Chapter 14 West
WEST
My fingers stroked up and down Lex’s back, tracing the ridges of her spine. I’d never felt more at peace than I did right now. As if my soul had settled in a way that I hadn’t thought was possible.
Lex shifted, turning her head to look up at me. “Freaking out?”
Her tone was deceptively casual, but I saw the strain of worry in her eyes.
Guilt dug its claws into my chest. I leaned down, brushing my lips over hers.
“Not freaking out. I’m sorry I did earlier today.
I knew I needed to keep some objectivity if I was going to stay on this case.
But I could never be objective when it came to you. ”
Lex turned fully, the sheets pooling around her. “No?”
I shook my head. “Because the truth is, I’ve been in love with you for far longer than I should admit.”
Lex’s breath hitched, her eyes glistening. “You love me?”
I leaned in closer, my lips almost touching hers. “I love you.”
“Never thought I’d get those words from you.”
I brushed the hair away from her face. “I should’ve told you a long time ago. Should’ve fought for you.”
Lex pressed a hand to my chest. “You’re fighting now.” She stared up at me. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember.”
I grinned, getting way too much of an ego hit from those words.
Worry creased Lex’s face. “What about your job?”
My gut twisted. “I need to go talk to Holt. I’ll ask him for leave so I can stay with you, but I won’t be able to work the case officially.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
I cut Lex off with a kiss. “I’m not sorry about a damn thing. I have what I’ve always wanted.”
A soft smile spread across her face. “Okay.”
I forced myself up, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. “I’m going to go talk to him now.”
Lex nodded. “I’ll get dressed and make us dinner.”
I kissed her one more time, drowning in that taste. “Love you.”
“Never gonna get tired of hearing those words.”
“Good,” I said as I stood and pulled on my pants. “Because I’m never going to get tired of saying them.”
She laughed as I grabbed my T-shirt. “Get out of here before I drag you into the shower with me.”
I growled, my eyes heating. “Later.”
“Promises, promises.”
I shifted my holster into place and took off as Lex stood from the bed. If I stayed one second longer, I’d be in that shower with her, no question. I made my way down the hall and into the living area.
Holt looked up from his computer at the dining table, his expression unreadable. “Got something to tell me?”
“You’re going to have to get a replacement for me.”
He leaned back in his chair. “The noises coming from that wing told me as much. Morel will be here in the morning.”
“You’re not gonna ream me out?”
Holt sighed. “I never should’ve let you come in the first place. I knew you had feelings for her. Anyone could see that.”
I straightened. “I didn’t lie to you. We never had anything more than friendship until just now.”
“But you love her.”
My jaw worked back and forth, but I nodded. “I have for as long as I can remember. It’s just changed over the years.”
Grief, raw and stark, streaked across Holt’s eyes. “I know that feeling. It’s an unstoppable force.”
I studied my boss and friend. He never talked about his past. I’d met his father and one of his brothers, but he rarely went home. I couldn’t help but wonder if there were ghosts for him there. “Unstoppable is the perfect word.”
Holt squeezed the back of his neck. “I’m guessing you want to take some of your vacation time?”
“I can’t leave her, not when something like this is going on.”
More pain filled Holt’s eyes as if he were battling some invisible war. “Good. Leaving would only give you a lifetime of regret.”
“Are you okay?” I had to ask the question. Just in case now was the time Holt would choose to lighten his load.
He opened his mouth as if he might say something, but before he could, we were plunged into darkness.
Holt cursed, getting to his feet in a flash. My hand went to the holster at my back, pulling my weapon. We instantly stalked down the hallway, only using the hand signals we knew by heart in the barely there light.
We each took a side of the door of Lex’s room. I nodded at Holt, and he pushed it open. I was through the door and scanning the space. Empty. No sign of Lex. But the back doors were wide open.
Lex was gone.