His job is to protect her...no matter the cost

Police detective Joy Ingram’s connection to elite security expert Stonewall Courson is instant. Undeniable. Electric. But her commitment to protect and serve has always come first. Everything else is secondary—especially when she uncovers an underground surrogate baby-making ring. Joy can’t risk a distraction during the most important case of her career, not even one as sexy as reformed ex-con Stonewall.

There are few things Stonewall values more than a strong woman. But when Joy’s investigation draws her into a deadly conspiracy that goes deeper than she ever imagined, he must convince her that he’s the best man to protect her. And while he puts his life on the line to save hers, the insatiable attraction between them becomes the one danger neither of them can escape.

Praise for New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson

“The only flaw of this first-rate, satisfying sexy tale is that it ends.”

—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Forged in Desire

“Leave it to Jackson to take sizzle and honor, wrap it in romance and come up with a first-rate tale.”

—RT Book Reviews on Temptation

“Brenda Jackson is the queen of newly discovered love... If there’s one thing Jackson knows how to do, it’s how to pluck those heartstrings and stir up some seriously saucy drama.”

—BookPage on Inseparable

“[Jackson] proves once again that she rocks when it comes to crafting family drama with a healthy dose of humor and steamy, sweaty sex. Here’s another winner.”

—RT Book Reviews on A Brother’s Honor, 4½ stars, Top Pick

“This deliciously sensual romance ramps up the emotional stakes and the action.... [S]exy and sizzling.”

—Library Journal on Intimate Seduction

“Jackson does not disappoint...first-class page-turner.”

—RT Book Reviews on A Silken Thread, 4½ stars, Top Pick

“Jackson is a master at writing.”

—Publishers Weekly on Sensual Confessions

Locked in Temptation

Brenda Jackson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MILLS & BOON

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To the man who will always and forever be the love of my life: Gerald Jackson, Sr. Remembering you on our 45th Wedding Anniversary, July 8, 2017!

To everyone joining me in Barbados for the Brenda Jackson Readers Reunion 2017.

Special thanks to Detective Willie “Jay” Collins of the Carmel Police Department for sharing your expertise and answering my endless questions.

Special thanks to Dr. Angela Martin, OB/GYN, for taking the time to provide me with so much valuable information for this book.

To all my readers who are enjoying The Protectors series. This book is for you.

To authors Iris Bolling and Adrianne Byrd. Thanks for the brainstorming sessions.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

—Galatians 6:9

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Praise

Title Page

Dedication

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

EPILOGUE

Extract

Copyright

PROLOGUE

I HAVE TO keep moving.

Although her entire body ached with pain and felt as cold as ice, Mandy Clay continued to force one foot ahead of the other. Ignoring the icy wind whipping through the thin dress she wore, she continued to walk in bare feet as fast as she could, making her way someplace...anywhere but back there. That god-awful, evil place.

By now they would have discovered her missing and someone would have sounded the alarm. There was no doubt in her mind they’d be searching for her. She had no idea where she was, wasn’t even sure if she was still in the United States. The only thing she knew was that she had to keep moving. It was dark and she was in some wooded area. She didn’t want to think about all those sounds she was hearing. Animals? Predators? She was determined to stay alive. Sooner or later she would reach some sort of civilization. Right?

Mandy could tell it had snowed recently because the ground felt cold and squishy beneath her feet. Her toes were numb. She had to find somewhere safe. Hopefully someone would help her and call the police. Then she could tell them about the others. Those poor women...being forced to...

She slowed her pace when she thought she heard a sound. Looking through the trees, she couldn’t see anything, but she could swear she heard the sound of a dog barking. Were the dogs being used to look for her? Hunt her down like the animal they’d treated her as? She wrapped her arms around herself, using all her strength to move faster. It had started snowing again. Heavier now. She felt stiff from the cold, and the pain she felt in every part of her body was almost unbearable. But she couldn’t think of any of that now.

She had to keep moving. No matter what.

CHAPTER ONE

Five months later

“WHERE ARE WE GOING, Stonewall? This is not the way to my house.”

Stonewall Courson brought the car to a stop at a traffic light and glanced at Joy Ingram. They had attended Striker and Margo’s wedding together, and she was right. This was not the way back to her home. She was staring at him with those beautiful brown eyes that had the ability to send desire twisting in his gut and give his libido a high five whenever their gazes locked for any length of time. He would never forget the first time he’d looked into them and been totally mesmerized.

A sensual mist seemed to surround them whether they were alone or in a crowd. Those vapors were in full force now and had been from the moment he’d picked up her from her home earlier today. Stonewall had always known sexual chemistry was a powerful thing. He hadn’t known just how powerful until he’d met Joy. Now he was tuned to her every breath.

Looking at her lips, he was entranced by the memory of their one and only kiss. He could recall every lip-licking detail. Just the thought sent a needy rush through his veins and made sexual excitement curl in his stomach. That single kiss was all it had taken to deeply embed her in his system. But then, he would admit the scent of her was mind-boggling, as well. In the small confines of the car, he breathed in her sensual aroma. She was wearing the same fragrance she had the night they’d met. It had been hypnotic then and it was hypnotic now.

He couldn’t help but smile. It hadn’t taken her long to notice he was driving in the opposite direction of where she lived. Joy was a cop, after all—a detective. Being observant and perceptive and paying attention to detail were essential parts of her job.

Today she was off the clock and she was with him. He didn’t want her in cop mode. He much preferred having the element of surprise on his side. He’d known when he’d decided on this plan of action that it wouldn’t be easy, given the astute person that she was. But he was determined to pull it off anyway.

“No, this is not the way to your house,” he finally said. “Where we’re going is a surprise.” He decided to at least tell her that much.

“A surprise?”

He liked the way her brows shot up whenever she received new information. “Yes, Joy, a surprise.”

He liked her name. Something about it, especially whenever he said it, made him think of pleasure, contentment and sexual bliss. They had met six months ago, at a charity function at Charlottesville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center. While standing in a group conversing with friends, he’d glanced around the room and seen her.

Actually, he’d caught her staring, checking him out. And she’d been pretty damn bold, not stopping when their gazes connected. He’d boldly checked her out in return, and had definitely liked what he’d seen. She was a beautiful woman. And the silky-looking emerald green dress she’d worn that night had complemented her body and clung to her curves. It had showcased a pair of gorgeous long legs in a pair of gold stilettos.

He’d even liked the way she’d worn her dark brown hair that night, chin-length and cut into a trendy and sassy style. But then, he would admit that he liked how she wore it now, as well. It was a lot longer and fluttered against her face while falling in fluffy waves to her shoulders. And speaking of her face... He would admit to having a thing for her high cheekbones, sable-brown complexion, straight nose and rounded chin.

On that night, even from across the room, the sexual chemistry had flared between them, nearly tripping his pulse and definitely stirring his libido in all kinds of ways. His attraction to her was stronger than any he’d ever felt, and he knew there was no way he would leave the charity ball without learning her identity. In less than twenty minutes he’d finagled an introduction. And the strange thing was, he’d always had an intense dislike for cops. At least, he had...until her.

“And since it’s a surprise, that means you won’t be getting any more information out of me,” he added, studying her outfit. He thought the blue lace dress she was wearing today looked good on her. Sexy as hell. Clinging to her curves as if they were a lifeline. Definitely his link to sensual fantasies. He’d told her more than once today just how nice she looked.

This was only his second time seeing her in something other than a pair of dark slacks and a nondescript button-up shirt. He knew that as a police detective, she intentionally downplayed her beauty. But her looks and curves were things that couldn’t be hidden no matter what she wore.

“Normally I don’t like surprises.”

The corners of his mouth twitched in another smile. That’s what he’d heard from one reliable source, but he intended to make sure she liked this one. “Just keep an open mind, Joy. I decided it was time for our first official date.”

“I thought attending Striker and Margo’s wedding together was our first official date.”

Turning his eyes back to the road when the traffic light turned green, he said, “Attending the wedding with me doesn’t constitute a date.”

“And why not?”

He quickly stole a look at her in time to see her brows shoot up again. “Because you were invited to the wedding anyway. We just happened to ride in the same car together.”

She chuckled, and the feminine sound stirred something deep within him, assaulting his senses in ways he definitely wasn’t used to. “I guess that’s a different way to look at it, Stonewall.” The way she said his name, in that sexy voice, made his insides shiver.

He knew how her mind worked. Already she was trying to figure out where they were going and what he was up to. His goal was to get her to relax and be comfortable with him. He didn’t want her to think of work. All he wanted her to think about was him, just like he was thinking only of her.

On four different occasions since meeting six months ago, they’d made plans to go out on a date. However, each and every time those plans got canceled due to their work schedules. His job as a bodyguard for Summers Security Firm took him away from Charlottesville quite a lot. And hers as a police detective kept her busy solving homicides.

Whenever he was in town and their busy schedules allowed, they would meet up at a café on Monroe Street for doughnuts and coffee or grab a beer at Shady Reds Bar and Grill. However, as far as he was concerned, those brief good-to-see-you-again-and-goodbye-until-next-time encounters didn’t constitute dates, either. Since meeting Joy, even though he’d never gone out with her, he hadn’t been able to muster interest in any other woman. A part of him felt he wouldn’t be able to move on until that changed, which was why he was taking her on a real date. A date that was long overdue.

“So, what do you have planned for this date, Stonewall?”

He chuckled. “Like I said, it’s a surprise and I’m not answering any more questions, Detective, so let’s talk about something else.”

She didn’t say anything for a minute and then, as if she’d decided to concede—for now—she said, “Margo was such a beautiful bride, wasn’t she? And her wedding gown! OMG! It was simply gorgeous, and to think, she designed it herself.”

Good. Stonewall figured if he kept her talking, chances were she wouldn’t think about where they were going. Hopefully she would let her guard down and relax. Joy had met Margo while working a case that had her racing against time trying to solve a deadly puzzle that had placed Margo’s life in danger.

“Yes, Margo looked beautiful and her gown was gorgeous,” he agreed. “Striker is a lucky man. Margo’s a lucky woman. I’m glad they have each other.”

Stonewall truly meant it, although he still found it hard to believe that Striker Jennings, one of his two best friends, had gotten married that day. Like him, Striker had enjoyed his life as a single man too much to think about getting serious with any one woman. Until Striker was assigned as a bodyguard to protect Margo Connelly. The man Stonewall figured would never fall in love had done that very thing.

The same held true for his other best friend, Quasar Patterson, who was engaged to marry a woman by the name of Randi Fuller. After both his friends married, that would leave him as the lone bachelor with all the women. However, Joy was the only woman he thought about. Constantly.

“I thought it was pretty neat how both of Margo’s uncles walked her down the aisle.”

“I thought so, too,” Stonewall agreed. “Margo’s quick acceptance of Roland into her life is special.”

Roland Summers. CEO of Summers Security Firm and his boss as well as a man he considered a good friend. Years ago, Roland had been a cop for the Charlottesville Police Department when he’d discovered some of his fellow officers on the take. Before he could blow the whistle, he’d been framed for murder and sentenced to prison for fifteen years. Roland’s wife, Becca, had refused to accept Roland’s fate and worked hard to get him a new trial. In retaliation, the dirty cops had killed not only Becca but also Roland’s half brother and sister-in-law—Margo’s parents.

“Roland looks good. It’s hard to believe that only six months ago he was in the hospital, fighting for his life.”

Roland had been shot earlier that year in an attempted carjacking. Just so happened, it was the same night that Stonewall and Joy had met.

“And it was good seeing Randi again,” Joy said.

Randi was a psychic investigator. She and Joy had met earlier this year when the two worked together to solve the very case involving Margo. Several people lost their lives before the assassin had been taken down. Stonewall had never believed in psychic powers until meeting Randi. Her help on the case had been instrumental and had made a believer out of him.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Randi,” Joy continued. “I will never forget the day she saved my life.”

Stonewall nodded. From what he’d heard, Joy had been about to drink a cup of coffee tainted with poison. Luckily, thanks to her psychic powers, Randi had detected it and stopped Joy just seconds before it was too late.

“Randi and Quasar look good together,” Joy added. “And just the thought that they’re engaged is wonderful.”

Stonewall smiled in agreement, happy that for the time being, Joy was so caught up in the wedding and the people she’d seen that day that she’d temporarily forgotten she had no idea where they were going.

“And Carson Granger looks simply radiant pregnant,” he heard Joy add. “So do Caden Granger’s wife, Shiloh, and Dalton’s wife, Jules. I can’t believe there are three pregnant women in the same family and all due around the same time. How cool is that? Sheppard Granger will definitely have his hands full becoming a father and grandfather.”

Stonewall couldn’t help chuckling. Shep’s wife, Carson, would be having a baby in a few weeks, around the same time that two of his sons’ wives would be having theirs. “Yes, Shep will definitely have his hands full. But if anyone can handle an expanded family with ease, it would be Shep,” he said of the man he considered a father figure and mentor.

Dalton, Shep’s youngest son, was almost twenty-nine. That meant Shep would be starting all over with the diapers, preschool, high school, college...practically everything. Like Roland, Shep had been locked up for fifteen years for a crime he didn’t commit, and if starting over in fatherhood was what he wanted, then Stonewall was happy for him.

When Joy ran out of people to discuss from the wedding, he kept the conversation going by telling her about his recent trips to Dubai, Australia, Thailand and Cape Town. His extensive travels were part of his job assignment to protect wealthy businessman Dakota Navarro, who preferred to be called Dak. Over the past six months, his and Dak’s relationship had moved beyond that of client and bodyguard to good friends.

