I like kissing like that as much as the next girl, but—”

  He put his finger over her lips. “I’m not mad. I’m glad you’re not upset. Let’s just take it slow. Get to know one another. We have all the time in the world for passion.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t say that. I mean, you’re thirty and I’m almost there and—”

  He hadn’t planned it, but it was the only way to shut her up.

  He leaned forward and planted his lips against hers. The slow movement encouraged her, and she placed her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He didn’t take the bait. He squeezed his clothes in his arms. When the kiss ended, and she leaned back the smile she gave reached her eyes.

  “You know, I think I’m going to really enjoy this part of getting to know each other.”

  “So am I.”

  Greg stepped back and blew her a kiss, which she pretended to catch and bring to her lips. She turned and went into her room, and he walked on to his. He wasn’t sure how this would work out, but at least she wasn’t upset by his touch. That was a plus.

  Now to get some supper and a good night’s sleep before the real work began tomorrow.

  ****

  The bare bulb swung on a single wire. It highlighted the green velvet on the playing table. Tyson dealt the cards and leaned back. The fat cigar hung from his lip. He didn’t smoke it. He just enjoyed the taste. And the cool factor.

  “Whattcha got?”

  The men playing the game were new tonight. He made it a point to invite new people every few weeks, so they never caught on to his tricks. In fact, he had so many come to visit that he rarely could remember their names.

  Tyson laid down his hand. “Pair of queens.”

  The others threw their cards into the pile, and he scooped the money to his side. He’d known he would win before any cards hit the table. It wasn’t because of talent. He was a cheat.

  A good cheat.

  A cheat with technology.

  “Again.”

  Tyson allowed someone else to deal. It didn’t matter who dealt the cards. The glasses that he wore allowed him to see through the special design to the other side. And the cameras around the room didn’t hurt either.

  Sometimes he let others use their cards so he would lose. Losing allowed people to believe that he was just like them.

  But he wasn’t.

  The next hand the pot was small, so he lost on purpose. The next pot was huge. He needed the win for his next venture.

  He laid down his cards. The man who he’d coined Miami Vice for his style of dress rose from the table and flipped back his chair. Then he grabbed Tyson by the collar and hoisted him to his feet.

  “You cheat?”

  Tyson raised his hands. “I don’t cheat. How do I cheat?”

  Miami looked up his sleeves. He looked in his pant legs. He looked everywhere but at his glasses. When he was done, Miami shrugged his shoulders and stepped away from the table. He put his fingers to his eyes then at Tyson. “I’m watching you.”

  Tyson nodded. He didn’t mind. He’d been watched before.

  The other participants didn’t seem amicable to playing after that stunt.

  “Game next week?” Tyson waited.

  “We don’t think so.”

  “How come?” He narrowed his gaze. That was not what he wanted to hear. He needed the games, the money.

  “Words out, Tyson. Your games are rigged. You win too many times.”

  “Says who?”

  “Doyle Mahon. He says you cheat.”

  “What does Doyle know? He runs a dry cleaner.”

  “I hear that he used to be a big boss somewhere.”

  “What kind of big boss?”

  “Like in the mob, dude. You don’t want to mess with him.”

  Tyson laughed. Doyle Mahon running a mob operation was laughable. It was as about as likely as him being a jet pilot after just going to the sixth grade of school.

  The men filed out of the room and Tyson packed everything up. His comic business was failing. He had to make some more money. His gambling debts would be called in soon. If his newest venture didn’t pay off, then he wouldn’t live long enough to bet again.

  He also needed to get Doyle to back off. He was going to ruin everything.

  Chapter Three

  Ericka yawned behind her hand and stretched her arms over her head. She wrinkled her nose. Sunlight streamed through her window and struck her in the face. She blinked and rose before she started sneezing.

  The smell of pancakes and maple syrup hit her. She slipped on her robe and her slippers before making her way down the hallway to the kitchenette. Six bedrooms, one bathroom, and one kitchenette made up the entire top floor of the building. They were lucky to have it, she guessed. She’d looked up rentals in the area and there weren’t that many choices. Beggars couldn’t be choosers.

  Cold from the floor slipped through the thin rubber of her slippers. One thing about the old building, the air conditioner worked well.

  She pulled the robe tighter as she entered the already full kitchen.

  “Hello, sleepyhead.” Greg smiled while holding up a spatula. “Pancake?”

  “Yes, please.”

  She squeezed into one of the free chairs and scooted up to the table. Greg wore an apron that said, Kiss the Cook. As he handed her the pancake and smiled again, she had a hard time resisting the apron’s command.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He paused. “Coffee or juice?”

  “Coffee.”

  “Coming up.”

  “Hey, if you’re serving everybody, I’ll take some freshly squeezed juice.”

