Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Coolness spread over Emma’s shoulder. She reached down and yanked the quilt up to her chin.
Wait, why was she cold? Under protest, her weary eyelids popped open.
Sunlight filtered through the slats of the blinds.
The spot beside her was empty. That’s why she was cold.
The warm body she’d clung to through the night was no longer there, and when she ran her hand over the spot, it was cool, which meant Cap had been gone for a while.
Emma rolled onto her back and closed her eyes, indulging in the memory of what she and Cap had done during the wee morning hours.
Her heart fluttered, and her breasts tingled.
The man knew what to do to make her body hum.
A large part of her had wanted to take things further, but she was unsure.
She liked him a lot, but she’d just gotten out of a relationship that was on the marriage track.
Marriage track. That label seemed strange.
Upon further thought, she realized that the label made sense.
She was on track to marry, not bind herself with a soulmate for life.
How had she let things get so far down that path with Jonathan?
She didn’t love him. At one time, she’d thought she did, but now knew she didn’t.
Still, she didn’t want harm to come to him, and she hoped he’d be okay.
One last opportunity to see him and chew him out for the danger he put her in would be welcome as well.
When he got out of the hospital, she would give him a piece of her mind and walk away from him forever.
The air conditioning kicked on, and cool air blew directly onto her face, forcing a decision either to pull the blankets over her head or roll out of bed and find the handsome man she shared it with last night. She flung the covers back, snagged her pajama top off the floor, and slipped into it.
The aroma of coffee led her to the kitchen, where she found Cap, dressed and ready for the day.
In just one day, his attire switched from long cargo shorts and a t-shirt to black tactical pants, black boots, a black t-shirt, and a holstered weapon.
He looked ready to kick some ass if need be and sexy as hell.
He leaned back against the counter, holding a coffee cup in one hand and had his phone pressed to his ear with the other. He winked at her. Her heart slammed against her ribcage.
“Okay…yes…sounds good. Later,” he said to whoever he spoke with, then he set the phone on the countertop.
“Good morning.”
“Morning. How long have you been up?” she asked.
“An hour. Want some coffee?”
“Sure.”
Cap spun around, pulled a coffee cup from the cupboard, and filled it with coffee.
“Need cream or sugar?”
“No, black is fine.”
“Just the way I like it too.”
Cap gestured to a place setting at the peninsula.
“Have a seat. The quiche is almost done.”
She swallowed down her sip of coffee and cleared her throat. “You made a quiche?”
His smile widened. “Sure did. Took the container right out of the freezer and popped it into the oven.”
“Perfect.”
She sat and watched Cap as he placed salt and pepper shakers on the counter in front of her.
The oven timer dinged, and Cap pulled it out and set it on the stovetop. He cut into it.
“Looks like it’s done.”
Reaching back, he grabbed his plate from the countertop and placed two pie-sized pieces onto it. Then, he grabbed her plate.
“How many pieces do you want?”
“I’ll do one. Thanks.”
He set her plate in front of her and then rounded to the peninsula to take the seat next to her.
She took a good-sized bite and savored the fabulous flavor. Eggs, spinach, cheese. Yes, she was all about the cheese. One of her favorite foods.
Cap was quiet as he ate. Now and then, he turned his head to look at her, then he’d focus back on his plate.
When she finished eating, she rose and, with her plate in her hand, walked over to the sink, rinsed it, and set it on the counter.
She focused on Cap. “Are you finished, or do you want me to scoop another piece for you?”
“I’m done. Thanks.”
She took his plate, rinsed and stacked it.
“More coffee?” she asked.
“Sure.”
She refilled their cups and sat next to him again.
Cap slid his chair back and turned it to face her. His right arm rested on the countertop with his cup gripped in his hand.
“Do you have any updates?” she asked.
It about killed her to wait this long to ask, but she’d hoped he’d just update her without being prodded.
“I talked to Hunter today, and the charter is going fine. No problem at all. And better yet, the clients are catching salmon. Turns out, Captain Tomie is a pretty good first mate, but then again, Cici is a good boat captain.”
“There’s a lot of captaining going on here. You, Cici, Captain Tomie,” Emma joked.
Cap laughed at her observation.
“I guess there is.”
“So, what happens today?” she asked.
“We hold tight. I talked to the chief earlier. Markie is doing her thing, driving around the county in Jonathan’s truck trying to draw attention, and it’s working.”
“What do you mean?”
The police department’s social media accounts are blowing up with people reporting seeing the truck, which is exactly what we want, and hopefully that will draw the Colombians out.
She knew that was the plan, and she agreed to it, but that didn’t ease the sensation of dread and fear snaking up her spine.
Cap reached toward her and placed his large, warm hand over her hand that rested on the counter.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She believed him. The guy who had no obligation whatsoever to help her had already proven his loyalty to her and assured her several times he’d protect her.
“I know. Thank you. I just don’t want anything bad to happen to Markie, either.”
He leaned forward and gave her a peck on the lips, then leaned back.
“Markie can take care of herself. This is what she does. And other law enforcement officers have their eyes on her.”
“And Jonathan?” she asked.
Saying his name after she’d just kissed another man felt awkward.
“His surgery went well yesterday, and he’s still in the ICU. They expect to move him out of there today. An officer is posted outside his room, so he should be safe.”
“That’s good.”
Cap nodded.
“I’d like to see him. Do you think we can go to the hospital?”
Cap’s dark eyes studied her for a moment.
“I don’t know. I’ll have to run it past the chief. It’s possible the Colombians have eyes on him in the hospital, so it might not be safe.”