Stonewall brought the car to a stop. “Well, here we are.”

He watched as Joy looked out the window before glancing back at him. “A private jet?”

He smiled. “Yes, and no, it’s not mine. It’s belongs to Dakota Navarro. He loaned it to me.”

She lifted a brow. “Loaned it to you.”

“Yes, he loaned me the plane and the pilot.”

“Why?”

Stonewall unsnapped his seat belt and smiled at her. “Because he’s aware of how I’ve been looking forward to finally taking you out on a real date. Dak’s also aware that jet-setting around the world protecting him is one of the reasons I couldn’t do so. He figured the least he could do was help our romance along.”

“Our romance?”

“Yes.” There was no need to tell her that romance hadn’t been the word Dak used. The international playboy and businessman considered each date with a woman as a conquest of the most sexual kind.

“And just where is this jet supposed to be taking us?”

“Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve made reservations for dinner.” Anticipating her next question, he added, “And I promise to have you home before midnight.”

CHAPTER TWO

DINNER FOR TWO? On Martha’s Vineyard? And they would fly there on a private jet owned by Dakota Navarro?

Although Joy had never met the man, she’d heard about him. Who hadn’t? And she was well aware Stonewall had been working as Navarro’s bodyguard. But still...

She switched her gaze from Stonewall to the sleek jet. On their first official date, he planned to whisk her away on a private jet from Charlottesville to Massachusetts?

She glanced at Stonewall only to find him staring at her with the same intensity he’d looked at her with from across the room the night they’d met. The desire in his eyes was easy to read. It said, I want you.

Drawing in a deep breath, she broke eye contact with him to look out the window again, to make sure the jet was really there. When she glanced back at Stonewall, the deep desire that had been in his eyes just moments ago had been replaced with something else. Amusement. However, there was that seriousness she could always detect, even when she figured he was working hard to keep it hidden.

“I don’t know what to say,” she said against the lump in her throat. And honestly, she didn’t. She had been excited that after six months he’d finally arrived at her house to take her somewhere, even if the destination had been to their mutual friends’ wedding.

“You can start off by saying that you’ll fly away with me. Quasar was quick to remind me today that kidnapping is a federal offense. Jail time is something I don’t want to do again.”

Joy swallowed tightly. There it was. Anyone who knew her would find it surprising. That someone who was as straightlaced and by-the-book when it came to upholding the law as she, would even consider dating an ex-con.

But she was a believer in second chances. Stonewall had served his time, and since his release over eight years ago, he’d become a model citizen. She didn’t know his story, but she hoped he would eventually trust her enough to tell her.

Joy was convinced that, considering everything about him, there had to be a reason she was so attracted to him. At least a reason other than the obvious. And the obvious was that the man was so drop-dead gorgeous, he could take a woman’s breath away, literally. She might be a cop, but around him her hormones boldly reminded her she was also a woman.

And Stonewall Courson had the ability to make her want to be all woman whenever she wasn’t busy arresting criminals. That was one of the reasons for this short, sexy, lacy dress she was wearing. She’d seen it in the store months ago and had imagined it on her when she would be with him. That had been months before she’d received an invitation to Striker and Margo’s wedding.

“So, do I kidnap you or do you come willingly?” he asked, breaking into her reverie.

She smiled over at him. “I’ll come willingly, Mr. Courson.”

The smile that curved his lips from corner to corner was sexy as hell, just like the rest of him. In his black tux he looked scrumptiously delicious. It had been hard to keep her eyes off him during the ceremony, and more than once she’d checked out his broad shoulders, commanding biceps, muscled arms and firm thighs.

“Give me a minute so I can check with the pilot, and then we’ll be on our way. And like I said, I’ll have you home before midnight.”

He opened the door and got out, and she watched him walk away. He moved with long strides and a swagger that she doubted he realized he possessed. And because of the way his slacks fit him, she could see the thick muscles in his thighs with every step he took. Like always, whenever she ogled him her wild, needed-to-be-censored imagination would kick in. When he entered the building and closed the door behind him, she drew in a deep breath. Be still my hormones.

It had turned out to be a beautiful day in June, the perfect day for a wedding. The sun was shining brightly through the windshield, nearly blinding her. She decided to close her eyes for a moment, and when she did, memories of the night six months ago when she and Stonewall met floated through her mind...

* * *

JOY GLANCED AT her watch. Less than five more minutes and she would be free to leave the charity ball. When an informant had gotten word to Police Chief Harkins that an organized pickpocket ring would be working the unsuspecting crowd here tonight, several law enforcement officers were enlisted to work undercover. She was one of them.

Already three individuals had been arrested without incident and without anyone in attendance knowing they’d been targeted. All in a day’s work, which for her would be coming to an end in three minutes and two seconds she concluded, glancing at her watch again.

Unlike some of her fellow detectives, she hadn’t griped about being chosen to come here tonight. She supported Chief Harkins’s belief that every member of the police force should be flexible, regardless of whether they were uniformed officers or detectives sitting behind a cushy desk. When you were needed, you stepped up. Plus, working an undercover gig that actually required wearing something other than her dark slacks and plain button-up shirt? She’d enjoyed getting dressed up for tonight’s event. She’d even called her neighbor, Cherish Greenleaf, to help do something with her hair. She hadn’t expected Cherish to take the scissors and whack it off, though. But then, Joy had to grudgingly agree that the shorter style looked good on her.

When she had arrived tonight, several of her fellow male officers had blinked more than once to make sure it was her. Even her former partner, Darrin Chadwick, had told her she looked good, and had even gone so far as to ask her out on a date. Seriously, Darrin Chadwick? The man who’d been a thorn in her side since she’d arrived in Charlottesville for work almost two years ago? He’d thrown a hissy fit at having a woman for a partner and more than once had tried making things hard for her. She’d survived all Darrin’s BS and felt she was an even better cop because of it. Rumor had it that Chadwick had applied for a lieutenant position in Ohio. Personally, she hoped he got it. She would do the good-riddance dance all over the precinct if he did.

She glanced at her watch again. Less than a minute to go. She might as well grab another one of those delicious treats off the snack table on her way out the door. One thing about doing a gig like this—you definitely wouldn’t leave hungry.

Joy chose a couple of chocolate fritters. She couldn’t resist anything chocolate. She bit into one and closed her eyes. Delicious.

She opened her eyes and found herself staring across the room at a stunning man while thinking the same thing. Although she couldn’t see his face, from his profile he appeared as sinfully delicious as the fritter tasted. He was tall, his hair was cut low on his head and he had broad shoulders with a nice physique. She couldn’t help wondering who he was.

She studied the people around him and recognized the Grangers. Sheppard Granger had made news a little over a year ago when, after serving fifteen years for a crime he hadn’t committed, he was exonerated as the case was solved. And it had been solved in a big way, with the bust of a computer network fraud scheme that resulted in several CEOs and politicians being indicted. Presently Sheppard Granger was making his rounds on the talk-show circuits, pushing for prison reform.

Included in the group were three men she recognized as Sheppard Granger’s sons, along with their wives. Joy knew Jules Bradford Granger, who had married the youngest Granger a year ago. Jules, who used to be a street cop and detective while living in Boston years ago, was now a top-notch private investigator. One of the best the city of Charlottesville had to offer. Joy had gotten to know Jules when they’d collaborated on a cold case that resulted in a murder from five years ago getting solved.

Joy could only assume the remaining people in the group were friends of the Grangers. Her eyes found their way back to the one man who, even from across the room, was sending flutters of heat all through her, seeping into her every pore. How was that possible when he hadn’t even looked her way?

She stopped staring at him long enough to check her watch. She was officially off work and could leave. That meant going home to an empty house with hopes of getting a good night’s sleep without any interruptions. However, as a homicide detective, it wasn’t unusual to be awakened in the middle of the night and summoned to police headquarters because of some murder case she’d been assigned to.

Joy decided to take one more quick look at that man before leaving. Nothing like a good drool before going home.

She released a slow, deep sigh, and as if the sound carried across the room, he suddenly turned his head and looked right at her. She knew she should have looked away, broken eye contact. It wasn’t nice to stare. But it was as if their gazes were locked and she couldn’t break the hold. She practically forced air into her lungs. He had to be the most gorgeous specimen of a man she’d seen in long time. A very long time. Just looking at him had her heart racing at top speed in her chest. What in the world was wrong with her? She’d never in her life been this affected by a man.

Everyone appeared to fade into oblivion except for the man whose gaze was holding her captive in the most delectable way. Then his gaze began scanning over her, boldly checking her out from head to toe, returning to look into her eyes every so often as if daring her to look away. His silent and bold appraisal filled her with heat of the most intense kind. Suddenly her dress felt too tight. It was obvious her nipples had hardened and were stretching against the material.

She could see more of him now that he’d turned his body. Like the other men present, he was wearing a black tux, and she definitely appreciated the way it fit him, defining all those muscles. He had a very handsome face, and even from where she was standing, she liked the shape of his lips. Even more, she appreciated the neatly trimmed beard that covered the lower part of his face, making him even more handsome. From the distance separating them, she could only speculate about the color of his eyes. Were they black or dark brown? Either one worked in such a gorgeous face.

He suddenly broke eye contact with her when one of the men with him said something and regained his attention. That was her cue to exit. She needed to get home and turn up the air as high as it could get to cool her off while she drank a glass of wine.

She moved toward the exit, which would put her in closer proximity to the hottie, but there was no way of getting around it if she wanted to leave. She felt flutters move inside her once more and knew his gaze was back on her. Although she was tempted to take one last look, she refrained from doing so.

Joy kept walking, determined to make it to the door, when suddenly she heard someone call her name. She stopped, her heart nearly in her throat when she realized the person calling out was Jules Granger.

Jules was all smiles as she walked toward her. “Joy, how are you?”

Joy returned Jules’s smile. “I’m fine. What about you?”

“I’m doing great. You’re leaving already?”

“Yes.” She wasn’t at liberty to admit she’d been working undercover.

“It’s still early. Come over and join us for a minute. I’d love for you to meet everyone.”

Joy knew that meant she would also be meeting the guy who’d caught her staring. Mr. Oh-So-Fine-And-Sexy. It would be easy to tell Jules that she really had to go. But instead, she heard herself say, “Okay.”

Jules hooked their arms together as she led her back over to the group. “Everyone, this is Joy Ingram, a homicide detective here in the city.” She then introduced her to everyone, including the man who had so intrigued her. “Joy, I’d like you to meet another good friend of the Grangers, Stonewall Courson.”

He was even more handsome up close. His dark brown eyes were striking, and she felt a tightening in her midsection when a pair of flawless lips eased into a smile. “Joy, it’s nice to meet you.”

Joy thought he sounded delicious, as well. His deep, throaty voice sent pleasurable shivers up her spine. “Nice meeting you, too, Stonewall,” she said, taking the hand he extended. The touch suffused her with heat. When she was about to pull her hand back, his fingers tightened their grasp, holding her hand captive even as she was introduced to the next two guys.

“And these two are also family friends, Quasar Patterson and Striker Jennings.”

She smiled up at the two men. “Quasar. Striker.”

“Nice meeting you,” both men said. Although he didn’t say anything, the one named Quasar showed a hint of a grin when he saw Stonewall still holding her hand.

* * *

“YOU’VE FALLEN ASLEEP on me?”

Joy opened her eyes to find Stonewall sitting beside her again in the car. She hadn’t heard him return. “Not asleep. Just blocking the sun from my eyes.” There was no way she would tell him what she really had been doing. “Is everything okay?” she asked him, feeling excited about their first official date.

A smile crinkled the corners of his lips. “Everything’s fine. The pilot is filing our flight plans. Ready to go?”

She couldn’t help returning his smile. “Yes, I’m ready.”

CHAPTER THREE

STONEWALL HAD FLOWN on this jet many times over the past four months with Dak, but he doubted he’d ever enjoyed it more than he was now with the exceptional woman sitting across from him. He’d seen the way her eyes had lit up the minute he’d escorted her on board. Dak’s jet was impressive, to say the least. However, what impressed Stonewall the most was Joy.

He recalled the night they’d met. It was the same night Roland was shot. He and everyone in his group had immediately left the charity event to go straight to the hospital.

To Stonewall’s surprise, Joy had followed them to the hospital in her own car, and he was grateful that she had. He’d discovered that night that having a police detective in your corner could cut through a lot of red tape. She’d been able obtain information quickly, about both Roland’s condition and the attempted carjacking.

It had been a long night, and although she had never met Roland, Joy had stayed at the hospital with them, throwing her weight around as a detective to get updates whenever she could. It had been close to four in the morning before they’d gotten word that Roland had survived surgery and would be okay. Everyone had thanked Joy for her help, and Stonewall had walked her to her car. Even now he remembered that night as if it had been yesterday...

* * *

THE NIGHT AIR was cold as they walked beside each other in the hospital’s parking garage. The sexual chemistry that had pulled them together most of the night had taken a temporary back seat while they’d awaited word on Roland’s condition. Everyone had let out a sigh of relief when the doctor appeared to announce Roland had come out of surgery and was on his way to the ICU, where his condition would be monitored.

“I’m glad your boss will be okay,” Joy said, breaking into his thoughts.

He glanced over at her. “Roland is more than just my boss. He’s a good friend.”

“I gathered as much tonight. It’s obvious that he’s special to a lot of people.” She didn’t say anything for a minute and then, “You didn’t have to walk me to my car, you know.”

In truth, Stonewall didn’t know anything. The only thing he was certain about was the fact he wasn’t ready for them to part ways. “It’s the least I could do for all your help. Getting information from those cops was like pulling teeth. You didn’t have to do what you did, and we’re grateful for your intervention.”

