“Overalls?”

  “We think that whoever shot Joanna may have posed as a floral delivery man since there was a vase of flowers on the piano in her living room. She said it wasn’t him. None of her neighbors saw the man.” He took another bite of his spaghetti. “I’m going to see her tomorrow and ask if Andrew ever hit her. I also might ask a couple of her friends about the situation.”

  She studied him. He had an expression that said there was a sticking point he couldn’t get around.

  “What’s bothering you, Ash?”

  He laughed. “There’s a list, Kel.”

  “What’s on it?”

  “On the top of it is that picture of Joanna and Andrew at a party. It’s like a sore tooth with me. I want to know where it was taken and when. I might take it with me and ask some society folks if they recognize the occasion.”

  She couldn’t complain about his feelings. She’d just given in to hers and saved the Carlson file.

  “I also talked to the Procters’ personal secretary. They knew about Catherine filing for divorce from Andrew. Her father threatened to disown her if she divorced. She dropped the action.”

  “I guess families don’t like divorce. I can’t say my folks were pleased about ours.” She glanced up, realizing that she had stepped into it.

  He laughed. “I won’t repeat what my mom said.”

  Silence settled between them. So neither of their families had supported their divorce.

  What if—she stopped the thought cold. There was no use going back and playing the “what if” game.

  “Thank you, Ash, for what you’ve done here at the house. I’ll sleep a lot easier with those safety locks on the windows.”

  “I’m glad someone will,” he muttered.

  “What?”

  “The guy who broke in didn’t find what he was looking for.” He broke off a piece of bread and stuffed it into his mouth.

  “And what was that?” she asked carefully, knowing the answer.

  His eyes narrowed. “Don’t do this dance with me, Kelly. We both think whoever broke into your place was looking for the Carlson file. Since he didn’t find it, there’s a chance he might come back.”

  It irritated the stuffing out of her when he was right.

  “I should spend the night.” When her eyes narrowed, he added, “On the couch.”

  “You’ve done enough with the window locks. I doubt that our thief will come back here. He wouldn’t be that stupid.”

  Ash leaned forward. “You and I both know that criminals are dumb and do stupid things on a regular basis. A good part of our success is due to their stupidity.”

  She knew he was worried about her, but she wouldn’t be manipulated by others. “Go home, Ash. I’ll be fine.”

  Kelly remembered those words when she heard the window frame rattle in the living room several hours later. The sound came again. Instantly she dialed 911.

  After hanging up, she grabbed the tennis racket in her closet and walked into the hall. She wasn’t going to cower in the bedroom. By the time she reached the living room, the intruder had moved to the dining room window. The lock broke, but the window moved up only two inches, stopping at the lock placed in the track of the window. Over the roar of her pounding blood she heard the intruder struggle with the window, but it wouldn’t move.

  Silently Kelly thanked Ash for installing the locks. She heard the low curse. The man moved to another window in the library.

  He tried again, getting the same result.

  When were the police going to arrive? By the time she wondered it, she heard the sirens in the distance.

  Kelly leaned her head back against the wall, relief making her light-headed.

  By the time the police unit pulled up to her address, the intruder had disappeared. She raced into her bedroom and slipped on the robe before she answered the front door.

  Before the patrolmen finished looking around the house, Ash had pulled up in her driveway. He was the most welcome sight she’d seen in a long, long time. She barely stopped herself from dashing out of the house and into his arms.

  After identifying himself to the officers, he opened his arms and Kelly walked into them. His heat and strength were welcome, a place of safety and comfort.

  “I’m going to spend the rest of the night, Kel.” His tone left no room for argument.

  If he expected one, he didn’t get it. It was a smart person who knew when they needed help. And she needed help. She needed him.

  He pulled back and looked into her eyes.

  “I might be stubborn, but I’m not a fool.”

  He grinned.

  “The sofa’s long enough for you,” she added.

  “I know.”