  Greg turned and growled at Tristan. He held his hands up in a defensive posture.

  “Excuse much.”

  Maggie stood. “I’ll get it for you.” She took the next pancake that Greg made and got Tristan some juice.

  “Thanks, doll.”

  “You’re welcome.” She bent over and planted a tiny kiss on Tristan’s waiting lips.

  Quinn and Fanny looked on. They already had their food and were forking pancakes in layered bites into their mouth. It was interesting to watch the two of them doing almost the exact same thing at the exact same time. Their meeting, while by chance, had been meant to be.

  Ericka topped the pancake with a spoon of butter and smothered it in hot syrup. Greg had seriously thought of everything.

  The pancake practically melted in her mouth. Soon, Greg finished cooking and brought his own plate to the table. He moved as close to her as he could, which wasn’t easy at the cramped table.

  “Where did this mix come from?” Tristan asked as he looked down at the slightly yellow pancake.

  “From the store.”

  “When?”

  Greg cocked one brow and reached into his pocket. He handed over a receipt.

  “Oh, you went and bought this today.”

  “I did. Any more questions?”

  “Nope.” Tristan forked his own bite into his mouth.

  Ericka was impressed until she realized that Greg probably hadn’t slept much in order to go to the store and make the entire breakfast all before seven.

  She started to ask him but stopped when he put his hand under the table and squeezed her thigh.

  He leaned over. Hot moist breath struck her ear and the side of her neck. “Relax. I’m fine. I just needed an extra, um, distraction. I like to cook when I, um, need a distraction.”

  “Oh.” Heat flushed her cheeks, and she used her coffee to hide it.

  He needed a distraction because of her. She thought she was flattered by the thought.

  “What’s on the agenda for today?” Quinn asked before he took a swig of juice.

  “Today we go downstairs and meet our new bosses. They work down the street a ways, but they’re stopping by. They have a few cases they want us to support. Once we finish these then we’ll be on to our next spot.”

  “We’re lucky.” Quinn squeezed Fanny’s hand.

  “How so?” Greg asked.

  “Our significant others can work from anywhere and they got to come with us. Burle had to leave his wife. Emerson from Echo Team had to leave his wife and new baby.”

  “I see what you mean.” Greg stuck another pancake bite in his mouth.

  “I don’t understand how the upper echelon could think this was a good idea.”

  Everyone agreed with Quinn’s assessment. Ericka hadn’t thought of that. She should have. But she was so happy to be with Greg she hadn’t. She wished there was something she could do for the others. Right now, she might just have to focus on the task at hand. If they finished quickly maybe they could go help out the others and they could return home quicker. That might work.

  Greg looked at her from under his dark lashes. She lowered her gaze to her plate to avoid his heated stare. Cooking was his distraction. She needed to find her own and quick.

  ****

  Greg almost bit his tongue a few different times. He needed to concentrate on chewing or just eating in general. He’d not tasted one bite of his food. Nothing was distracting him from Ericka.

  He might need to ask to change teams.

  On second thought, no way.

  The food finished, he offered to wash dishes. Everyone else left to clean up and dress. He’d already turned on the hot water and had him a shower. Not a hot one so there should be plenty of warm water.

  Once everyone finished getting ready, he, Maggie, Quinn, and Ericka walked downstairs. Fanny and Tristan stayed upstairs and worked on their own projects.

  Greg flipped on the lights. The room looked like an old police station. There was a tall wooden bar in front of the glass doors. The area behind the bar held several desks. Most were covered in old papers and dust. The chairs behind the desks were wooden and on wheels that looked like they’d seen better days.

  “They didn’t clean.”

  “They did not.”

  Maggie pulled out a chair and dust kicked into the air causing her to go into a fit of coughing. “This isn’t going to work.”

  “I see that.” Greg looked around the room for cleaning supplies. If they were going to put them there maybe they thought, they would clean up. He had no problem with that.

  The bell above the door rang. He hadn’t known the door was unlocked.

  The gentleman that opened the door held up a key. Greg nodded in his direction.

  “Sorry, for the state of the place. We haven’t had time to clean the downstairs, but we brought some people to help.”

  About ten people with mops and dusters entered the room. Greg and his team scattered to the wall to get out of the way.

  “Why don’t you come to our office, and we’ll discuss cases while the cleaning happens.”

  “That sounds like a good idea.”

  “We heard that one of you is allergic to dust. We wouldn’t want anyone to have an episode.”

  Maggie added, “No, we would not.”

  Greg was impressed with the efficiency of the men. They were well prepared. A couple of blocks away they entered another more modern office. Inside, they were escorted into a private conference room and told to find a seat. Greg deliberately didn’t sit next to Ericka. But he sat across from her. That was almost as bad. Probably worse.