They walked slowly and in silence for a few moments. “So, how long have you been a cop?”

“About five years. I entered the police academy right out of college. I did my time as a beat cop before being promoted to detective.”

“I understand you’re new to the city.”

“Yes. I’ve been here for almost two years now.”

“From where?”

“Baton Rouge.”

“Nice city.”

“Yes, it is. I loved it there.”

If she loved it so much, then why did she leave? He would save that question for another night because he had every intention of seeing her again...but only if she said no to his next question.

“Are you involved in a serious relationship with anyone?”

She looked thoughtfully at him. “No, I’m not involved with anyone. Serious or otherwise. Don’t have the time.”

Stonewall knew she would discover that excuse wouldn’t work with him. He didn’t have time for a relationship, either, but for her, he would make time. The fact that she was a cop and he was an ex-con didn’t matter.

“Here’s my car,” she said, coming to a stop beside a dark SUV. “Thanks again for walking me out.”

“I’d like to see you again, Joy.”

The parking garage lights were dim, but he could see her gnawing on her bottom lip. Was he making her nervous? He released the breath he’d been holding when she said, “I’d like to see you again, too.”

He tried keeping the grin from spreading too wide across his face. “Great. What about next Friday night? I’d love to take you to dinner.”

“I work next Friday night.”

“What about Saturday? And before you try finding an excuse, do I need to remind you that you need to eat sometime?”

She met his gaze, held it for a minute and said, “I’m off Saturday night.”

“Okay then, will Saturday night work for you?”

She paused a minute before answering. “Yes, Saturday night will work for me.”

“Good.” He pulled his cell phone from the pocket in his jacket. “What’s your number? I’ll call you later in the week to figure out details.”

She rattled off a number that he used to call her. When her cell phone rang, he said, “Now you have my number and I have yours.”

“Alright.”

He put his phone away. Neither said anything for a minute. He inched closer to her. “There’s one other thing I need to get from you, Joy.”

She lifted a brow. “What?”

“This.” He placed his hand at her waist, leaned in, angled his head and took total possession of her mouth. The moment their mouths touched, red-hot passion, the likes of which he’d never encountered before, flared through him, rushed fire through every pore, nerve and pulse.

When he took control of her tongue, he began sucking on it like it was the most delectable thing he’d ever had inside his mouth. He found her taste uniquely satisfying. And when he heard her moan, his erection began to throb.

After she somehow managed to ease her tongue from his hold and began mingling it sensuously with his, he suddenly felt robbed of his senses. He knew at that moment this would be one kiss he wouldn’t want to end. One he definitely wouldn’t ever forget.

Desire, deliriously intoxicating, joined forces with the passion already consuming him. He wasn’t sure how any kiss could absorb him, consume him and enthrall him like this. Feeling greedy, he intensified the kiss, wanting more of her taste, getting addicted to her flavor, while erotic sensations flooded his bloodstream.

The sound of people approaching had her pulling her mouth away from his, and he all but growled in protest. Determined to get one last taste, he leaned in and flicked his tongue across her lips. He knew that might have been their first kiss but it wouldn’t be the last.

* * *

“WE ARE FLYING at twenty thousand feet. Feel free to unbuckle your seat belts and move around the cabin.” The pilot’s words snapped Stonewall back to the present.

The pilot had said they were free to move around. However, what he wanted more than anything was to reach out and pull Joy from her seat, into his lap, and take control of her mouth. Then he would proceed to kiss her again, even more deeply than he had the last time.

He had to constantly remind himself that this was their first official date. He was trying really hard to act like a gentleman. The last thing he wanted was to come across as some greedy ass who was interested only in her body. Although he was enthralled by her body, he also wanted to get to know her. They’d met occasionally for coffee and beer over the last six months, had talked on the phone a lot, yet to him the communication they’d shared lacked real substance. It had mainly been small talk and not too much more.

“You’re frowning, Stonewall.”

He blinked, not realizing he had been. “Sorry. I was just thinking.”

“Nothing too serious, I hope.”

“It was about you,” he said, deciding to be honest.

She didn’t say anything at first. Instead, she looked at him as if considering his words. As far as he was concerned, she had every right to do that, and it wouldn’t have been so bad if she hadn’t used her tongue to lick her lips as if it was imperative that she moisten her entire mouth right then. Full lips painted a shiny turn-you-on red. Although he was trying to remain calm, the action had an arousing effect on him. He could feel every nerve in his body starting to hum.

“And what about me would make such a frown?” she asked, releasing her seat belt and slowly easing forward in her seat as if she expected him to share a secret with her and she didn’t want to miss a single word.

“It wasn’t a frown, actually.”

She arched a brow. “Oh? What was it, then?”

“Intense concentration.”

“And what about me would cause intense concentration?” she asked in a voice that said she really wanted to know.

He wished he could tell her. Everything. However, doing so would make her assume he had a one-track mind. “We’ve known each other for about six months now, but this is our first official date. I realized how much I don’t know about you and how much I want to know.”

She shrugged what he thought were beautiful shoulders as she settled back in her seat. “Then ask away. At twenty thousand feet in the air on a trip that will take at least an hour, I have plenty of time. What do you want to know?”

“Everything.” Even as he said it, he really wasn’t interested in her work. He knew what she did as a detective, and the last thing he wanted was for her mind to snag on the cases she had yet to solve. Tonight he wanted her focus to be on them. “Let’s start with parents. I know you’re from Louisiana. Is that your birthplace?”

He figured if he kept her talking, he wouldn’t be tempted to get out of his seat, cross the aisle, pull her into his arms and assault her mouth. The same one he couldn’t stop looking at.

“Yes. I was born in Baton Rouge. My parents are still alive and together, although they did separate for a year when I was younger.”

He lifted a brow. “They did?”

“Yes. My father’s profession drove them apart.”

“And what’s his profession?”

“Chief of police in Baton Rouge. When they separated, he was a cop. He’d gotten shot too many times for my mother’s peace of mind.”

“You father got shot in the line of duty?”

“Yes, three times. I guess you can say the bad guys don’t care for him too much. One time nearly cost him his life. The other two were superficial wounds, so he was treated at the hospital and released. Mom gave Dad an ultimatum. Get another job—one that wouldn’t place his life in danger—or she would walk. Not sure if he believed her, but when he didn’t change professions, she left him, moved to New Orleans and took me and my three siblings with her.”

“But they did get back together.”

“Yes. Not sure who made the first move, but since Dad didn’t give up his job, I figure Mom made some major concessions. Dad would always be his own man, but he loved her and his family. Once they got back together, they never argued about what he did for a living again.”

He released his seat belt and got out of his seat. “Want something to drink?”

“No, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”

He nodded as he walked over to the bar to pour a cup of coffee. Columbian blend. He’d acquired a taste for the strong brew since working for Dak. The man loved the stuff. Stonewall figured he would drink coffee now and enjoy a glass of wine at dinner. “So, I take it your mother didn’t like your decision to follow your dad into law enforcement.”

“No, she didn’t, especially since my other siblings have what she considers safe jobs. My oldest brother, Vernon, is five years older than me and an attorney. My brother Orient is four years older and is a dietician at a hospital in Florida. My sister Cheer, who is two years older, is an educator in Atlanta. Everyone is married with kids but me.”

“Your name is Joy and your sister’s is Cheer?” he asked her, grinning.

“Yes. For some reason Mom thought those names were cute for us. She claims she knew my sister would bring her cheer and I would give her joy.” She chuckled. “I’m sure she began having her doubts when I decided to become a cop.”

Joy shifted in her seat, and his gaze followed the movement and saw a flash of thigh. Although he was certain it hadn’t been intentional, he couldn’t help but appreciate it. “We try to get together around the holidays. I last saw everyone at Mother’s Day.”

She paused a minute and then asked, “What about you? I know you have a grandmother and sister living here.”

“Yes, my grandmother and sister live in Charlottesville,” he said, then took a sip of coffee. He intended to tell her about himself, as well. No need to keep anything hidden. He would be the first to admit he’d made bad decisions in his life, decisions he wasn’t proud of but had definitely paid for making. He believed at thirty-four he was a better person because of those experiences, and he looked at things a lot differently than he had while in his teens and early twenties, when he thought the world owed him something and he intended to get it.

Returning to his seat, he stretched his legs out in front of him. “I was born in Charlottesville thirty-four years ago. My grandmother lives in the same house I grew up in as a kid. Nothing my sister and I said or did could get her to move. She says they don’t build houses like hers these days.”

He paused a minute to take another sip of his coffee. “Now, in a way, I’m glad she didn’t move. The area she lives in went through a revitalization and resurgence. A lot of the abandoned homes were renovated, and new small businesses opened up shop. Magnolia Oaks is now a sought-after diverse community of young professionals, artists and revelers who enjoy the numerous nightlife hot spots in the area. With roads shaded by magnolia trees, you can get to practically anywhere by either foot or bicycle. Granny Kay’s home has quadrupled in value. She loves being one of the eldest neighbors amid ‘a sea of young folk,’ as she puts it. They spoil her rotten, and she does the same for them.”

“Granny Kay?”

He smiled. “Yes. Her real name is Katherine, but to me and my sister, she’s always been Granny Kay. Her only child was my father. When my parents were killed, she became our legal guardian.”

Joy shifted in her seat again to cross her legs, and he couldn’t stop the heated sensations that stirred inside him. There was nothing indecent about the movement and he couldn’t fault her for owning such a gorgeous pair. They were legs that looked simply amazing in a pair of heels. “How were your parents killed?” she asked.

“Hurricane Andrew. We were left with Granny Kay while they vacationed with friends in Miami. They weren’t able to evacuate in time, and their hotel was demolished, killing everyone.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thanks. It was hard on me and my sister. I was nine and she was five. Luckily we had our grandparents.” He sighed. “My grandfather never got over losing his only child and died of a heart attack less than a year later. Granny Kay said it was grief that killed him.”

He took another sip of his coffee when he realized that in just a short span of time, he’d shared more about himself with her than he had with any other woman.

* * *

JOY LIKED THE sound of Stonewall’s voice. From the first night they’d met she’d thought it oozed with sexiness, just like the rest of him. If he’d had any idea what seeing him sitting across from her with his legs stretched out in front of him was doing to her, he would have sat up straight. When had she allowed any man to totally capture not only her attention and interest, but also her desire?

She’d been attracted to him from the first. There was something about Stonewall Courson that kept her intrigued, mesmerized. She knew that was why she made it a point to show up every morning before the start of her workday for coffee and doughnuts at the Monroe Street Café, hoping she would run into him there. Or at Shady Reds after work, anticipating their paths crossing. Their encounters, when he was in town, lasted only five to ten minutes. Enough time to get a feel for his personality and decide he was someone she wanted to know better.

She wasn’t interested in anything serious, just a diversion from the complexities of her job. And he had definitely been that. She had enjoyed their brief encounters, the how-are-you-doing text messages she would get whenever he was traveling, and the occasional phone calls that had promised one day they would find the time for more. It was hard to believe that day had finally arrived.

What he’d just shared with her definitely went beyond small talk. After becoming fascinated with him months ago, she’d done her research, but what she’d found had covered only his later years, his arrest at the age of nineteen and his life after that. She appreciated him filling in the blanks.

“What about your name?”

He quirked a brow at her. “What about it?”

“There has to be a story behind it.”

He chuckled. “Really, there’s no story, other than Stonewall is my mom’s maiden name. She was Vivienne Stonewall. Her mother died of cancer when she was in college, and her father died a year later of the same thing. I never knew either of them, but I knew she adored them both and thought giving me her family’s name would be a way to honor their memory.”

“She was the only child?”

“Yes. She was her parents’ only child.’

Joy didn’t say anything for a minute, thinking she really liked being here with him. “How old is your grandmother?” she asked him, trying to stay relaxed and finding it hard to do so.

When they’d boarded the jet, he’d removed his tux jacket and loosened his bow tie. Some men looked okay in a tux and some looked as if the masculine formal attire had been made just for them to wear. Stonewall was one of the latter.

She was a very observant person and was aware each time his gaze roamed up and down every single inch of her body. She was aware of what she did to him with something as inconsequential as shifting in her seat or crossing her legs. She was not intentionally trying to affect him in any way, but the woman in her couldn’t help appreciate that she had the ability to do so.

“She will be seventy-two in a few months.”

She watched his lips move and wondered how any man could have such a luscious pair. And that beard surrounding his mouth was a total turn-on for her. Deciding to keep him talking, she said, “Tell me about your sister.”

He smiled, and from that single expression she detected an extreme fondness. “Amelia, who everyone calls Mellie, is four years younger than I am, and is a doctor at St. Francis Memorial.”

“She lives with your grandmother?”

“No, but she lives close enough. Right around the corner. That way both Granny Kay and Mellie can have the independence and privacy they both enjoy since both are dating age.”

She blinked. “Your about-to-turn-seventy-two-year-old grandmother dates?”

“Yes.”

“Good for her.”

He stroked his bearded jaw, and the gesture sent desire throbbing through her veins. “Hmm, now you sound like Mellie. I used to worry about Granny Kay, but then I realized if there’s anyone who can handle her business, she can.”

He took another sip of his coffee, his gaze never leaving hers, still locking her into all that blatant temptation. It was obvious that she knew he was staring, just like it was obvious she was staring back. One of his brows raised a mere fraction, and a smile touched her lips.

“Are you trying to out-stare me, Joy?”

Sexual tension between them was a constant undercurrent, no matter what they were doing or how serious the conversation they were having. The desire she would see in his eyes held her spellbound. “No, actually I was enjoying the view.”

