Finding Faye (K&S Securities 1)

Her lips tip up in a small smile and she wipes her eyes with the neck of my t-shirt before standing up and taking her dishes to the sink.

“Okay then,” she sighs, “what can I do to help find Analise?”

Chapter Eleven

Faye

When I ask what I can do to help, I see some of the tension slip off of Travis’ shoulders. I didn’t realize how uncomfortable he was talking to me about the deal that he had made. He is scared for me, and that worries me—but hell, I can’t help but feel like I’m putting some poor woman into a bad situation. She ran for a reason, and now because of me she will be returned to her husband.

What if he is cruel to her? Abusive? I’m not sure how I can live with that.

Trying to keep myself busy, I carry my dishes to the sink to help conceal my concerns. I don’t want to do anything to add to Travis’ worries, but I have to figure out if there is a way to help this woman while assuring that I stay safe.

I’m positive Travis will do what he can, but I also know that I will be his priority and every decision he makes will be with my best interests at heart…not hers.

I just cannot accept that my safety and happiness is more valuable than someone else’s.

Especially not a woman who felt the need to run from a man she should have been able to trust.

I hold my plate under the warm stream of water, lost in thought, when Travis takes it from my hand and sets it in the sink, turning off the water.

“It’s gonna be okay, Pea. I promise,” he mumbles, pulling me back into his arms and nuzzling his face against my hair.

I sigh and let myself relax into his embrace, resting my head in the hollow of his shoulder.

“I just don’t want to condemn some poor woman to a life of misery for my own benefit,” I whisper.

“I know, Faye. I know. Blake and I will think of something so that she will be safe if she needs protection.” He hugs me even tighter against his hard body, and I twist in his arms, looking up into his blue eyes as I wind my arms around his waist.

“I know you will, but you have to let me help.”

His lips twist in a half-smile and he leans forward until our foreheads touch, and I can feel his breath on my cheek.

Time stands still.

My lips are so close to his that I could brush mine against his if I wanted to. I do want to, but I’m not sure how he would react, so I don’t.

“Okay.” His voice is rough and his breathing a little labored. “You can help.”

My heart races against my ribs at his closeness as his face inches closer to mine. My eyelids flutter closed with the anticipation of feeling his lips touch mine.

Is this really happening?

Even closer…

Just as I feel the lightest sweep of his soft lips against mine his phone rings from the table and we both jump back as if we were caught doing something wrong. I can feel my blush like fire on my cheeks and spreading down my neck as I step out of the circle of his arms. I stare down at my sock-covered feet.

I’ve never been so close to being kissed before and I’m not really sure how I’m supposed to act. Did it mean anything, or was he just caught up in the moment?

“Sweetpea.” His hard hand cups my cheek, lifting my eyes to meet his. “We’ll pick that up where we left off soon enough.”

Smiling at me, he lowers his hand and strides to the table, answering his phone. ”What?”

The conversation progresses to the arrangement with Xavier Cerelli, making it obvious that he is talking to Blake, and he hangs up not long after. “Come on, Pea,” he tells me, motioning toward his office. “Blake is sending over the file on Mrs. Cerelli. Let’s go see what we can find.”

Still a little off balance from the almost kiss, I let him take my hand and lead me up the stairs with him.

Travis