Chapter Nine
Case pressed his palm to his chest, trying to steady the rapid rise and fall of his breath, but all he wanted was her again.
He knew they’d have to wait, he needed a moment to catch his breath, so he looked at her.
She was watching him, her eyes bright with mischief.
Then she flashed him a slow grin that made him groan.
“Let’s take a shower,” she said, her voice low and teasing.
He sat up on the edge of the bed, feeling the damp heat of the tangled sheets beneath him.
“Alright.” He reached for his jeans, and removed his wallet to get another condom, the foil packet crinkling between his fingers.
“Just out of curiosity,” she asked as she stretched and eyed him, “how many of those do you keep in your wallet?”
He chuckled. “Two.”
“So that’s the last one?”
He tapped the packet. “Yes, ma’am. Should I make a trip into town?”
She shook her head. “Nope. I have some.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
She perched on the edge of the bed, her legs curling beneath her. “I bought them after we… you know, were together the first time. Once wasn’t enough, then you thought you’d be all gentlemanly and stay away until you solved my case. Why did you change your mind?”
He caught her gaze. “Are you sorry I did?”
“Not at all.” She smiled, and the playfulness in her eyes warmed him more than any heat.
“I told you; I was tired of denying it. We’re good together, Sydney.”
“Good is an understatement.” Her lips curved in that familiar way that made his pulse drum.
“True. Come on, then. Let’s shower.” He stood and held the condom aloft like a trophy.
“Are you planning to do something in the shower that you need a condom for?” she asked, eyebrows arching.
He grinned. “I love shower sex.”
“I’ve never had it.”
His grin widened. “Oh, well, you’re going to.” He offered his hand. She slipped her fingers into his and he led her toward the bathroom.
Later, they lay side by side on the couch, the soft glow of the television flickering across their features. The credits of the movie rolled in silence until Sydney sat up and gave him a sideways look.
“Are you hungry?”
“For food?”
She laughed, making him smile. “Yes.”
He pushed off the cushions and stretched. “I am now that you mention it.”
“How about grilled cheese sandwiches and soup?” she suggested.
“That sounds good.”
“Okay. I’ll be back in a flash.”
“I can help.”
“I’ve got it. You just sit there. Won’t be long.”
“All right.” He made his way to the picture window, drew aside the drapes, and peered out. “Shit,” he muttered. Snow spiraled down in big, damp flakes, sticking fast against the glass. He walked to the kitchen. “Sydney, I’d better try to drive home. It’s snowing like crazy.”
She walked to the back door, opened it, then stepped onto the porch. A raw wind carried sleet in stinging gusts.
“It’s sleeting too,” she said, shivering slightly. “You’d better stay here tonight.”
He hesitated in the doorway, the wind tugging at his hair. “I can’t.”
“Have your dad or your brothers check on your dogs. I don’t feel right letting you out in this.” They moved back inside.
He removed his phone from his pocket, peering at her. “I’ll call Dad.” He dialed and held the device to his ear.
“Case? Anything wrong?”
“Hey, Dad. I can’t make it home tonight. Can you check on Digger and Roo for me?” He glanced out at the swirling white.
“Of course,” his father replied. “Where are you?”
“Uh, I’m fine. Just can’t get home in this.”
His father chuckled. “Okay, I won’t pry. Don’t worry about the dogs. I’ll bring them here. We’re expecting more snow later tonight.”
“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it. I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.”
“Love you too, son.” The line went quiet.
Case slipped the phone back into his pocket and looked at Sydney, as she wrapped her arms around herself.
“I guess you’re stuck with me tonight,” he said, brushing a curl out of her face.
“Oh, such a shame,” she said, grinning as she stepped back to the counter.
Case laughed, the sound warm and easy in the kitchen. “Yeah, it sure is. Are you positive I can’t help?”
Sydney shook her head, strands of red hair touching her shoulders. Steam curled from the microwave door when she opened it. “I just have to assemble the sandwiches. The soups already heated, go ahead and take a seat. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Alright.” Case settled onto the sofa in the living room, watching the snow blow by the window.
Moments later, Sydney emerged carrying a wooden tray.
Two bowls of chicken noodle soup steamed gently, flecks of parsley dancing on the surface.
Beside them sat two golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches, their cheese oozing at the edges.
Case rose to take the tray, his fingers brushing hers as he set it on the low coffee table.
“You have wonderful manners,” Sydney observed, perching on the edge of the sofa.
Case’s grin broadened. “My dad thanks you.”
“Tell me about your mother.” She cocked an eyebrow as she lifted her soup bowl.