As he placed his coffee cup aside, a sexy smile spread across his lips. She’d hoped he would get a refill. Any reason that would give her the opportunity to check out his masculine thighs flexing in those black trousers would have been appreciated.

To her disappointment, instead of getting up, he leaned back in his chair as if to get comfortable. “Do you always say whatever is on your mind?” he asked her.

She shrugged. “Most of the time. Comes with the job. It doesn’t pay to beat around the bush if you truly want to know something.”

She watched as his dark brown eyes roamed up and down her body again, the impact hitting her right between the legs. Evidently he liked what he saw. “I’ve got a question for you, Stonewall.”

“And what is it that you want to know?”

She’d warned him that she had no problem saying what was on her mind, so here she went. “Are you going to wait for this plane to land before you kiss me?”

CHAPTER FOUR

OF ALL THE things Stonewall thought Joy might ask, that definitely wasn’t one of them. Funny how her thoughts fell in sync with his. Whenever he looked at her mouth, at those full, luscious lips, he thought about kissing her. Those thoughts had sent jolts of desire through him most of the day while in her presence. Even at the wedding, his gaze would seek her out in the crowd. Find her. The one kiss they’d shared had made a lasting impression on him. He had no problem kissing her before the plane landed, when the plane landed, and anytime in between.

“Do you want me to, Joy?”

The smile that touched her lips sent his libido skyrocketing. Beats of arousal drummed through his blood. “It’s your call, Stonewall. Either way, regardless of whether you do it now or later, I’ll be ready.”

She would be ready... Now why did she have to let him know something like that? Her bold declaration made his already fired-up blood that much hotter. He could actually feel his breath catch in his throat. He felt the pressure against his zipper and knew the sexual vibes between them were to blame. The pounding in his crotch was relentless.

He eased out of his seat, at the moment not caring that she was getting a full-frontal view of a deeply aroused man. “I was trying to be a gentleman.”

He watched her gaze lower to his crotch before easing back up to his face. “I wasn’t aware gentlemen didn’t kiss.”

Her flippant response made him smile. “Not the kind of kiss I had in mind.”

The heat he saw in those gorgeous brown eyes almost did him in. “I’m a big girl. I can handle it.”

“We’ll see,” he said, taking a step toward where she sat and extending his hand to her. “It might be more than you’re prepared for, Joy.”

“Let me be the judge of that.” She placed her hand in his, and the moment she did, he felt a crackle of fiery-hot energy, unmistakably raw, pass between them.

He gently tugged her to her feet, bringing their bodies tight against each other. The moment the lower part of his body touched hers, a spike of intense heat seized him low in the gut.

He stared down into her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “You sure you want this now?”

“Like I said, now or later. It’s your call, Stonewall.”

His gaze became fixated on her lips and anticipation jolted him to the bone. “In that case, I choose now.”

He all but growled the words before lowering his mouth to hers.

* * *

JOY FELT HER senses soar the moment his tongue touched hers. She had waited for this moment, and it was just as she remembered it...and more.

She felt every single hormone in her body sizzle and awaken as desire overtook her and began making urgent demands. Like returning the kiss with even more fervor and greed. She tried but could barely keep up with the relentless strokes of his tongue.

The hands that had been around her waist were now skimming up and down her backside. The intimate caress was heightening the beat of her pulse, causing her core to contract, her nipples pressing against his chest to tighten into buds. She thought the same thing now that she had months ago. Nobody could kiss like Stonewall Courson.

The first stroke of his tongue had nearly brought her to her knees that night, and even now she heard herself moaning as she leaned closer to him, felt her tongue trying to out-stroke his and once again discovered it couldn’t. He angled his head, directed his mouth to take even more of hers. Leading the kiss deeper and kissing her harder was like a work of art he’d perfected, and he had no problem putting his skills on display.

He’d given her fair warning. Had made it clear this wouldn’t be a regular kind of kiss, might be more than she was prepared for. She had to grudgingly admit he’d been right. It wouldn’t take much to push him back into the seat he’d vacated earlier, unzip his pants, lift up her dress, straddle him and let nature take its course. Hadn’t she decided it would be a great diversion from her crazy and hectic life?

“Please fasten your seat belts. The plane will be landing in fifteen minutes.”

The pilot’s voice was like water on a burning flame. Stonewall snatched his mouth away and she immediately felt the loss. She watched him through glassy eyes as he drew in deep breaths as if to steady his breathing, get it back under his control. She wondered if that control also included the rock-hard erection that had been pressing against the juncture of her thighs the entire time they’d kissed.

The look in his eyes promised more than just something hot and steamy. It promised rapture of the most illicit kind. She licked her lips, loving the taste of him still there. “I guess we need to take our seats now and buckle up.”

His eyes tracked the movement of her tongue. “Yes, I guess we should.”

When he continued to stand there, she took a step back and eased into her seat. She reached for her seat belt, but he said, “No, let me.”

He leaned down to buckle her in, and the scent of him sent a sensual throb of desire racing through her veins. He leaned in and whispered hotly against her lips, “Do you want to continue this later?”

Did she! “We’ll see,” she said, deciding not to commit to anything just yet.

A smile spread across his lips as the strong sexual chemistry continued to sizzle between them. “Yes, we’ll see.”

He snapped her seat belt in place and moved to take his own seat. A part of her knew whatever happened later tonight was meant to be. They had been imprisoned in this deep, mind-blowing attraction even before they’d officially met.

His gaze held hers, and she thought that no man had ever made her skin tingle and the area between her legs throb just by looking at her. Sexual vibes were pouring off him, and at that moment she hoped she would make it through dinner.

* * *

SENSATIONS WERE WASHING over Stonewall in a way that he’d never experienced before. He definitely recognized the intense heat and the ragged tug of desire when he’d kissed her, but nothing could have prepared him for the longing that was settling deep in his soul. Had ten months without a woman in his bed brought him to this?

Even now, while sitting across from Joy, he had to fight to tame his breathing and heartbeat. What was it about her that had his vital signs reacting crazily whenever he saw her? And it didn’t matter if she was dressed as a police detective or a seductress; the assault on his senses was the same. The last few months had all but proved that.

After watching Joy lick her lips a few times, he decided to lick his own. The taste she’d left there was extraordinary. Not only did her lips have the same luscious, sweet flavor as before, but they’d felt soft beneath his. The shape of them had fit his perfectly, and when he’d applied greedy pressure, she had reciprocated. There was no doubt in his mind if the pilot’s voice hadn’t intruded over the intercom, they would still be kissing. Or he might have changed his mind about being a gentleman and joined the mile-high club, after all.

He finally broke eye contact with her to stare out the window when the plane began its descent. It was either that or embarrass himself when the pilot saw him with a hard-on as big and solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.

“I’m excited about dinner, Stonewall.”

He glanced back over at Joy. “I’m excited about dinner, as well.” What he decided not to say was that he was more excited about the prospect of continuing where they’d left off earlier. He knew she was well aware that the next time they kissed, he intended to take things further. Or die trying.

“Have you ever eaten at this restaurant before?” she asked.

He shook his head. “No. This will be my first time.” And he would be sharing the experience with her. “But the restaurant came highly recommended. You once mentioned how much you liked seafood, and I understand this place has the best. They catch their own.”

The smile that touched her lips right then was priceless, he thought, as his mind tried drowning him in the memory of her taste. “I can’t wait to try it,” she said.

And I can’t wait to try you. He felt the plane touch down on the runway as it landed. He smiled over at her. “We’re here.”

* * *

AN HOUR AND a half later, after finishing her meal, Joy decided if being at Martha’s Vineyard with Stonewall was only a dream, then it was one she didn’t want to end. A private car had picked them up at the airstrip. This was her first time on the island, and since it was still daylight when they’d arrived, she’d been able to see just how beautiful it was.

The pilot had called their attention to a large group of whales in the Atlantic. It was definitely an OMG moment. Something else that had captured her attention from the air was the five lighthouses that signified the island’s maritime heritage. When the plane dropped altitude for the landing, she could see several rows of gingerbread-looking houses painted in bright colors as well as a number of small, impressive estates, most likely owned by the rich and famous who made the island their summer home.

During the car ride to the restaurant, she saw not only the island’s scenic beaches, but also miles and miles of lush farmlands. Stonewall told her about the six townships that made up the island as well as the fact that the Steven Spielberg movie Jaws had been filmed in one of them.

“I hope you enjoyed dinner,” Stonewall said, breaking into her thoughts.

She couldn’t help smiling at him. “I loved dinner. It was perfect. This restaurant is perfect. I’ve never had a dining experience quite like this one.”

And she truly meant it. Undoubtedly the restaurant had expected their arrival and had escorted them to a private room in the back overlooking the ocean. And once they’d been seated and served drinks, it wasn’t long before several platters of delectable seafood had been placed on their table for them to enjoy.

She had started off with a bowl of the best clam chowder she’d ever tasted, followed by grilled shrimp over a bed of vegetable rice. Then there were the steamed lobsters and mouthwatering crab cakes.

“I’m glad you enjoyed everything, and I hope that our first date met with your approval,” he said, smiling across the table at her.

“It most certainly did, Stonewall. Thank you for everything. It’s been a wonderful evening. You went above and beyond.” Not only was the food and atmosphere of the restaurant wonderful, she also enjoyed Stonewall’s company. He was a great conversationalist, very adept at keeping the chat between them moving without dominating it.

“I hope you saved room for dessert,” he said when the waiter had removed the last of their dishes.

“Dessert? You’ve got to be kidding. Who can eat dessert after all that?”

“I can. And I refuse to eat it alone. At least share it with me. We’re having butterscotch peanut butter cake.”

Her eyes lit up. “Butterscotch peanut butter cake?”

“Yes. Will you share a slice with me?”

She shook her head, chuckling. “Okay, I will share a slice, only because I’m curious to see how it tastes.”

Within minutes the waiter returned with two smaller plates and forks. Stonewall returned one of the forks to the waiter. “We’re sharing.”

Desire clawed through her at the thought that not only would they share the cake but the eating utensil, as well. He glanced over at her. “If you prefer your own fork, I can call him back and—”

“No, that’s fine. I only want a tiny taste anyway.”

When the waiter delivered the slice of cake, she thought it looked delicious. “That’s a rather large slice, don’t you think?”

He chuckled. “Not really.”

Stonewall was definitely a man with a healthy appetite. And if the kisses they’d shared were anything to go by, she had a feeling that appetite wasn’t limited just to foods.

She watched him slice into the cake with the fork and extended it toward her, offering her the first bite. She opened her mouth and he slid the cake between her lips.

“Mmm, it’s delicious.” She couldn’t help licking her tongue around her lips and noticed his gaze followed the movement. There was something so darn sensuous about his rugged good looks, especially the lines of his face that were in perfect symmetry.

“I’m glad you like it. It’s one of Granny Kay’s favorite recipes,” he said, sliding the fork into the cake again.

She lifted a brow. “Your grandmother?”

He chuckled. “Yes. One of the reasons I selected this particular restaurant is that, upon request, they’ll make your favorite dessert. All you have to do is provide them the recipe.”

He leaned forward as he slid another piece of cake between her lips and whispered, “Although they did a good job duplicating it, I think Granny Kay’s is better.”

She swallowed the bite he’d fed her. After taking a sip of her wine, she asked, “You’re kidding, right?”

“About my grandmother’s version being better? No, I’m not kidding.”

She shook her head. “No, about providing them with your grandmother’s recipe to make this dessert. You were kidding about that?”

“No. Dead serious.”

She stared at him. Felt a tightening in her stomach while watching him slide a piece of the cake between his own lips. When a bit of icing clung to the lower part of his mouth, he used his tongue to swipe it away. That same tongue he’d used to mate with hers earlier. The memory had every hormone in her body sizzling. “Why would you go out of your way and do something like that?”

He sliced the fork into the cake again, and when he extended another piece to her, she automatically opened her mouth to him. “Because it was our official first date, and I wanted it to be as special as I think you are.”

She didn’t know what to say. His compliment had rendered her speechless. And then there was that warm feeling that washed over her she just couldn’t ignore. The last thing she wanted to think was that he’d merely given her a line to score, although maybe she should think it. She couldn’t let anything Stonewall—or any man—said go to her head. Her career was front and center in her life. She’d worked too hard to get where she was without letting anyone, especially a man with flowery words, deter her focus.

But still, a part of her couldn’t help saying, “Thank you for the compliment. But do you honestly think I’m special?”

He chuckled again, and the sound was low and seductive. “Hell yeah. You’re a beautiful woman who’s smart and intelligent and who can also kick ass when you have to. What man wouldn’t think you’re special?”

“Plenty of men. You want a list?”

* * *

STONEWALL SLOWLY CHEWED another piece of the cake while looking at her. It was not what she said that concerned him but basically what it implied. He recalled that first night when she’d told him she wasn’t seriously involved with anyone and cited her lack of time as the cause. Was that the only reason?

“You want to tell me about that list?” he asked, slicing his fork into the cake again.

“Not really. It was their problem, not mine.”

“Well, just so you know, kick-ass women turn me on.”

He watched as a sensuous smile touched her lips. His groin tightened in response. “Do they?” she asked.

“Yes. Nothing stirs my blood more than a confident woman. A woman who knows how to take care of business and doesn’t mind doing so.”

She stared at him, as if trying to decipher the truth of his words. There was something ultrasexy about the way her hair tumbled around her face when she tilted her head. “Why?”

“Why what? Why do I admire such a woman? Why would I find such a woman sexy as hell, hot, a total turn-on?”