“I just…I don’t know. I guess I need to see him to make sure he’s okay, and then give him a piece of my mind. You know, closure. I have some things to say.”
The corners of Cap’s mouth twitched upward as he fought a smile.
“I get it. We’ll see what we can do.”
“And what about Preston? How is he?” she asked.
Cap’s mouth rose into a smile. “Chief Mertz said he’s awake. Has a hell of a headache, but they expect he’ll be just fine.”
“That’s great. I was so worried about him.”
“Me, too.”
Emma rose, taking her coffee cup with her, and walked toward the big window in the living room.
She moved the curtain just a smidge so she could peek outside.
The sun glowed. The air looked still, not a leaf on the trees moved.
It seemed like a punishment to not be allowed to enjoy this beautiful day outside.
With a glance to the right, she saw a squad car tucked in next to the garage.
“Looks so nice outside this morning. So, we just stay cooped up in this little cabin all day then?” she asked as she walked back toward Cap.
“Yeah, that’s safest right now.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and walked around the tiny kitchen and living room area. She felt a bit like a nervous, caged animal. It was a cozy place that offered comfort, but the fact she was in hiding still made her uneasy.
“Emma. I’m sorry, but it’s for the best,” Cap said, picking up on her anxiousness.
“I know.”
“We could take a little walk if that would make you feel better.”
That sounded wonderful.
“We can?”
“This property abuts a conservancy property. I’ve hiked the trails many times. Though we’ll stay off the trail to avoid seeing anyone. There’s a little lake we can hike to.”
“Let’s do it.”
“Give me just a minute. I’ll let the deputy know what we plan to do.”
Cap peered through the kitchen window. “Looks clear.”
He exited the cabin, and she watched through the same window as he engaged with the deputy in the squad car. A moment later, he returned.
“We’re all set. He has my phone number. I told him we’d be gone an hour, maybe a little longer.”
Emma slipped into the bedroom and dressed. Then, she and Cap set out on their hike.
Once behind the cabin, Cap led her through the woods.
“Watch your footing. It won’t be too bad in this area, not walking on the trail, but still, keep an eye out for obstacles.”
Emma followed him through the woods as he walked with ease, stepping over the uneven terrain and slipping between trees and foliage. For her, every foot placement seemed to require great attention.
When they reached a small creek, he jumped over it, then reached back to take her hand to help her.
Electricity sparked between them enough that it practically pulled her over the creek with just the lightest touch from him.
Once over, he kept her hand in his. They walked along the edge of the creek for a few minutes, not stopping until they reached the shore of the tiny lake it dumped into.
“This is it,” Cap said as he tilted his face to the sun and inhaled deeply.
Following his lead, she did the same, taking in the fresh woodsy scent as the sun warmed her face. It was invigorating and relaxing at the same time. And safe. It felt safe to be in the woods, away from everyone.
When she opened her eyes, she found Cap’s gaze on her.
“It’s lovely here,” she said.
He leaned forward and gave her a light peck on the lips.
Birds chirped in the background. The distinct quacking of ducks among the cattails to her left drew her attention. Out from behind the tall cattails and other wetland foliage, about twenty feet away, paddled a mother duck with five babies in tow.
Emma went stick-still to not scare them away.
She wondered what kind they were. The mom was gray-brown with a white teardrop patch around her eyes.
Her feathers were darker at the center of her back and toward her tail.
They floated off in the opposite direction and then tucked back into the tall foliage.
“That was a pleasant treat,” Cap whispered.
She returned his warm smile.
“Sure was. What kind are they?”
“Wood ducks. Mostly, I see those and mallards out here.”
“I’ve seen mallards before. Their coloring is beautiful. That bright green.”
“Yeah, they are pretty, but so are the male wood ducks. They have vibrant coloring. An iridescent green and purple head, bright red eyes, and a red bill with a black and white patch. When you see one, you definitely know it’s a male wood duck.”
“It’s so unfair.”
Cap pulled a frown.
“What is?” he asked.
“When it comes to tropical fish and ducks, the males get all the pretty coloring, and the females are bland.”
“That’s for protection. They’re a duller color to camouflage them from predators. It helps them hide when incubating eggs. Males are colorful to help attract mates.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“Just the opposite of people.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“You ladies are beautiful and attractive, and we’re plain.”
Her heart fluttered. She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him lightly, and he wrapped her in his arms. She practically melted into him, soaking in the security and comfort he provided.
“Look there,” Cap said as he released all but the hand he held.
“What?”
He pointed to a spot across the lake where a bald eagle towered in its large nest.
“I see one or two almost every time I come out here.”
“So, there’s a pair?”
“Yes. I was out here with my binoculars a couple of weeks ago, and I know they had two babies in the nest.”
“That’s awesome.”
Cap chuckled.
“What?”
“In the case of the bald eagle, it’s a bird where the males and females look the same. I guess she’s just as handsome as he is. Blowing your theory out of the water,” he said.
“Handsome. Or, maybe he’s just as pretty as she is.”
They shared a laugh.
“Either way, they look the same. Still, though, when it comes to humans, you ladies have it going on compared to us.”
Emma turned to face him directly. “How is it nobody’s snatched you up yet?”
Cap’s body went rigid. His gaze slid away, and his hand slipped from hers.
“We should get back to the cabin,” he said in a static tone.
Her heart seized, and despite the warm temperature, her hand went cold. Confusion and hurt tangled together.
What in that simple question caused him to react like that and ruin their pleasant morning?