Conrad lingered behind her—because she caught his hand when he headed for the door. He got the message and stayed put, and she was glad. She wasn’t ready for him to leave. When the last vehicle eased from the drive, Jane shut the door and faced him, sealing them together.
She turned and met his heated gaze, her pulse jumping, erratic. The scent of cedar and spice fogged her head. She couldn’t think—but then, she didn’t want to think. A lot had happened tonight. More than solving a case and catching a killer. Jake had carried a knife. At any time, he could have ended her life. But here she was. Alive and well. With a boyfriend she liked very much.
Someone patient and kind. Understanding. Willing to wait for her and get her out of prison whenever necessary. Someone who found her charming instead of weird. Who took care of her fur-child. Why not let him in, at least a little? Why not take a chance on him?
Why put her trust in a curse rather than the flesh and blood male who’d proven himself time and time again?
Licking her lips, she pressed her back against the wood slab and rasped, “Are you going to kiss me now?”
He flattened his palms beside her temples, one at a time, his gaze never dropping hers. “Do you want me to?” he asked.
“I… do.” More than anything.
His pupils flared over his irises. “Then yes. I’m going to kiss you now.”
And he did.