“Yes.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Not sure why I like strong women. I guess the main reason is that most of the women in my life are strong or have been. Including Mom. She was my father’s partner in all things. He was a dentist, and she was his office manager. He would always say she ran his office like clockwork, which allowed him to concentrate on his patients.”

He paused before continuing. “Then there’s Granny Kay. After my grandfather died she became the one in charge. The one who had to protect her family, namely me and my sister. My grandfather owned several guns, and Granny Kay sold them all and bought one she could handle. She even took classes on how to use it. When decent people began moving out of the neighborhood and thugs began hanging about, word got around that she was an old woman who would shoot first and ask questions later. Just in case they got the mind to test her.”

“Did any of them try?”

“I understand a few did. They soon discovered she was as serious as a heart attack.” He paused a minute and then added, “I’m glad she was able to protect herself and Mellie since I wasn’t around to do so.”

“During your stint at Glenworth, right?”

There was no need to ask how she knew about that. She was a cop, after all, and had access to any information she needed to know. “Yes,” he said, “it was during that time.”

He offered her the last bite of cake, and when she shook her head and said, “No thank you,” he slid it into his own mouth.

“Tell me about it,” she said softly.

He usually didn’t talk about this with women. And yet... “What can I tell you that you probably don’t already know? There’s no way I’ll believe you haven’t looked at my file. After all, you’re a cop.” He knew she must have heard the bitterness in his tone.

“I take it you have something against cops?”

“Depends on the cop. Let’s just say I have a reason not to have a favorable impression of the few I’ve come into contact with.”

“Sorry to hear that. I would be a liar to say all cops are good. There are some who give the rest of us a bad name,” she said with bitterness in her tone, as well. “But I believe most of us do what we’re paid to do and uphold the law while being fair to everyone.”

All he had to do was remember how the cops had worked to get that assassin off the street to know what she said was true. And when Striker’s and Margo’s lives had been threatened, the cops had shown up ready to kick ass.

“And another thing, Stonewall,” she said, interrupting his thoughts. “I agreed to go out with you before researching your history. The reason it took us six months to finally have a date wasn’t for lack of trying on both our parts, and it had nothing to do with you once being a convict.”

“I never said it did, Joy.”

She’d spoken matter-of-factly, self-composed, while trying to maintain her cool. There was something sexy about the way her lips curved in a frown and the way she’d tilted her head as if to make sure he fully understood what she’d said, because she had no intention of backing down. The thought that such a gorgeous-looking woman could hold her own made him feel good inside. She reminded him of Mellie, who didn’t take foolishness from any man.

“I merely pointed out that I’m aware you know everything you’re asking me about,” he added.

“But not your side of the story.”

He shrugged. “Does my side matter?”

“Yes, it matters to me.”

He weighed what she’d said, deciding not to read too much into something about him mattering to her. Leaning back in his chair, he said, “Tonight I wanted to impress you, not depress you.”

“You could never depress me. You’re too strong a man for that.”

He shook his head. “Strong? There was a time I was weak. Acceptance meant everything. I lost my parents, and within the same year I lost my grandfather. My father and grandfather were the two most important and influential male figures in my life. I was angry. Madder than hell. My life was a mess. Nothing anyone said or did mattered. I rebelled and began hanging with the wrong crowd. I deliberately got into fights, played hooky from school and gave my teachers grief. I was the quintessential pain in the ass.”

He paused, remembering that time. “Then one night, less than a month after graduating from high school, two of my friends talked me into driving them to a convenience store for cigarettes and beer. Said they would only be a minute. I didn’t know they’d robbed the place until the police pulled us over a short while later. The money they’d stolen was stuffed in their pockets. Stupid me, I’d been clueless that they’d used me as the driver of the getaway car.”

He couldn’t believe he was telling her all of this. “Granny Kay used the money from my parents’ life insurance policy, money that was meant for my and Mellie’s college, to hire a lawyer. He was able to get me a lesser sentence since I hadn’t participated in the actual robbery. I got five years and they were given ten.”

“You ended up doing eight years because you kept getting into trouble while in prison. Three more years were added on to your original sentence,” she said.

“Yes, I kept getting into trouble. But all that changed when Sheppard Granger came on the scene.”

“Why?”

Like he was certain she’d known his story, he was just as certain she knew Sheppard Granger’s. “Shep was a convict who was wrongly accused of killing his wife. He didn’t fit. He didn’t belong. But even worse, he didn’t accept our bullshit. He refused to do so. I tried hating him but ended up admiring him. Especially when he began doing good things for the prisoners, starting educational programs for us and becoming our advocate. He made me realize getting more time added to my sentence was a total waste of my life and my value as a human being. I began believing him and began believing in myself. I got out, went to college, got a good job and have tried to give back to society. I feel good about that.”

“And you should. I’d read the news articles about Sheppard Granger and the differences he made in the prison system. Because of him, a lot of changes have been instituted.”

“Yes, they have. I owe him a lot.” Moments like this, sitting across from a remarkable woman like Joy when he could still be wasting his life getting into trouble, always made him appreciate the day Sheppard Granger came into his life.

Stonewall checked his watch and then glanced at Joy. His pulse kicked up at the thought that their evening wasn’t about to end but was truly about to begin. “You’re ready to leave?”

She held his gaze and nodded.

He motioned to the waiter for their check. When the man arrived, he also gave them a box containing the rest of the cake. Stonewall slid it over to Joy. “This is yours. Compliments of me.”

A smile curved her lips. “Thanks. Whenever I eat a slice, I’ll think of you.”

He returned her smile. “I’m hoping you will.”

CHAPTER FIVE

IT WAS CLOSE to midnight when Stonewall returned Joy to her home, and she couldn’t help but reflect on the evening. It was hard to stop smiling, thinking about how much time and attention he’d put into making sure their first official date was special. Everything, from the flight to Martha’s Vineyard to the dinner they’d shared at that restaurant, had been carefully thought out and strategically planned in a positive way. And having the restaurant prepare her that special dessert using his grandmother’s recipe had shown what a thoughtful person he was.

On the flight back they’d talked about a number of things, while trying to downplay the sexual chemistry floating between them. In addition to being a great conversationalist, he knew a lot about world affairs. It had been interesting listening to his political views, which happened to coincide with hers.

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” she asked as he walked her to the door. The motion lights around her home came on—a security measure she’d installed when she bought the house.

“Yes, it is.”

She wasn’t sure what cologne he was wearing, but it smelled good on him. Manly and robust. Virile and sexy. More than once while sitting across from him on the return flight, she’d been tempted to unbuckle her seat belt, get up, go curl up in his lap and rub her nose against his neck to draw the smell of him into her nostrils.

The one thing she’d tried not to think about was the kiss they’d shared earlier. The one he’d asked about continuing later. He hadn’t brought it back up, nor had she. However, there was no doubt in her mind he was thinking about it just as much as she was. Would he want to come inside? Would she ask him to?

She was surprised at how comfortable she felt with Stonewall. She was a woman who put up a protective shield where men were concerned, especially after her disastrous affair with her ex, Omar Elwood. Omar had taught her an important lesson where men were concerned, one she would never forget. Stonewall thinking she was special, and his reason, touched a secret place within her, but she knew she must never lower her guard, at least not completely. Not even for the man walking beside her. Especially not for him.

She was fully aware of just how attractive she was to him. Their personalities seemed to mesh, and tonight she had felt relaxed in his presence...at least during those times when she wasn’t having fantasies of tearing off his clothes, or being the one to feed him a slice of cake.

She would definitely have done things differently, like licking the icing, the little bit that had clung to his lips, right off with the tip of her tongue.

“Well, here you are,” he said, breaking into her thoughts when they’d reached her front door. He handed the box containing the leftover cake to her.

Their hands touched and her breath caught on a surge of desire she should have seen coming, but didn’t. Drawing in a deep breath, she said, “Thanks, and thanks again for a wonderful evening.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” He suddenly stopped talking and frowned. “I hear conversation inside your home.”

She chuckled. “Relax. It’s the television. I rarely turn it off.”

“Why?”

“A habit I acquired after college when I began living alone. Too much silence drives me mad.”

“I see.”

She wondered if he truly did. It drove her siblings crazy and whenever they visited, they muted her set. Unlike her, they preferred quiet.

“Would you consider going out with me again, Joy?”

She smiled up at him. “Yes. Hopefully it won’t take us another six months.”

The sound of his ensuing chuckle sent desire pounding through her veins. She thought what she was experiencing was utterly ridiculous. Since when did the sound of a male chuckle do something to her? Like remind her that she hadn’t slept with a guy in almost two years?

“We can hope,” he said. “Maybe I should try getting on your schedule now before I leave,” he said.

Her smile faded. “Leave? You’re off again?”

“Yes. I fly out tomorrow for New York, and from there to London.”

“Oh.” She tried keeping the disappointment out of her voice. She didn’t have a reason to be disappointed, really. It wasn’t like they were a real couple or anything. They’d had their date, although it had taken nearly six months to happen. The important thing was that it had happened. And she was glad it had. “Sounds like an interesting trip. When will you be back?”

“In a couple of weeks.”

Had she imagined it or had he just eased a little closer to her? “You will be missed,” she heard herself say.

“Will I?”

“Yes. I still drop by that café on Monroe Street most mornings for coffee and at Shady Reds on Fridays for beer,” she said. “When you’re out of town I miss seeing you around.” It was more than that and she knew it. “Would you like to come inside for a drink?”

He inched even closer. “What if I said a drink isn’t all I’d want once I’m inside, Joy?”

Wow! Was this the same man who’d been so careful to maintain his role as a gentleman earlier tonight that he’d refrained from kissing her...until she’d egged him on? “And what else would you want?”

“To finish that kiss, for starters.”

“For starters?”

“Yes, for starters,” he said in a deep, husky tone.

She drew in a long, pulsing breath. At least she knew what to expect, but did Stonewall? If he assumed he would be the captain sailing this ship, then he was vastly mistaken.

Now she was the one to inch forward, and she could tell by the look in his eyes he was a little surprised by the move. Surprised and pleased, just like when she had taken a bold approach earlier.

“Be forewarned, Stonewall Courson. Once you cross over my threshold, you’re on my turf.”

He held her gaze and she felt the heat. “Meaning?”

“Meaning I’ll be calling the shots. What do you have to say about that?”

A smile curved his lips. “I say bring it on.”

* * *

STONEWALL HAD HOPED when he’d parked his car in Joy’s driveway that their time together wouldn’t end on her doorstep. Now as he glanced around the huge living room, he felt a sense of relief that it hadn’t. Yes, she might be calling the shots, but he was determined to get a few points in nonetheless.

“Nice place.”

“Thanks. I’m taking this cake to the kitchen. While I’m there, what can I get you to drink?”

“A beer would be appreciated if you have one.”

“I do. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in a sec.”

Stonewall watched her leave, appreciating the sway of her hips. He drew in a deep breath and felt his body heat from anticipation. Of what? He couldn’t be sure, when she was determined to call the shots.

He glanced around the room again. On the drive to her place she’d told him she’d purchased the house a year ago. Upon moving to Charlottesville she had leased an apartment close by and would jog in this neighborhood of historical homes every morning. When this particular house had gone up for sale she had contacted the Realtor immediately and placed a down payment on it. According to Joy, there had been things about the area that she’d liked—the quiet community as well as the treelined streets and a majestic view of the mountains in the distance.

The first thing he’d noticed was just how neat and tidy her home was. Not a single item out of place. Even the pillows on the leather sofa seemed in perfect alignment. What looked like a seventy-inch television hung above a white brick fireplace. She’d mentioned her home’s proximity to just about everything: shopping, fast-food places and grocery stores. All those things would be advantageous with her hectic schedule.

“I hope I didn’t take too long,” she said, returning with two bottles of beer.

He’d noticed at some point she’d removed her shoes, and seeing her out of them was just as sexy as seeing her in them. “No, but I did miss you while you were gone.”

“Did you?” she asked, handing him one of the bottles.

“Sure did. And thanks,” he said, taking the cold bottle from her and suddenly feeling hot from the brief touch of their fingers. “We’re going to have to do something about that sooner or later, you know.”

He wondered if she would pretend not to know what he was talking about and was glad that she didn’t. “I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Were you?” he asked, screwing off the cap to the beer bottle. He took a long, delicious gulp and licked his lips afterward. It was then he noticed she was standing there staring at him. He lifted a brow. “Is anything wrong, Joy?”

* * *

“NO, THERE’S NOTHING WRONG.” Joy knew there was no way a woman could tell a man that the mere sight of him drinking a beer, of his muscles in his throat flexing as he swallowed, was a total turn-on. And it didn’t help matters that she knew the shape and fullness of those lips he’d placed on the beer bottle, mainly because they had been on her mouth earlier. The memory of their kiss almost made her groan, and she quickly uncapped her beer and took a swig. She needed the taste of the cold liquid to cool off the rush of desire clawing at her.

“Joy?”

She lifted her eyes to his and wished she hadn’t. She saw concern. But more than anything, she saw something hot and steamy in the gaze staring back at her. “I’m fine.” She was practically drowning in the man. His mere presence was having a sinfully erotic effect on her.

“I like the way you’ve got this place fixed up. Maybe you can give me a few decorating ideas.”

“I got most of my ideas from the television.”

He chuckled and set his beer on a nearby table. “The television you never turn off?”

“Yes. One and the same.” She took another sip of beer. “I would give you a tour of the place but you wouldn’t be impressed. Nothing spectacular.”

“I find that hard to believe when I think you’re spectacular. It stands to reason the place you live would be, too.”

