Every Move She Makes (32 page)

“Lark!”

“It was a joke. Bye, Mom.”

The phone went dead. Rachel hung up and smiled. “My daughter was in rare form.”

“Lark usually is.”

“They’re having a terrific time. Susan is spoiling them rotten.”

He put his arms around her. “Good for Susan. You deserve a little spoiling, too.”

Rachel glanced over at the timer. “I’m counting on it, but not for another six minutes and forty seconds.”

“I can think of several ways to spend the time.”

His breath was warm on her neck.

Rachel quivered. “Washing dishes?”

“That wouldn’t be my first choice, but let’s get it done.”

The kitchen sparkled in record time. Rachel left the muffins on the counter to cool with a dishtowel over the top of them.

“All finished.”

“Good. Let’s go to bed.”

Outside, a bird chirped as dawn broke.

Eyes flickering open, Rachel stretched, her back coming up against a hard, warm chest. Smiling, she snuggled closer.

“If you keep wiggling that sweet little tush of yours, you’re going to get more than you bargained for.” Kane’s voice rumbled in her ear.

“Who says?” She rolled over until they were nose to nose. “Maybe that’s what I was counting on.”

He slid between her legs. Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her. “Good morning, beautiful.”

“It certainly is a good morning. I love you, Kane.”

“I love you, too.”

He pushed inside her, filling her soul.

Her breath whooshed out. “Oh, my.”

Light streaked across the ceiling as they moved together in a rhythm as old as time. When they reached a mind-shattering end, he rolled with her until she lay across him, limp and sated. A cool breeze blew through the partially opened window, drying her damp skin. When she opened her eyes, Daisy’s furry face was inches away.

“Go lay down.”

“I am lying down. In fact, I may never get up again.”

She smiled against his shoulder. “I was talking to the dog.”

“Is that mutt still here?”

“Yep. I think she was critiquing your style.”

“Oh, yeah? How’d I do?”

“A ten, definitely a ten.”

Opening his eyes, he smiled. “Let’s go take a shower and see how I score in the water sport category.”

“I thought getting up was beyond your abilities?”

“I have amazing powers of recovery where you’re concerned.” He rolled her to her back and levered himself out of bed. “I’ll go turn on the shower.”

The man was truly gorgeous. A strong back rose above a firm butt and long, muscular legs. Her mouth went dry, and she licked her lips. When he turned in the doorway, she could barely drag her gaze above his waist.

“Don’t be long.”

“I wouldn’t think of it.” Rachel sat on the edge of the bed and pushed her hair out of her eyes. The shower started just as the phone rang. She reached for the bedside extension. “Hello.”

“Mom, I forgot to pack the new shirt I bought, the blue one with the stringy things. I think it’s in the dirty clothes. Can you mail it to me?”

“Good morning, Lark. You’re up awfully early.”

“Jade and Scott wanted to go surfing this morning before the zoo. I have to share a room with her, and she isn’t exactly quiet. Can you send the shirt?”

“Sure, honey. I’ll wash it for you today and mail it tomorrow.”

“Thanks. What’re you doing?”

“Shower then breakfast and work.”

“Rachel, the shower’s hot. What’s taking you so long?” Kane’s voice drifted into the bedroom before him. He paused in the doorway. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were on the phone.”

“Mom, is that Kane? Is he in your bedroom? God, I knew this was going to happen. I knew you only wanted to get rid of us so you could sleep with him!”

“You know very well why I sent you girls to San Diego, and it had nothing to do with Kane.”

“Sure it didn’t. There probably isn’t even a stalker. You probably made it up to get rid of us!”

“Lark, calm down please.”

“I don’t want to talk to you. This blows.”

The dial tone buzzed. Rachel took a breath before placing the phone carefully in the cradle.

Kane sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Should you give her some time to cool off before you call her back?”

“I suppose so.”

“I’m sorry about that. I didn’t know you were on the phone.”

She gave him a half-hearted smile. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been so anxious to jump into a relationship I wasn’t ready to share with my children.”

“You’re a grown woman. You’re entitled to a private life.”

“I know, but this isn’t just about me. I’m a package deal, and I have to think about how the two of us together will affect my girls.”