  “Let’s talk to the officers and see what they uncovered, then maybe I can get you a cup of coffee.”

  “You got a deal.”

  They sat at the kitchen table, nursing cups of coffee. It had taken less than ten minutes to get from his apartment to Kelly’s, from the time dispatch had called him with the news of Kelly’s call. His dome light flashing, he’d run every light. Ash hadn’t been asleep but lying awake. Twice he had almost dressed and driven to her house. He hadn’t liked leaving her alone, but knew his stubborn ex-wife had made up her mind and wouldn’t appreciate him overruling her.

  Fear had made his heart race as if he’d run a marathon. He knew he wasn’t going to leave her alone again until this case was resolved. She might not like it, but that was just too bad. What surprised him was that she didn’t argue with him on the edict. Oh sure, she didn’t know his staying was a long-term thing, but she’d welcomed him to stay the night. That was a sure sign of her fear.

  “We need to look at the Carlson file again and see what it is that someone wants,” Ash said.

  “You want to do that now?” She glanced at the clock over the stove. “It’s two forty-five.”

  “Some of my best work is done at this time of the night.” He’d meant thinking, but visions of them in bed together filled his head.

  Her eyes widened and he knew she was thinking the same thing.

  “Finding clues,” he whispered, taking pity on her.

  “Why don’t we try to look at the case tomorrow morning. I’ll get you a pillow and some blankets.” She stood and put her cup into the sink, then hurried out of the room.

  He rinsed out his cup, then went into the living room. Kelly came out the bedroom with a pillow and blanket and handed them to him.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He smiled, but every instinct was screaming at him to follow her into that bedroom. He ignored them.

  She couldn’t sleep. Not with Ash in the other room. But the reason for her lack of sleep wasn’t fear. It was want. She wanted to go to him and lose herself in his strength. Being with him these past few days, feeling his arms around her, his lips on hers, had brought a host of emotions with them.

  And hunger.

  She got up and went into the bathroom, getting a drink of water. When she came back into the bedroom, Ash stood there by the bed, his gun in his hand.

  “I heard a noise. I was worried about you.”

  “I was thirsty.” She tried to smile. “I sound like a four-year-old.”

  He had on his jeans, but he didn’t have a shirt on. He stepped closer. “In no way do you remind me of a child.”

  His chest was inches from her face. Her gaze traveled up his throat to his chin then his wonderful lips. Her fingers itched to touch him. “What do I remind you of?”

  His well-formed mouth lifted into a smile. She felt his eyes move over her body.

  “A temptation.”

  Her gaze locked with his.

  “A temptation that I need to surrender to.” He placed his gun on the nightstand, then his hands caught hers and placed them on his shoulders. He slid his arms around her, pulling her against him. “What do you say, Kel? Do you want to yield, too?”

  “More than anything,” she whispered, raising up on her toes and meeting her mouth to his. This time they both knew this wasn’t for show, or anyone else’s benefit but their own.

  It was the most welcome kiss of her life. More thrilling than the first time Ash had kissed her, because she knew the promise of that kiss, the glory.

  He lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. “Do you want this, Kel? Because if you don’t, tell me now and I can walk out of this room. But if you don’t tell me otherwise, I intend to join you in that bed and love you.”

  She realized he was giving her the choice. He wouldn’t try to rush her or use the pull that drove both of them. It was her choice.

  She grasped his hand and led him to the bed. Her hands skimmed over his bare torso. He returned the favor by pushing the straps of her nightgown off her shoulders. The gown fell to her waist. He gazed at her.

  “You’re beautiful.” His hands covered her breasts.

  He didn’t give her time to react and covered her mouth with his. He sat on the bed, pulling her into his lap. She opened her mouth, inviting him in. He didn’t hesitate, but took advantage of the invitation.

  His fingers slid down her neck to rest on her collarbone. His mouth followed his hand, nibbling. She ran her fingers over his shoulders and into his hair. Pulling his head up, she brought his mouth back to hers.