She chuckled as she tapped the mouth of her beer bottle to the center of her lips a few times. “Why, Mr. Courson, if you continue to lavish me with all these compliments, I’ll begin to think you have an ulterior motive for doing so.”

A corner of Stonewall’s lips curved into a grin. “And what ulterior motive could I possibly have?” he asked, inching closer. He was standing so close that if she wanted to, she could take the tip of her tongue and swipe his lower lip. So close that she could actually feel the heat radiating off him and onto her.

“Do I need to spell it out for you?” she asked him.

He reached out, took the beer bottle from her hand and placed it on the table next to his. As usual, whenever their hands touched, a crackle of sexual energy passed between them. She felt it and, from the darkening of his eyes, knew he’d felt it, as well. “There’s no need to spell anything out to me, Joy.”

Why did he have to say her name with that sexy huskiness? With the tip of his finger, he traced the curve of her lips. The touch was so light and sensuous she almost moaned. “But like I said earlier, sooner or later we’re going to have to do something about all this chemistry between us. Personally, I prefer sooner, since it seems when it comes to the two of us, we can’t count on later. Something always comes up.”

That was true. Look how long it had taken for their first date, she thought.

“Then there’s that kiss we never finished,” he added. He leaned his head closer to hers, and she felt his unspoken question like a warm whisper against her lips.

Her mind suddenly conjured up images of how it had felt to wrap her arms around his muscled back while his mouth totally devoured hers. She couldn’t give him a yes or a no. At that moment, with his mouth so close to hers, all she could do was give him a “Hmm.” And when he leaned even closer and his tongue did a tantalizing sweep across her lips, a rush of sensations bombarded her.

“I’m tempted to do that every time I look at your lips, you know,” he said before doing it again.

No, she didn’t know. At the moment all she knew was that she was nearly overcome by a degree of want and need she hadn’t experienced in a long time, if ever.

But before things went any further they needed to establish some grounds rules. She refused to make the same mistake with him that she’d made with Omar Elwood. “Stonewall?”

He swept his tongue over her lips again, and she couldn’t hold back the moan. “Umm?”

“We need to talk.”

He reached out, cupped her face with his hands and whispered, “Later,” before leaning in and devouring her mouth.

In his lifetime Stonewall had kissed plenty of women, but at that moment he knew none of those kisses had affected him as much as this one did. Joy was pushing him to the limits of his sanity and with every stroke of his tongue to hers, liquid heat was shooting straight toward his groin.

This was their third kiss, and it seemed each and every time their mouths connected things got crazier and crazier. Their needs became all-consuming. Their desire for each other was so perfectly aligned that he could feel every single pore in his body open up to sensations he’d never felt before.

Joy moaned and he released his hold on her face to plunge his hands into her hair, loving the feel of his fingers running through the strands. Angling his head, he deepened the kiss to get a more intimate contact with her mouth.

Pressing his body closer to hers, he wanted her to feel every inch of him, just like he wanted to discover every inch of her. Her dress was sexy as hell and had pushed his libido to the limit. The result was this. Needs and desires overtaking common sense. She moaned again as their tongues continued to mesh and mate with a ferociousness that had a burst of fire hitting him low in the gut. She pressed closer and he could feel the hardened tips of her nipples against his chest. She was driving him insane and he wanted her to be affected by the same madness.

He suddenly broke the kiss and stared down at her, his breathing hard and labored as if he’d run a marathon. Her lips were wet, proof of just how hungry his mouth had been for hers. Her eyes were filled with a need that mirrored his and her breathing was just as irregular. Even now he could feel the deep, hard thud of her heartbeat against his chest.

She’d said she would be calling the shots and he intended to let her. “No pun intended, baby, but the balls are in your court. How do you intend to play them?” he whispered huskily on a breath surging with desire so intense it was almost painful. So intense he felt a spike of desire in those same balls he was alluding to.

“I intend to play in a way that’s never been played before, Stonewall. At least, not by me. Are you game?”

Anticipation rushed through his entire body. “Hell yeah, I’m game.”

A smile touched her lips and without saying a word, she took hold of his hand and led him toward the back of her house.

CHAPTER SIX

IT WAS STONEWALL’S intent to let her lead; after all, she did have a firm grip on his hand. But after taking no more than two steps, he suddenly resisted. Some primitive force within him demanded that they make love here. Now. At no time had he ever felt this tight with a need to appease a sexual hunger, this filled with intense desire.

“Is something wrong, Stonewall?”

As far as he was concerned, a lot was wrong. Topping the list was this buildup of need and desire he had for her. Six months’ worth. “I want you now, Joy. Here.”

“But my bedroom is right down the hall.”

“Doesn’t matter. I doubt I can make it that far.” To admit something like that was crazy but at the moment he didn’t care. He wanted her now and that’s all that mattered. He would call himself all kinds of fool later.

But at present...

He lifted her and pressed her against the wall. She wrapped her legs around his waist the minute he lowered his head and hungrily crushed his mouth to hers, taking her mouth for all it was worth. She returned the kiss, fueling his desire even more. It seemed that they were both unleashing pent-up need and longing with a powerful voraciousness.

Never had he wanted a woman as much as he wanted her tonight. Everything about her sent him over the edge and there was no way to save himself, other than this way. To devour her mouth...at least for starters. This kiss alone was igniting a degree of bone-melting fire that was quickly escalating through his entire body.

Growling deep in his throat, he dragged his mouth away to breathe in a gust of air that included her lush scent. He used the tip of his tongue to lick the side of her face, needing her taste. Drawing in more breath, he met her gaze. “I want you, Joy.” He figured there was no way she couldn’t know that with his hard erection poking into her.

“And I want you, too, Stonewall.”

Sensations ripped through him with her words. Knowing all this desire was being shared made him lower his head and claim her lips again. He enjoyed kissing her, applying his strong, hard lips to her soft ones. A part of him knew the purpose of making love to her mouth this way. He was setting the tone of just how intense he planned to make love to her body. Continuing with that strategy, he kissed her with a relentless hunger that wouldn’t let up. Their tongues were mating as if today was all they had and tomorrow was a dream they couldn’t bank on. They would take all they could now, and the memories would be savored later during those days when he was off somewhere protecting Dak and she was back here solving her criminal cases. He intended this to be a night they would not only remember, but one that would keep the flame burning until the next time...and he was determined to make sure there was a next time.

* * *

WHEN STONEWALL SUDDENLY broke off their kiss, he gathered her into his arms, took the couple of steps toward the sofa and laid her on it. He then began practically tearing off his clothes. First he tossed the tux jacket aside, followed by the bow tie and shirt. Cuff links were placed on the table as he kicked off his shoes.

Joy watched him through desired-glazed eyes. Never had any man kissed her with such intensity and hunger. She had actually felt his need and his desire for her with every stroke of his tongue.

Tonight he’d put to rest the myth that if you’d had one kiss you’d had them all. Mainly because the ones Stonewall had delivered were in a class all by themselves. He could take your mouth and gobble it up with toe-curling greed one minute and ply it with a tenderness that made you feel as if your mouth was a treasure to be cherished the next.

He lowered his pants down in his legs and his briefs quickly followed. She moaned when he stood before her totally naked, giving her a full-frontal view of the most magnificent male body she’d ever seen. His physique was the kind that would make a woman drool ten times over.

Her gaze took him in, moving down his too-handsome face to a pair of wide shoulders, a broad, hairy chest, a tight stomach and perfect abs. He had a tattoo of a bald eagle in flight on his chest. However, it was the area below his waist that had her leaning up to get a better view. Nestled between a pair of taut, masculine thighs and surrounded by a thatch of thick, curly hair, his manhood stood as erect as any she’d ever seen. It was gigantic, and she wondered how he’d kept all his junk encased in a pair of briefs and behind a zipper. She was beginning to feel light-headed at the thought that anything of such monumental size could fit into anything...especially a woman.

“Ready for me to undress you, Joy?”

His words made her snatch her gaze up to his face. Undress her? Did he actually think what he was packing could fit inside her? The thought of him even trying should have made her loins ache in pain, instead of the throb of pleasure she was feeling between her legs. For some reason it was anticipation and not panic ruling her mind.

As if he knew her concerns, he said, “I won’t hurt you.”

She frowned. “You don’t know that.”

He chuckled. “I haven’t sent a woman to the hospital yet.”

Was that comment meant to be reassuring? It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him that there was a first time for everything, but instead her gaze lowered to the area between his legs again. Definitely impressive, and she had a feeling he knew it, which was probably why he didn’t appear self-conscious. Not all men owned what he had. She forced her gaze lower, past his genitals and legs to a pair of pretty feet.

“You’ve seen enough of me. Now I’m dying to see all of you.”

Joy suddenly imagined two naked bodies. Theirs. Limbs entwined while going at it beneath the sheets. Just the thought, the very idea, sent a gush of wetness flowing between her legs. Suddenly the thought of being able to handle Stonewall Courson stirred a raw need inside her.

He leaned down, brushed a kiss across her lips and whispered, “There will be no pain tonight, Joy. Just pleasure. I promise.”

She didn’t see how that was possible but decided she would take his word for it. “Alright, if you say so.”

“I do.” He slid his tongue between her lips and proceeded to ply her mouth with intense strokes of his tongue. Joy knew at that moment she would never tire of being kissed by him.

Getting caught up in the kiss, for a minute she thought she only imagined the feel of his hand beneath her dress. But when his fingers eased behind the waistband of her panties and began stroking her wetness, she tore her mouth from his and moaned deeply against his neck as sharp sensations invaded her womanly core.

“Remember. More pleasure than pain.”

She pulled back and looked at him. “Hey, wait a minute. Moments ago you said no pain, just pleasure. Why are you backtracking?”

He licked the side of her face. “Because I felt you down there. You’re pretty damn tight.”

Pretty damn tight? Maybe in his book but not in hers. His statement only raised her anxiety level a notch. He stared deep into her eyes. “Trust me.”

Trust him? Didn’t he know she was a cop and a cop didn’t fully trust anyone? But that throbbing force between her legs all but demanded that she trust him. It had been a long time since any man had given her pleasure, and she wanted it. She needed it. She would even go so far as to say that after six months and four canceled dates, they both deserved it.

“I can handle it,” she said with a lot more confidence than she actually felt. And it didn’t help matters that his fingers were still planted between her legs, inside her, stroking her in a way that would make her agree to just about anything. This was their first date. Were they moving too fast? From the relentless throbbing at her womanly core, one would think they weren’t moving fast enough. And she was woman enough to admit, she wanted to have sex with him. She wasn’t looking for anything permanent, exclusive or otherwise. She needed something to take the edge off, to relieve her stress. She wanted this.

She wanted him.

She eased up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Okay, Mr. Courson. Show me what you can do with all that you’ve got.”

* * *

STONEWALL INTENDED TO do just that. Starting now. He reached behind her to ease down the zipper of her dress before pulling the garment over her head and tossing it in a recliner chair. He looked down at her and couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips when he saw her matching bra and panties. Pink. And not just any shade of pink. It was a soft pink. Damn, the mere thought of the tough, kick-ass Detective Joy Ingram wearing sexy pink lingerie sent his libido into overdrive. And the sensual scent of her perfume was arousing him to enormous heights.

“I’m discovering that underneath all of that hard-hitting and rough detective facade is one hell of a sexy woman. I think I’m going to start calling you Sexy Joy,” he said, using his fingertips to gingerly stroke up and down her bare arms, loving the feel of her soft skin.

“Whatever you like.”

Stonewall chuckled, doubting she would be this agreeable often. He unhooked her bra before easing the straps off her arms and then drew in a sharp breath when two gorgeous breasts were freed. His mouth suddenly began tingling and his tongue seemed to thicken. Without any control he reached out and began stroking the turgid nipples, loving how they felt beneath his fingers. But more than anything he wanted to know how they tasted.

Leaning forward, he drew a swollen bud into his mouth and began sucking hard. She grabbed the back of his head and cupped it in her hands, as if determined that he finish what he started. As far as he was concerned, not only would he finish it, but he intended to brand these two delectable twin globes as his. The thought of that gave him pause. When had he ever wanted to mark any woman with his brand? That was just something Stonewall Courson didn’t do. He’d never gotten serious enough about someone to even think to do such a thing.

Lowering his hands, he traveled to the panties he’d invaded earlier. Moments later he lifted his mouth from her breast.

“I think we can dispense with these now,” he said, pulling the pink panties down her gorgeous legs. A shudder passed through Stonewall when he saw that part of her he craved the most and thought her feminine mound was simply beautiful. And then there was her scent, driving him insane, making his nostrils flare in response.

“Joy.”

Her name was a whispered growl on his lips as he began kissing a path down her body, taking little nips in between. When he reached her navel he used his tongue to lave her there. He glanced up, stared into her face. His gaze was fixated on her lips and he was tempted to ease up her body and take possession of her mouth again. But there was another part of her body that he was eager to give equal time.

It was then that he shifted his body to bury his head between her legs. Parting the soft feminine folds of her womanhood, he dived inside and began using his tongue to stir her wetness and massage her clit. She moaned at the intimate infiltration, and he could feel her lifting her hips to give him total and complete access.

That was exactly what he wanted, and he drove his tongue deeper, sucking harder, getting greedier. He loved the taste of her and doubted he would get enough. She was begging him to stop, but then, in the same breath, she was begging him not to stop, get more, take his tongue deeper. She had grabbed the back of his head to press him more intimately to her. He would give her what she wanted and more.