“I hope they’ll be affected in a positive way. The girls like me. Even Lark, although she won’t admit it.”

“That’s an understatement. She wasn’t exactly thrilled to find out you were in my bedroom at the crack of dawn.”

“That’s because she doesn’t want to see her mother as a sexual being.”

“I wasn’t planning to throw it in her face.”

“Let her spend the day at the zoo and calm down. You can talk to her about it tonight.”

Rachel nodded. “That’s probably best. I’ll even promise not to obsess over it all day. At least I’ll try not to.” She straightened her shoulders. “Do you think there’s any hot water left?”

“I sure hope so.” Kane took her hands and pulled her off the bed then gave her a little push toward the bathroom. “Let’s find out.”

* * * *

Bob Mayfield’s new home was a weathered gray redwood house with a bank of windows facing an incredible ocean view. It wasn’t huge, but it was a far cry from the apartment in Vallejo. Kane’s shoes crunched on the crushed shell walkway leading to the front door. He rang the bell and waited.

Mayfield opened the door wearing an old pair of cutoffs, a faded T-shirt and a surprised expression. “I wasn’t expecting you, Lafferty, but come in. How do you like my new digs?”

Kane glanced around. “Nice. I hope you won’t mind answering a few more questions. Rachel’s stalker has been busy since we last spoke.”

The man’s lips twisted. “This is getting old. Should I call my lawyer?”

“You can if you want, but I’m not here in an official capacity.”

“That was a joke. I’ve got nothing to hide.” He led the way down a short hall to the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of coffee? There’s still some in the pot.”

“I’d prefer water.”

Bob pulled two bottles from the refrigerator and handed one to Kane. “Let’s go sit on the deck.”

The Adirondack furniture was comfortable, and the view of waves crashing on the beach below them spectacular.

“Impressive.”

“I’m not in Vallejo anymore. Did you hurt your arm?”

He glanced down at the bandage. “Gunshot wound. I got closer to Rachel than her stalker liked.”

One brow rose. “This would be the reason you’re questioning me again?”

Kane’s mouth firmed as he regarded him. “You never seem to have an alibi when you need one.”

“So that makes me suspect number one?”

“One or two, take your pick.”

“How can I convince you I could care less about Rachel Carpenter? Should I hire someone to babysit me so I’ll have an alibi the next time this whack job takes a shot at you?”

“That would do the trick.”

“Sorry, but I like my privacy.”

“I understand you always have. No girlfriend, not many friends, period. You’re something of a loner, aren’t you, Bob?”

“Is that a crime?”

“Depends on your reason. I noticed the computer set up you have inside. It looks state of the art.”

“What good is having money if you don’t spend it?”

“Have you spent a little of your new found wealth on sex?”

Bob scowled. “If it’s any of your business, what if I have?”

“Now, that’s illegal.”

“So arrest me.”

“I may, but it won’t be for soliciting prostitutes.”

“Look, I know you’re worried about Rachel, but I’ve taken enough of your crap. I’m just a quiet guy who was lucky enough to inherit some money.” His gaze veered away to rest on the horizon. “Maybe I have a few bad habits, but stalking women isn’t one of them.”

“Do you own a gun?”

“I own several. They belonged to my grandfather, and they’re all properly registered.”

“Do you know how to use them?”

“Sure. If I’d taken a shot at you, I wouldn’t have missed.”

Putting his hands on his thighs, Kane stood. “Do you mind if I use your john?”

“Help yourself. It’s down the hall to the right.”

Shutting the door to the small room, Kane looked around. Clean and uncluttered with no personal items in sight. Obviously designed for guests. One used tissue lay in the bottom of the waste basket. He lifted it with a piece of toilet paper and dropped it into a plastic bag he’d stuffed into his pocket.

Bob was waiting in the hall when he emerged.

“Thanks.”

“I’ll see you out.”

“Sure.” Kane paused when they got to the front door. “You may want to think about inviting a friend to stay with you for a while. Having an alibi would make your life a lot easier.”

“I’m leaving town for a few days.”

He eyed him thoughtfully. “Suit yourself. Thanks for your time.”

“No offense, but I’m tired of these little chats. I’m done talking.”

“That’s fine. Next time there’s a need to question you, it’ll be official—and you may want to have that lawyer present.”