  “Oh, you are greedy,” he whispered.

  She spread her fingers out and ran them over his chest. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on the man.

  He brushed his chest against the sensitive peaks of her breasts. She sighed.

  He tumbled her onto her back and his eyes roamed over her.

  “You’re beautiful, Kel.” His hand swept down her body, pushing off the gown. He stood, shed his pants and quickly joined her again.

  She gasped at the touch of his hand. She clutched at his shoulders, urging him on.

  “Don’t keep torturing me, Ash.”

  His grin spoke of mischief. “I haven’t begun, sweetheart.”

  He was true to his word. His hand found all the places he knew were sensitive and he made her moan with pleasure. She returned the favor and enjoyed his reaction when she bit his shoulder.

  “You want to play like that?”

  “No. I want you, Ash.”

  She didn’t have to say another thing. He covered her and joined his body to hers. It was the first time in five years that she had felt whole.

  Tears streamed out of the corners of her eyes.

  He stopped and brushed them away. “Am I too rough?”

  “No, and don’t stop now. I’ve waited too long for this.”

  His strokes were sure and strong, bringing her to the edge.

  “That’s it, Kel. Go with it, sweetheart, go with it.”

  With a final thrust, he pushed her over the edge into ecstasy. He quickly followed, then collapsed on her.

  “Perfect,” she heard him mumble.

  She shared his sentiment.

  At first Ash thought he was dreaming the feel of Kelly in his arms. It took only a moment for him to realize this wasn’t a dream. Kelly was lying next to him. He’d often fantasized this, but the reality was better.

  He smiled into the premorning darkness.

  When he had heard the sounds of movement in Kelly’s room last night, he hadn’t thought, he’d grabbed his weapon and charged in there, ready to defend her. When she’d come out of the bathroom, startled and in that flimsy gown, he’d been unable to move from the spot, his need for her overwhelming him.

  Their lovemaking had been everything he’d remembered. She’d never been shy in her responses, nor stingy with them. Her sighs, her moans were music to his ears.

  But as soon as the satisfied feeling settled, it was followed by the ugly realization of where this was going.

  He didn’t want to think about it. He just wanted to enjoy the moment. Enjoy the feel of her smooth skin against his, her warmth seeping into his bones. But what he really wanted was to see her smile. He slipped out of the bed, put his pants on and went into the kitchen. He’d surprise her with coffee and eggs. She always had a healthy appetite.

  The smell of coffee woke Kelly, then the sound of “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’” floated into the room. Ash was singing.

  He had a wonderful voice, deep, mellow, totally masculine. He’d been the most welcome sight last night when he had shown up, looking big and tough. Better still when she’d seen him next to her bed, gun in his hand, ready to defend her against whatever would threaten her.

  Kelly stared at the ceiling. Her heart was full, but could she trust these feelings? She had trusted him before, but when she needed him, he hadn’t been there.

  He’s not proposing, Kelly, she reminded herself.

  So you’re going to enjoy him without thinking of the future?

  She didn’t have an answer for that.

  He appeared at the bedroom door with a steaming mug in his hand.

  “Hey, sleepyhead. Want some coffee?” The corner of his mouth turned up with pure mischief.

  “You know for a fact I’d kill for a cup,” she answered.

  “Bad thing to say to a cop.” He strode forward, then sat on the bed next to her. “How about a kiss?” He held up the mug.

  “That’s a pretty steep price, but…” She propped herself up on one elbow and brushed a kiss across his lips. But what she intended as a brief kiss backfired. The taste of him was welcome, and her mouth lingered on his. When she pulled back, his eyes had a hungry quality.

  “Here.” He handed her the cup.

  She took a sip. Gently he took the cup from her hand and set it on the nightstand.

  His hands cupped the sides of her face, then he slowly lowered his mouth to hers. Kelly melted at the touch of his lips and her hands grasped his arms to anchor herself to him.