Maneuvering his tongue inside her, he decided to do what he termed the Stonewall Special. He began by twirling his tongue around and around inside her, loving the sounds of the moans she was making. Using his hands, he tilted her hips at an angle to give his tongue even more penetration and depth. And then he bore down on her, as deep as his mouth could go, and began sucking her clit with the intent of making her feel desired, essential and ravished all at the same time. He knew it was working when her moans turned into whimpers. He was sucking her right into a full-blown orgasm of the most delicious kind.

She screamed. His detective actually screamed, and the sound pierced his ears and aroused his erection all at the same time. He refused to pull his mouth back until he was satisfied he’d lapped her up completely. Even then, he used his tongue to put featherlight kisses over her womanhood, trailing over every inch of her folds.

He finally lifted his head to look at her. She was adorable lying on her sofa, naked with her legs spread open and her eyes closed while trying to regain control of her breathing.

As he continued to watch her, she finally opened her eyes and stared at him. She worked her mouth to say something and then, as if she didn’t have the strength, no sound came out. She drew in a deep breath and tried again, and a single word emitted from her lips in a low sound. “Amazing.”

He couldn’t stop the smile that touched his lips. Not too many women had been the recipients of the Stonewall Special, and he’d added an additional move just for her. “I think you’re pretty amazing, as well,” he said. “I could get intoxicated off your taste.”

She closed her eyes again and he knew she was trying to get another wind. He would let her because she would definitely need it for the next round. In the meantime, he pressed his face into the center of her thighs, enjoying her scent and trying to bring his own breathing under control. Oral sex had always been an optional thing with him, depending on the woman. He had a feeling when it came to Joy, going down on her would be something he would definitely look forward to doing. Her intimate scent combined with her taste was enough to drive any man crazy with desire.

He lifted his head and their eyes connected. The renewed desire he saw in the darkness of her pupils made his heart pound and his erection harden. “You’re still down there?” she asked, muttering the words in a voice that was low and purring and sent sensuous shivers rippling throughout his body.

“Not for long,” he said. Moments later he eased up her body.

CHAPTER SEVEN

JOY STUDIED THE masculine face looming over hers. The aroma of his aftershave was driving her insane, making her heart beat faster and reigniting that relentless throb between her legs. You would think after what Stonewall had just finished doing down there, sensuous pulsation would be the last thing she would feel in that particular spot.

In fact, just having him staring down at her with those gorgeous brown eyes was making the throb that much more intense. His face was so close to hers, all she had to do was to stick out her tongue to lick his lips, if that’s what she desired to do. Hell, why not? And before she could change her mind, she used the tip of her tongue to trace his lips from corner to corner, paying special attention to that cute little curve in between. And then, deciding that wasn’t enough, she licked his ear and chin. The hairs on his jaw tickled her tongue.

“Joy.”

There was just something about the way he said her name while he was under the influence of sex. “Yes? Is there something you want, Stonewall?” she asked in a sultry tone.

The color of his eyes changed to a darker hue and heat began transmitting from his body to hers. “Yes, there’s plenty I want. And before I get it, I’m going to make sure you want it just as much.”

He leaned in and kissed her deeply, reminding her he’d done the same thing between her legs earlier and making intense frissons of desire consume her all over. How could a man bring a woman to such an aroused state with a kiss?

Stonewall used his tongue in a way that should have been outlawed. It had been obvious to her from the first that when it came to kissing, he had his own unique style. And it was tailored to drive a woman mad. It definitely had her on the brink of insanity right now.

When he finally released her mouth, she was too weak to do anything but lie there with her eyes closed while trying to regain her senses. Her body and mind were experiencing blissful aftershocks.

She knew the moment his body eased off hers, and she could hear him moving around but was still too weak to open her eyes. When she heard the ripping of a package, she knew he was putting on a condom. They came in different sizes, which was good because she couldn’t imagine a regular size fitting him. An extra-large? Umm, maybe a colossal.

A short while later he returned, and she could feel him straddling her body once again. “Take a deep breath for me,” he whispered close to her ear.

He’d made the husky request for her benefit. At the same time she felt her legs being spread farther apart with his knees and her hips being lifted with his hands. Joy was fully aware of what he was about to do when she felt the engorged head of him pressing against her center.

She opened her eyes to find him staring down at her as he began slowly sliding inside her. She was amazed how her body automatically started stretching to accommodate his size. “Just a few more inches now, baby,” he whispered, and the sound of his voice sent vibrations through her.

She felt tightness, not pain. And she felt something else. Sensations that began overtaking her where their bodies were joined. They were so intense she couldn’t stop the moans that slipped from her lips. She was driven to do something, like tighten her inner muscles around the massive invader. Clamp down on him. Hold him. She began dispensing her own method of torture by milking him and establishing a sensuous rhythm while doing so.

“Blazes, Joy.”

She knew from his tormented groan that what she was doing was getting to him, working him the way she wanted it to. He broke eye contact with her and threw his head back, releasing a deep, guttural growl before thrusting harder, going deeper while gripping her hips.

The sharp intake of his breath propelled her on, and she wasn’t sure how long she would be able to keep it up with the way he was thrusting in and out of her with such keen precision. She could feel every incredible inch of him, and there was a lot to feel. It was mind-boggling to think all that was inside her, pounding hard and giving her pleasure, not causing her pain.

“Joy!”

He called out her name the same time his body jerked hard. His thrusts became more rapid and harder, pushing her over the edge, making her scream his name while violent shudders racked her body.

“Stonewall!”

When the tremors and spasms finally passed, he sucked in a deep breath and slowly slid his body off her. Leaning down, he kissed the side of her neck and throat while panting for breath. “I’ll be right back, baby,” he whispered moments later while shifting his body to sit up at the end of the sofa. “I need to take care of the condom.”

“There’s a half bath over there,” she said, not having the strength to point in which direction.

“I’ll find it.”

He stood, and she opened one eye to watch his naked body cross her living room. Just seeing it sent a tingling sensation through her. She closed her eyes and hadn’t known he’d returned until she was lifted off the sofa into strong arms.

“Now for your bed,” he said.

* * *

STONEWALL’S EYELIDS FELT HEAVY, but he forced them open anyway. He slowly glanced around the room and saw nothing familiar. Definitely not the deep shade of blue that Mellie had painted his bedroom last year. This room was a soft shade of yellow. It was then that he remembered where he was and with whom.

He shifted his body and found his legs entwined with Joy’s. Her scent was all over the room. All over him. He had no problem with that. They’d made love again in here. Several times. He was glad he’d had enough condoms in his wallet.

Sex with her had been off the charts. Definitely mind-blowing. He would even go so far as to say it was the best he’d ever had. Although he didn’t have the womanizing reputation Quasar possessed before he’d hooked up with Randi, Stonewall had held his own with the ladies and had had a pretty good stream of them in and out of his bed. But none had stimulated him the way Joy had last night. She had delivered satisfaction on a silver platter with all kinds of trimmings to go along with it. And the way she’d used her body to try to pull everything out of him still had his erection throbbing.

He regretted that he would be leaving Charlottesville later today. As far as he was concerned, he could stay with Joy spooned beside him in bed forever. He frowned at the thought, thinking maybe that was getting a little carried away. Great sex was great sex, but there was no need to think about something as far-reaching as forever. He’d found out years ago that nothing was forever. At least, for him it wasn’t. He learned to take life one day at a time.

He drifted back to sleep and wasn’t sure for how long. All he knew was that when he woke again, it was to the scents of bacon and coffee. A great combination, in his book. Had he died and gone to heaven? He noticed the pictures on the wall, no doubt of various family members. Probably her siblings and parents since each individual favored her.

Stonewall studied the framed photograph of the man he figured to be her father. He was standing on a fishing dock next to a boat and holding up what had evidently been a good catch for that day. The older man was tall, robust-looking and muscular. He looked like a person who wielded authority even when he was in a relaxed mode. There was just something about a cop. You could recognize one even without the uniform.

With the exception of Joy...

The two times he’d seen her all dolled up, he would not have figured her for a cop. There was definitely nothing rough and tough-looking about her in a pair of stilettos. She was pure woman. Hell, she was pure woman even without the stilettos. But with the heels she was sex on the most gorgeous pair of legs he’d ever seen.

And he didn’t want to think about her without any clothes. That would only make his body hard, which would tempt him to go drag her out of her kitchen and back to bed. He chuckled. Drag her out of the kitchen? He was smart enough not try it or else he might find a Glock to the side of his head. He had a feeling not anyone—man or woman—would be stupid enough to make any attempt to drag Joy Ingram anywhere. You couldn’t let her size fool you.

He shifted on his back and stared up at the ceiling. Yellow ceilings? Who did that? Weren’t all ceilings supposed to be white? Who painted their ceilings to match their walls?

“Good morning. I see you’re awake.”

He jerked his head around and found the giver of so much pleasure from last night standing in the doorway. Immediately that verse about enduring something for a night but finding joy in the morning popped into his mind. Well, he’d lucked out and found it. Joy in the morning. She was definitely his joy. He was experiencing such contentment after spending a night in her bed and waking up beside her.

She wore a short, cutesy floral print sundress that looked sexy on her. His gaze roamed all over her, appreciating everything he saw and a few things he didn’t see but knew were there beneath the dress.

“Good morning to you, and yes, I’m awake. I didn’t hear you leave the bed,” he said, trying not to stare at her legs.

“You were sleeping soundly, and I didn’t want to wake you.”

He frowned. He never slept soundly. It was part of his profession never to sleep soundly. Even off duty while in his own bed, he never slept so deeply that he wouldn’t awaken at the faintest sound. He must have been more exhausted than he’d thought. But when had sex with a woman ever tired him out?

“I’m cooking breakfast if you’d like to join me. I figure you worked up an appetite last night. We both did.”

He lifted up in bed, thinking he would definitely agree with that. “And how do you feel this morning?” He was asking for a reason and they both knew why.

She shrugged. “I’m still somewhat sore even after soaking in the Jacuzzi tub for nearly an hour.”

Soaking in a tub? For nearly an hour? He’d slept through her doing that, as well? He rubbed a hand down his face. Damn.

“Are you okay, Stonewall?”

Was he? Hell, he wasn’t sure. One night in her bed and he was off his A-game. Sleeping like a damn baby. “Yes, but I feel like an inconsiderate bastard.”

“Why?”

“I should have run your bathwater for you. That’s the least I could have done.”

“Why? It’s not like I crawled to the tub, Stonewall. I was sore, not disabled.”

Still, something about her doing that without his help bothered him. Just like knowing he’d slept through her getting out of bed. “You wouldn’t happen to have an extra toothbrush around here, would you?” he asked, swinging his legs off the bed to get up. He glanced around for his clothes and then remembered where he’d left them.

“Yes, I have an extra toothbrush. I placed it along with a washcloth and towel on the vanity. I also hung your shirt and pants up on the back of the bathroom door. I figured the steam from my bathwater would get rid of any wrinkles.”

And he’d slept through it all. “Sounds like you’ve been busy.” He wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He appreciated a person who was on top of things, but Joy was too much. It sounded like she needed to learn how to slow down and relax some.

She chuckled. “Yes, that’s me. Busy beaver Joy. Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes. I’ll be in the kitchen finishing up.” And then she turned and left.

He rubbed a hand over his face. Hell, regardless of how off-kilter he felt, he still liked seeing Joy in the morning.

* * *

JOY KNEW THE moment Stonewall entered her kitchen, but when she turned around, the air was suddenly sucked from her lungs. In the bright morning sunlight that flowed through the kitchen window, he looked as yummy as the eggs, bacon and pancakes she’d been busy cooking. He’d put on his slacks and shirt, and on him they looked freshly pressed. It was as if the creases in his slacks had automatically fallen in place. She always thought she had a pretty nice-sized kitchen, but once he walked in, it seemed rather tiny.

“I didn’t properly greet you yet,” he said, crossing the room to her and pulling her into his arms. “Good morning, Joy.”

He kissed her, reacquainting her tongue with his. Not that it needed to be done. She was certain there was no part of her body that could forget him. He had such a lasting effect. He’d showered, and the manly scent of him delighted her. He deepened the kiss and she knew if she didn’t pull back now, they would be making out on her kitchen table.

She broke off the kiss, but he still kept her wrapped in his warm embrace while nibbling on her neck. She in turn took advantage and rubbed her nose against the side of his face, loving the feel of the manly texture of his beard. “I wish I could make love to you again before I leave,” he murmured softly.

A part of her wished the same thing. “Any reason you can’t?” she asked.

“Yes. You’re still sore and you’ve taken enough of me in one day.”

That was definitely being straightforward, she thought. “Shouldn’t I be the judge of that?”

“Not this time. I know your body’s limitations.”

He really thought so? “And how is that possible?”

A smile touched his lips. “I was inside you last night. Remember?”

How could she forget? It felt strange standing in the middle of her kitchen, holding a conversation about whether or not she could handle him again today.

He leaned closer. “But you can get as much of this as you want,” he said, kissing her more deeply this time. She felt her knees weaken and wrapped her arms around his neck at the same time he wrapped his around her waist.

He finally released her mouth but kept his arms around her. “I could get used to this,” he murmured softly against her moist lips.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“I THINK OUR first date was simply spectacular, don’t you?” Stonewall asked as his lips moved from her neck to nibble her ear.

“Umm, most definitely.”

“I could get used to that, as well.”

She chuckled and he could feel the vibrations. She pulled away, out of his arms, and gazed up at him. “Considering how long it took to squeeze in our first date due to our hectic schedules, getting used to anything when it comes to us will be next to impossible.”

“Yes, but wasn’t the wait worth it?”

A huge smile touched her lips. “Yes, it was worth the wait. Thanks again for everything. You sure know how to make a girl feel special.”

