“Do you think he’ll have to serve time?”
“Not sure, Cass. You know how these things work. Depends on his legal representation.”
“And whether they push the whole military thing and being a hero for our country.”
“Well, at least it buys you more time. Maybe enough for him to forget about you and move on.”
“Maybe. God, I thought I was going to have to leave where I am. I didn’t feel safe getting comfortable. I’m still not sure what to do. It would be best to leave before things get complicated. This trouble he’s in may make him angrier and more determined to find me.”
“I don’t blame you for not wanting to take any chances.”
“Thanks, Lynn. I’ll call you in a week or so and see if there are any changes or updates. I may be leaving here next week anyway, just as a precaution.”
“Okay, Cass. Talk to you soon, and be safe.”
Cassidy closed up the phone and tossed it into the pond from the railing above. She was so worried that Blaze could trace the call and locate her, even from jail. His friends were very supportive of him.
“That’s completely illegal, you know.”
She gasped, turned around, and saw Coast standing there.
Her heart was pounding inside of her chest as she looked up into Coast’s green eyes. He stepped closer, eyes squinted, a determined, angry expression on his face. She wondered if he’d heard her conversation. He’d obviously seen her get rid of the phone. Shit, this wasn’t good. How could she be so stupid?
“Did you hear me, Cassidy?” he asked and stepped closer. He placed his hands on the railing behind her, and she tilted back. There was nowhere to go or run to.
“Are you spying on me?” she asked him.
He looked her body over and the blouse she wore. The gentle breeze cascaded against her skirt and her blouse, parting the collar.
“I can’t seem to take my eyes off of you, Cass. You’re too appealing.” He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Please don’t do this. I already told Cash I’m not interested.”
He pressed against her and cupped her face between his hands.
“Cash told me about the kiss and about the trouble he thinks you’re in.”
“I’m not in any trouble.” She tried turning away.
“A burner phone? Being secretive? I’d say something is up. You even have Red covering for you.”
“Please, Coast. Respect my privacy.”
“Not if you’re in danger. We can protect you.”
She went to shake her head, but he had other plans. He was so attractive with his green eyes, blond crew-cut hair, and muscular body behind the pale cream dress shirt he wore. He smelled really good too. Too good.
“I don’t need protection,” she told him with a stern tone.
“I think you do.”
Before she could pull away, Coast was licking his lower lip, drawing attention to his mouth. Her next thought was of being kissed by him and how it was a really bad idea. But when he lowered slowly, giving her every opportunity to turn away, she just couldn’t. Instead, she allowed Coast to kiss her.
* * * *
Coast was lost in her kiss and the overwhelming power of emotions and attraction he had for Cassidy. He was more than concerned for her. Every instinct in his body told him she was in trouble and pretending that everything was all right.
Coast pressed her against the railing, felt her hands caress up his waist then against his chest. She applied a little pressure, obviously wanting to slow things down. He wanted the opposite.