Without looking back, Kane walked to his Jeep. Driving just out of sight of the house, he parked and circled the perimeter of the property on foot. There was a garage near the house, but the only vehicle in it was a shiny new SUV. No doubt another recent purchase. Returning to his Jeep, he cruised the neighborhood. No abandoned sheds or warehouses, not in this upscale area. If Mayfield had access to the old truck, he wasn’t hiding it near his new home.

Leaving the high-end neighborhood of wealth, comfort and spectacular views, Kane merged onto the freeway. If luck and the traffic gods were with him, he’d be back in Vine Haven by noon. Pulling his cell from his pocket, he pushed the speed dial button for Rachel.

“Hi, beautiful. How was your morning?”

“Not bad. I talked to Grace, and she volunteered to call Lark. She thinks a little heart to heart with her cool aunt might help.”

“What do you think?”

“I’m willing to try anything. Lark and Grace have always been close.”

“Let’s keep our fingers crossed. I’m on my way back. Will you have lunch with me?”

“I’d love to. What did Bob have to say?”

“Nothing definitive. We’ll talk about it at lunch.”

* * * *

After picking up Rachel, Kane drove straight through town and headed north. A breeze blew through the open windows of the Jeep as they wound through rolling hills, and some of her anxiety eased.

“I grabbed some sandwiches and drinks at the deli. I thought we’d have a picnic at Lake Berryessa.”

“Sounds like heaven. I could use a big dose of fresh air and sunshine.”

She inhaled deeply. The scent of dried grass was reminiscent of baking bread as they drove east through rolling hills. When they reached the lake, Kane turned onto a dirt road that bumped along the shore then parked. Grabbing their lunch from behind the seats, they walked down to the water.

He spread an old blanket in the shade of some willows. “I hope turkey and swiss is okay.”

“It’s fine.” She sat and twisted the top off a bottle of lemonade to take a swallow. “How did your interview with Bob go?”

“The man has some definite hang-ups. I wish I was certain you were one of them.” He ate a bite of his sandwich. “I did get a sample of his DNA off a used tissue.”

She flicked away an ant. “How will that help?”

“Maybe it won’t, but at least we have it. If your stalker sneezes on your window or scratches himself and drips a little blood on the front porch, we’ll be prepared.”

“That’s disgusting.”

“Evidence is evidence. I’m not picky about how we get it.”

“You’re covering all your bases.”

“At this point, I’m grasping at straws. I just wish we could find that damn truck he drives. It would be covered with his prints.”

“Sheriff Walker isn’t any closer to locating it?”

Kane blew out a frustrated breath. “No, but something may still turn up. He’s searching DMV records of the known relatives of both our suspects.”

Rachel touched the tense muscle in his forearm. “We both need a break. And I’m not talking about evidence. It’s so pretty here. Let’s just enjoy the day.”

“Yeah, let’s.”

They talked about everything under the sun except her stalker.

Ignoring her problems was a pleasure, but she couldn’t forget them. “I’m worried about Lark. I’m not sure what to say when I do talk to her.”

“How about the truth? Tell her we love each other.”

“That might freak her out even more than a summer romance. Love implies commitment, and commitment would mean change.”

Kane pulled her back against his chest. “They’ll have to know sometime.”

His heart thumped steadily beneath her cheek. She tipped her head to look at him. “Talking about our relationship to my girls will make this very real.”

“Don’t you want it to be real?”

She pulled his face down to kiss him. “Yes, I do.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“What about you? The weight of a readymade family is a lot to bear.”

“Have the girls seemed like a burden to me?”

“You’re wonderful with them, but I wouldn’t blame you for having doubts.”

“Once I make up my mind about something, I stick with it. That’s why deciding to leave the force has been so difficult. I’m not a quitter.”

“I know you’re not, but there’s a difference between quitting and changing directions.”

He rested his chin on the top of her head. “I failed at one relationship that mattered to me. I won’t screw up again.”

“I’d like to take some time to make sure this is right for both of us before we tell the girls. They don’t deserve to be hurt if you change your mind.”

Kane pulled her around to look into her eyes. “Neither do you. My love isn’t going to change. I know the difference between the real thing and a bad case of lust.”