“I am,” she admitted, sinking her hands into the silky softness of his hair, holding him to her.
He drew her nipple into his mouth, lips sucking, licking her with his tongue. The tug of his mouth was like a direct tug to her womb, making her belly tighten, her sex clench with want.
As if he knew her needs, he slipped his hand between their bodies, his fingers brushing against the damp curls of her sex. She gasped, her legs spreading, and he took advantage. His fingers teased between her legs, his mouth moving to her other nipple to lick and suck.
A phone rang, somewhere in the distance, and she knew it didn’t belong to her. They both ignored it, Nate too busy licking her to oblivion and the ringing eventually stopped.
Only to start up once again.
“Damn it,” he muttered against the inside of her thigh, tickling her skin. He looked at her. “I should get that.”
“Get it,” she choked out. Who could be calling him?
Withdrawing from her, he went to the kitchen counter where he set his wallet and cell. He answered with a curt “Banks,” but she didn’t hear anything else, his voice lowering to a murmur.
She lay flat on the couch and stared at the ceiling, coming down from the froth he’d worked her into. Who was he talking to? He was so quiet. Did he not want her to overhear?
Throwing her arm over her eyes, she sighed. Weariness settled over her and she knew her mood was ruined for the night. It was late and she had to be at work early.
Secretly, Janelle hoped Nate would stay the night.
She finally heard him say goodbye and he set the phone on the counter, releasing a harsh breath. Letting her arm drop, she turned to look at him. He stood naked by the kitchen counter, his hands on his hips, his expression grim.
“That was Greg.”
His partner. “What did he want?”
“A major bust went down at Billy D’s—by the DEA. Guess they’ve been working a giant sting for over six months and told no one. Billy’s going down, once they find him.” Nate strode into the living room and grabbed his pants, yanking them on.
Janelle’s mouth dropped open. “He wasn’t there?”
“Nope.” Nate shook his head, letting out a growl of frustration as he tugged on his shirt, leaving it open. “I swear this is the case that’ll never end.”
She scrambled up from the couch and went to him, slipped her arms around his waist. Pressing her head against his bare chest, she felt the steady beat of his heart. It reassured her and she dropped the lightest kiss between his pecs. “It’ll be okay. They’ll find him. He’s not your problem anymore.”
“They want Ginger too, Janelle. Greg told me they’ve put out a warrant for her arrest.” Their gazes met and held. “She could go to prison for this.”
Janelle squeezed her eyes shut, forcing the tears that threatened to flee. She would not cry. She needed to be strong. “Oh, no,” she whispered.
He hauled her close, his fingers tangling in her hair. “We’ll try not to let that happen. Greg’s already set a plan in motion.”
“I’m scared,” she murmured, her voice muffled. “I’m afraid for Ginger.”
“That’s why it’s more important than ever we find her.” His hand felt heavy against her hair and she welcomed the weight. It meant he was real, holding her, offering her comfort. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ll take care of everything.”
And when his lips met hers in a sweetly hot kiss, she believed him.
Chapter Ten
An incessant ringing wound itself through Janelle’s brain and she groaned, her already closed eyes scrunching tighter. It was Sunday, her last day off and she had nothing planned but lazing around. The Passion for Fashion charity event was ten days away. She needed as much sleep as she could get.
Between the long days at work planning, and the long nights in bed with Nate, she should be beyond exhausted. Yet she’d never felt better in her life.
“Janelle.” His husky, sleep-filled voice washed over her and he nudged her on the shoulder with warm, firm fingers. “It’s your cell phone.”
They’d stayed the night at his condo last night after spending the entire day together. She was enjoying this, spending more time with him. They kept talk of the investigation minimal. She knew he worked hard behind the scenes trying to find both Billy and Ginger. But his work stayed where it belonged—at work. It was better that way.
The whereabouts of her sister was like a firm smack of reality in her face. She worried about Ginger, was sick over her disappearance and hoped like hell Billy didn’t find her first. But for once, she was too busy with her own life and problems to be concerned about her sister’s.