“What happened?” Aaron asked as they got closer to the car. He stopped several steps away, and Kreed turned to ask him why. “Don’t you have to check it?”
“I can, but it’s not necessary. That’s the former president’s house.” He pointed to the house they had parked in front of.
“He’s a private citizen now,” Aaron said, confused.
“Yeah, but his security’s solid,” Kreed said, moving closer to the car.
“How do you know?” Aaron asked, remaining a few steps back.
“I can see the checkpoints.” Kreed moved back to Aaron’s side. He clicked the key fob, unlocking the door. “And they asked me to head it up.”
“No way.” That seemed to impress Aaron. Out of everything he’d done in his life somehow that one job instantly became the most important because Aaron seemed truly fascinated.
“I’m not a slouch. I’m good at my job,” Kreed said, taking Aaron’s arm, drawing him closer to the car. He pushed Aaron toward his side as he opened the driver’s door, resting his forearms on the top as he waited for Aaron to make his way around the vehicle.
“I know you aren’t a slouch. That’s obvious. So we can just get in?” Aaron asked, trailing slowly around to his side.
“Yeah, see?” Kreed lowered to his seat and started the engine with Aaron still back a few steps. After a second more, smart boy came forward and climbed inside the rental.
“Okay, so does that rule out his security as possible suspects in the case?” Aaron asked after closing the door.
“Good question. Probably. Who knows? But it makes it harder to act when other eyes are watching.” Kreed put his hand on the gearshift, but didn’t drop the lever into drive. Instead, he turned toward Aaron and asked, “Are we okay?”
“Yeah. I just needed time. I’m not usually like this,” Aaron answered.
“What’s that mean?” Besides the few expressions he’d caught on the kid’s face, Kreed had a hard time reading Aaron.
“Maybe it’s the situation. I don’t know.”
Great. Non-answers. Fan-fucking-tastic. “What’s that mean?” Kreed tried again.
“I was into the kiss,” Aaron confessed sweetly, keeping his eyes focused out the front windshield.
“Me too.” Kreed reached over and took Aaron by the chin, turning his head until Kreed could look him in the eyes. “I’m honestly into you. I have been since I first saw you back when we were in Kentucky. My interest never faded. You’re hot. More so in person, but you’re also smart. It’s a pretty damn sexy combination to me.”
Aaron didn’t say anything, but he did smile as he moved out from under Kreed’s hold and looked down at his hands.
“It’s just like that fight though. In a case like this, we don’t need distractions. You’re a big ole six foot, gorgeous distraction and I’ve gotta stay focused. You understand, right?” Kreed reached over again, this time threading his fingers with Aaron’s, pulling their joined hands to the center console.
“Yeah,” Aaron finally answered, tightening his fingers around Kreed’s. “Shouldn’t I drive?”
“Probably, but when we get closer, you can duck down. It’s dark and after midnight. No one should question or realize it’s not you if there’s only a single occupant,” Kreed said, relieved they’d been able to work this out, because honestly, staying away from Aaron Stuart might be about the hardest thing he’d ever do. Definitely an incentive to get this case wrapped up as quickly and safely as possible. Aaron’s safety had never meant more than it did at this moment.
Chapter 18
Not entirely sure if the pull-out sofa could be more uncomfortable, Kreed lay sprawled out, staring up at the ceiling. His arm was tucked behind his head, trying to make the old, flat pillow a little more appealing. He held a blade in his other hand. Sleep wasn’t coming easily tonight. Three forty-five in the morning and no amount of sheep had been able to lull him to sleep.
He’d been a jerk tonight, and he was better than how he’d acted. After they’d gotten back to Midlothian, he’d sent Colt and Jace quick messages of apology, and also one to Knox. His phone lit up with several reply messages from Mitch, but he’d never looked at any of them. He knew what Mitch had to say, and more so, he also knew the guy was right, but it didn’t change anything. His attraction to Aaron was too strong, and if he were smart, he’d remove himself from this case and get someone else in here that had a clearer perspective.
The problem was, he wasn’t a very smart guy—never had been. This case was too personal. Someone new might miss something, and his gut told him they were in the right place to find the answers they’d been looking for.
Besides, he had intimate knowledge of gay bashing and the extent people went to in order to express their hate—a hatred that knew no bounds, especially in the ignorant and biased teachings of extreme religion. It was something a person could never fully comprehend unless they’d lived it. That had to give him an edge in searching out the facts.
Kreed closed his eyes and forced them to remain shut. Images of Aaron’s handsome face appeared. He replayed that moment of surprise right before Kreed had first kissed him. Yeah, that was a good moment. He’d never really considered how fluid the two of them truly were. They weren’t awkward at all. They’d connected on the first press of the lips then moved as if they’d been together for years. That was hard to find, and Kreed wondered if that would have continued had they been somewhere a little more private.
Fuckin’ shit. He’d gone there again. His eyes popped open and a small groan slipped free. His dick tented the blanket. He’d given up an hour ago on trying to get that irritating thing to lie down. A creak drew Kreed’s attention to his bedroom door as it opened. The blade in his hand stilled and his grip tightened in preparation for attack until he saw Aaron’s head peek around the corner.