He shook his head. “She divorced Dad right after I was born. He raised me and my brothers on his own. She’s on her fifth marriage now, this one’s the same age as Hud, which really pisses him off. Dad always said she never had the ranch life in her.”
Sydney’s shoulders softened. “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine leaving your children behind.”
Case’s lips curved into a rueful half-smile. “She told Dad she didn’t want kids. Funny how that worked out, since she had three.”
The two of them ate in companionable silence for a moment. Case dipped his spoon into the broth, inhaling the scent of rosemary and fresh vegetables. Outside the window, the snow wasn’t letting up at all .
“Does your dad live close by?” she asked, swirling noodles around her spoon.
“Not far.” Case leaned back, propping an elbow on the armrest. “We each have our own twenty-five-acre parcel on a hundred-acre spread. Close enough to help one another, far enough apart not to step on toes.”
“That sounds ideal.” Sydney lifted her sandwich.
Case watched her. “Are you and your family close?”
“We are.” Sydney smiled, cheeks pink from the warmth of the soup. “How old are your brothers?”
“Hud’s the oldest at forty-four and Deke’s forty-two. Do you have siblings?”
He paused, noticing Sydney’s expression went a shade more seriously. “I’m an only child. My mother lost a baby after I was born and decided not to have more. She—she said she almost lost me and spent months on bed rest.”
Case’s gaze softened. “That would make anyone think twice.”
“It did,” she agreed. “They’re happy with just me, so that’s what matters.”
Case nodded thoughtfully. “I’d like to see my dad find someone, but he seems to do fine on his own.”
“Maybe he feels he doesn’t need a partner,” Sydney mused.
“He has us,” Case said quietly. “His three kids, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter. Still, it’s not the same as having someone in your life.”
“Well, you don’t have one of those.” She flashed him a teasing grin.
Case’s eyebrows lifted. “I don’t? Are you saying you’re not in my life?”
“Am I?” Sydney echoed softly. “For how long, Caysen?”
“However long we want.” He curled his fingers into her hair at the nape of her neck. “I thought you wanted to see where this would lead?”
“I do,” she whispered, “but you have to, too.”
His lips quirked upward. “Oh, I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
Sydney let out a relieved laugh just as Case took a bite of his sandwich. A low moan escaped him. “Damn. Either I’m starving or this is fantastic.”
“I use sharp cheddar instead of American,” she admitted, dipping her sandwich into her soup. “I think it’s better that way.”
Case nodded. “It is.”
They finished their meal against the backdrop of a crackling fire and the person on the Weather Channel. A forecaster’s voice announced up to a foot of new snow by morning.
“You might be here a few days,” Sydney remarked, glancing at the snow beyond the window.
“I’ll check the road in the morning. If it’s clear, I’ll head home.”
“Good thing it’s Saturday and you’re off tomorrow.” Sydney gathered the dishes.
“True.” He watched her carefully stack the bowls.
“Any progress on my case?” she asked.
Case wiped his mouth with a soft napkin. “I know who’s behind it. Now I just have to get them to talk.”
“Them?” Sydney’s tone was curious.
“Yeah, two people. I’m sure about both of them, but one got a lawyer. The other is supposed to come into the office and talk to me, but with the weather being as it has, he hasn’t made it in yet. I am positive about the one who lawyered up too.”
“How are you positive with that one?” she probed.
“Boot prints. Cowboy boots, but most have smooth soles. This guy’s heel had a distinctive chunk missing, matched his print exactly. ”
“That’s lucky,” Sydney murmured. “Otherwise, how would you prove it?”
Case smiled wryly. “Rawley spotted it right away.”
“Rawley?” she tilted her head.
“He’s another agent,” Case explained.
“I like his name.” Sydney grinned.
“Whatever,” he teased.
“But I love yours.” She laughed, brushing back a wisp of hair.
“Good save,” he said, amusement in his voice. “Rawley helped me until Dave sent him off to another assignment.”
“Dave?” Sydney asked.
Case nodded. “The boss.”
“Is he good to work for?”
“Yeah. He’s fair but gets pissed if we get involved with victims of the theft we’re investigating.”
“I see.” Sydney’s brow furrowed. “So that’s why you hesitated with me.”
“If he finds out, I’ll be called into his office.
He’s not happy when agents get personally entangled.
It’s happened before, Alex Reeves with Dylan Walters, Wilder Richards with Rory Heston, Eli Hawkins with Lorna Carter…
” Case shook his head. “Wilder even quit to help Rory run her farm, but the rest stayed. Dave never likes it. I can’t remember which one he said it to, but he told him he wished we’d stop thinking with our dicks instead of our heads. ”