  “Are you going to burn anything in the kitchen?”

  He smiled. “No. I turned off the eggs before I walked in here. They’ll be cold.”

  “But I think it will be worth it.”

  The humor left his face and he pushed back the hair against her cheek. “I’m glad you think so.”

  Kelly took another bite of the cold eggs and winced.

  “I thought you said it would be worth it?” Ash teased. He stood next to her as they devoured the eggs from the frying pan still on the stove.

  “It was.”

  He studied her. He had on only his jeans. She wore his shirt.

  “But you’re having second thoughts,” he murmured.

  “I don’t know, Ash.” She looked down at the counter. “I don’t know.”

  The doorbell chimed. Ash walked into the other room.

  “Hello, partner.” A long silence followed. Kelly could only imagine the silent exchange that went on between the two of them. “You want some coffee?”

  “Sure.”

  Julie and Ash appeared in the kitchen. Julie didn’t blink an eyelash when she saw Kelly in Ash’s shirt, didn’t act as if it was an unusual thing to find him with a woman in his shirt.

  “Good morning, Kelly,” Julie greeted. “I was worried when I heard about your 911 call last night. When I couldn’t find Ash, I decided to come over here. I’m glad everything is all right.”

  Kelly looked down at the pan on the stove, a blush staining her cheeks.

  “So far,” Ash answered before she could speak.

  “Thanks for your concern.” She forced a smile on her face. “I need to shower and get ready for work.” She walked into the bedroom.

  Julie leaned against the counter and looked at Ash. “You going to get me a cup of coffee?”

  Ash pulled a cup from the cabinet and filled it.

  “Thanks,” she murmured when he handed it to her.

  “Don’t say a word,” Ash cautioned. He didn’t want to have to explain to anyone what had happened here. He didn’t want to face it or analyze it.

  “I thought you might want to see Joanna Kris. She’s taken a turn for the worse.”

  He snapped upright. “You’re right.” He started out of the room when the phone rang. He picked it up. “Hello,” he barked.

  “I was calling Kelly Whalen,” the woman said tentatively.

  Ash recognized the voice of his ex-mother-in-law. “Morning, Jean.”

  “Ash? What are you doing—is everything okay?”

  He had to smile. Jean was a very proper lady. Widowed for the past fifteen years, she’d raised her two sons and a daughter on her secretary’s salary.

  “I came by to talk to Kelly about a case. She’s showering now, but when she gets out I’ll have her call you.”

  She hesitated. “Thank you. It was nice to talk to you again. Come see me.”

  He’d been fortunate that his mother-in-law was crazy about him. Kelly’s family had welcomed him. Her two brothers both worked in the oil industry in Beaumont. He hadn’t seen them since the death of their child.

  When he hung up, Julie pinned him with her gaze.

  “I’ll get dressed and we’ll go see about Joanna.”

  He hadn’t brought another shirt with him when he rushed over here last night. Walking into the bedroom, he wondered if Kelly had left his shirt on the bed. No such luck.

  He knocked on the bathroom door. “Kel.”

  She opened the door. Wrapped in a towel, her hair wet, she looked at him.

  “I need my shirt. Joanna Kris isn’t doing well. Julie and I going to talk to her again.”

  She reached behind the door and grabbed his shirt. “Here.”

  He took it. “Thanks. Your mom just called.”

  She paled.

  “She wants you to call her back.”

  “Terrific,” she grumbled.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  Her head snapped up. “What did you say to her?”

  “That I came by for some great sex with my ex-wife. Is there a problem with that?”

  She laughed. “Yeah. They always wanted to know why I was so stupid to let you get away.” She closed the door in his face.

  Astounded at her words, he stared at the door. His parents and sister had given him no end of grief for letting Kelly go. His dad had been particularly rough, asking what he was using for brains to let that pretty and smart woman go. His sister hadn’t been so kind.

  “Ash, let’s get going,” Julie called.