“You deserve it, and if you recall, I told you at dinner that you were special.” He had a feeling that she didn’t take compliments well. As far as he was concerned, the best solution to that was to keep on giving them.

“Need any help?” he asked.

“Umm, you can set the table for me. It’s such a beautiful day, I thought it would be nice to eat out on the patio. It’s screened in, and on nice days it’s one of my favorite places to eat and spend time reading or lounging around.”

“No problem.”

“The dishes are in that cabinet. The eating utensils are there. And the mugs for the coffee are there,” she said, pointing the location of everything out to him.

“Thanks.”

He opened the cabinets and took out two of everything. But he couldn’t stop his gaze from roaming all over her, thinking she definitely looked good in that dress. And she smelled good, too.

“Just so you know, I can cook,” he said as he opened the drawer to get out the eating utensils.

She glanced back over at him. “Can you?”

“Yes. I’m no Chef Emeril, but I can hold my own.”

“What’s your favorite meal you like to prepare?”

“Lasagna.”

“I don’t know too many men, including my brothers, who like being in the kitchen near a stove. Who taught you?”

“Mostly my grandmother, but my mom taught me the basics.” He moved across the room. “Can you get that door for me?”

“Sure.”

She moved ahead to open the door that led to the screened-in patio. Honestly, even with his hands full he could have opened it himself, but he enjoyed seeing her legs in motion. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Everything should be ready in a few.”

“Okay.” He watched her leave and thought that was another thing he could get used to. Seeing her gorgeous legs in a dress instead of the slacks she usually wore.

* * *

JOY RETURNED TO the kitchen, thinking that she wasn’t used to having anyone, especially a man, in her home this early in the morning. This was definitely a first. It was also a first for her to sleep with a guy on their first date, but she’d done so with Stonewall by convincing herself it was long overdue. Had they gone out six months ago as planned, they probably would have shared a bed by now. And it wasn’t as if they’d just met and hadn’t kept in contact.

She noticed him opening the door to come back inside. “So, how do you think I did?” he asked, walking into the kitchen.

Although she knew he was asking her opinion about the table he’d set, she was thinking about his performance last night. “You did a great job. Now you can help carry everything out.”

He looked at the filled platters. “It looks and smells good, but do you expect us to eat all that?”

She chuckled. “Yes.”

They sat down to eat and piled the food on their plates. “At least let me pour the coffee,” Stonewall offered when she reached out to do so.

“Okay.”

Moments later she watched him dig in, take his first mouthful, close his eyes and moan. “These are great-tasting pancakes, Joy.”

“Thanks. While in high school I worked at a café where I learned how to flip eggs and make all kinds of breakfast meals. Pancakes were my specialty. I seldom prepare a meal like this for myself—usually I operate on doughnuts and coffee.”

“What do you eat for lunch?” he asked her.

“I rarely eat lunch. Most days I work through it.”

“What about dinner?”

She took a sip of her coffee and then answered. “Usually I grab a salad from someplace on the way home, but that could be anytime of night. I have no set time to leave work.” No need telling him that she’d pulled an all-nighter more than a few times.

He nodded. “How are things going for you at work?” Stonewall asked while spooning more eggs onto his plate. She was glad he seemed to enjoy the breakfast she’d prepared.

“Hectic as usual. Got at least fifteen homicides I’m working.”

“That’s a lot.”

“Tell me about it. Most of them didn’t get the attention they deserved when everyone was focused on the Erickson case. One in particular involves a woman who froze to death one night under suspicious circumstances. I guess you can say Murphy Erickson messed things up in Charlottesville in more ways than one.”

Murphy Erickson was infamous. The mobster had promised to kill everyone who’d been in the courtroom the day his sentence had been read, including Margo. Ten people had been killed before the assassin Murphy had hired was taken down by Striker while on the job, protecting her.

“Still no new leads on that? The authorities still don’t know who killed Erickson?”

“Not that I heard. It’s a federal investigation now and the Feds aren’t telling us anything.”

Her eyes lingered on him. He was finishing off the last of his pancakes. He’d eaten every single one. Knowing it was rude to stare, she picked up her cup and took a sip of her coffee, diverting her attention to the mountains that could be seen over the rooftops of the homes behind hers. On some days she wished she could see more of them but was grateful for the view she had.

“Breakfast was delicious, Joy,” Stonewall said, reclaiming her attention.

“Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it,” she said, standing to start clearing the table. No need telling him that she’d enjoyed preparing it for him, as well.

“So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?” he asked, standing to help her.

“I don’t have any. It will be one of those rare do-nothing days for me. What time will you be leaving town today?”

“Around five. I’ll check on Granny Kay and Mellie before taking off.”

“You don’t have to help me with the dishes if you’re pushed for time.”

“Who said I’m pushed for time? Besides, it’s the least I can do after you cooked such a delicious breakfast. Next time, I’ll fix breakfast.”

He’d said it like he was certain there would be a next time. That assumption from any other man would have bothered her, but from Stonewall it had the opposite effect. Made her feel good and gave her something to definitely look forward to.

When they reached the kitchen, she told him her dishwasher was broken and gave him the choice to wash or dry. He wanted to wash the dishes and tossed her the towel. “Don’t freak out at all the bubbles,” he said, squirting more dish detergent than she thought was needed into the sink. “I like bubbles.”

She rolled her eyes. “I like bubbles, too, but in my bathwater, Stonewall. Go easy on that stuff.”

He chuckled as he began washing the dishes. She watched, fascinated by the strategy he used in separating everything into stacks. He smiled over at her when he saw how she was watching him. “Anything wrong?”

“Why not just throw them all in together?”

“Not on my watch. My plates will never share the same water with my cups or eating utensils.”

She rolled her eyes. “First of all, those aren’t your plates, and I don’t care who shares water with who as long as they’re all clean in the end.”

“Chill. I got this. Let me do this my way. You like keeping your television on 24/7 and I like separating things when I wash dishes.”

“Just trying to help you save time,” she said, handing him the stack of plates. “You’re the one leaving town today.”

“And like I said earlier, I’m not pushed for time. Besides, there’s a reason I want to hang around a little longer.”

She glanced up at him. “Is there?”

“I get to spend more time with you.”

A part of her wished he didn’t stay stuff like that. Yesterday he’d told her he thought she was special, and now he’d let her know he wanted to spend more time with her.

“You just got quiet on me,” he said, handing her a washed plate that she thought he took longer than usual to rinse. Probably because it had been covered with suds.

“I hadn’t expected all this for a first date.”

“What’s all this?”

“You know. Flying to dinner in another state. A special dessert made just for me. A night of great sex. Having breakfast together. Sharing kitchen duties. All of that.”

“Umm, is something wrong with all of that?”

Why did he have to ask in such a deep, husky, turn-you-on voice? “No, there’s nothing wrong with it. I just wasn’t expecting it. Makes me wonder...”

“About what?”

“About what you expect,” she said, handing him the frying pan.

He didn’t say anything for minute as he handed her another plate. “What makes you think I have any expectations?”

“You’re a man.”

A smile touched his lips. “Yes, and you’re a woman. A woman I happen to like.”

“That’s a start.”

“Yes, I think so, Joy. All relationships have to begin somewhere.”

He’d just said the one word she detested. Relationship. Mainly because she’d been there. Done that. Refused to go that way again.

“You’re frowning. Did I say something wrong?”

Joy met his gaze. She could tell him that no, he hadn’t said anything wrong and he was imagining things. Or she could tell him the truth. She chose the latter. “It’s that one word I try to stay away from, Stonewall.”

He lifted a brow. “And what word is that?”

“Relationship. The thought of it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

He didn’t say anything as he handed her another item to dry. “I imagine there’s a reason it does. Would you like to share it with me?”

She was about to tell him no, but he’d been honest with her, and about some pretty personal stuff. “His name was Omar Elwood, and we became involved my first year of making detective. He knew what I did for a living, but he began resenting all the hours I put in to work cases and felt he was competing for my time. So I tried to do both, to build a productive relationship with him as well as be a model employee at work.”

She drew in a deep breath. It was almost draining just thinking about that time. “That was the worst period of my life, trying to juggle both. But Omar still wasn’t satisfied. He worked in management for a shipping company with a nine-to-five job and couldn’t understand why my workday couldn’t end at a normal hour. Things got even worse after we got engaged and moved in together. His expectations of my time became even more demanding. I realized that he wanted me to be the one to do all the giving, make all the concessions. I tried and always felt under pressure, stressed out, overworked and, when it came to Omar, underloved.”

She didn’t say anything for a moment as she remembered that time and how she’d bent over backward to please Omar, but it had never been enough. “I found myself making mistakes at work because I wasn’t getting enough sleep at home. Definitely no support. I was nearly at my breaking point when I took a look at myself in the mirror one day. I had lost weight and was unhappy and it showed. I knew I had to get away for a while. To go somewhere alone to think about what I really wanted in life.”

She took the next item he handed her to dry. “I came here for a week. Just so happened a friend of mine from high school had inherited a house from an aunt here in Charlottesville and leased it out as a furnished rental property. She suggested I come here to get away since the house was temporarily vacant. I took her advice and fell in love with the area.”

A smile touched her lips. “It was the best week of my life. I found the people to be friendly, the area beautiful and the town much to my liking. Before returning home I applied for a job with the Charlottesville Police Department. I even got an interview before leaving. After returning to Baton Rouge, I ended my engagement to Omar and returned here within two weeks. Luckily we hadn’t set a date for our wedding.”

He dried his hands on a paper towel. “I’m sure your fiancé wasn’t happy with your decision, though.”

She shrugged. “No, he wasn’t. He thought I was making a mistake to choose a career in law enforcement over him. Inwardly, I disagreed and knew it was the best decision I could ever make. I had to do what made me happy for a change. Although it gets crazy at times, I love my work.”

There was no need to tell him that breaking her engagement with Omar was like getting her life back, finding a sense of the freedom she’d given up to Omar, who’d tried being her ruler. And now that she’d gotten used to her independence the past two years, there was no way she would ever give it up again for any man.

She leaned against the counter. “So, there you have it. I don’t want a relationship, steady or otherwise. I’m not ready to let a man back into my space. However, I’m a person with physical needs just like anyone else, and wouldn’t mind getting together with someone to take the edge off every now and then. It doesn’t always have to be about sex, mind you. I would also enjoy an occasional movie, dinner, walk in the park, mountain climbing...”

He lifted a brow. “Mountain climbing?”

She chuckled. “Yes. I’ve never done it before, but it seems like something that could give my body a good workout.” She would admit that making love to him had given her body a good workout, as well.

“You’ve engaged in take-the-edge-off kind of affairs before?” he asked her.

Was she imagining things or was his gaze drifting to her mouth more often than not? She could feel her lips tingling from him looking at them. “No. It will be my first time. Once I moved here and began working, my life was even more hectic than it had been in Baton Rouge. I worked the streets for six months to get used to the city. Then, when I became a detective I wanted to do a good job, which meant putting in long hours. No time for a man.”

There was no reason to tell him about some of the crap she took, being one of the few female detectives. She had to earn the other detectives’ respect, especially when they found out who her father was. She had to prove she hadn’t gotten the job due to any favors.

Deciding to continue to be honest, she said, “I never really thought about men, definitely hadn’t shown interest in one until that night I met you.” She chuckled. “You definitely caught my eye.”

“And you caught mine.”

And now here they were, standing in her kitchen after a night of hot, blazing sex. “I’m sure with your hectic schedule you aren’t interested in a serious relationship, either, right?” she asked him.

He nodded and then said, “Right. I’ve never dated anyone seriously. In high school I dated but didn’t have a steady girlfriend. And then, after I got out the slammer, I figured I needed to work on improving me and not take on the responsibility of anyone else. I preferred things that way. I guess I still do.”

She smiled. “Great! We want and don’t want the same thing.”

“What I really want is to see you again.”

“And I want to see you again, too. Let’s keep in touch. Hook up again when we can as a diversion.”

“As a diversion?”

“Yes, as a diversion and nothing more. So, what do you think?”

He reached out, wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her body to fit snug against his. “I think if a diversion is all you want, then that’s what you’ll get, Joy.”

And then he lowered his mouth to hers.

* * *

A SHORT WHILE LATER, as Stonewall drove away from Joy’s home, he still felt a trickle of intense pleasure flow down his spine. He felt that way each and every time he kissed her. And that last kiss, the one they’d shared in her kitchen before he’d left, still had his tongue tingling and his erection throbbing.

He’d wanted more. However, like he’d told her, he knew her limitations. Although she’d tried not to make it obvious, he could tell by the way she moved that her body was sore. And he refused to be a greedy ass where she was concerned.

That meant another hookup with her would have to wait. For how long, he wasn’t sure. He definitely wouldn’t be like the guy she’d been engaged to who’d tried placing demands on her time. It had taken nearly six months for them to get together, but he hoped it wouldn’t be another six before there could be a repeat of last night.

Just thinking about the time they’d spent together and all they’d done sent a spike of heat into his gut. Even now his pulse was kicking in response to the memories. And as far as the diversion thing, that didn’t bother him. It was just another name for a relationship of convenience. Been there. Done that. Had no problem doing it again.

At that moment his cell phone rang, and he clicked a button on his steering wheel to answer it. “Yes?”

“You didn’t get arrested for kidnapping, did you?” Quasar’s voice responded through the car’s speakers.

Stonewall chuckled. “I told you that I wouldn’t and that most women would think what I did was romantic.”

“You never know. How did things go?”

“Dinner was great. The entire evening was great.” And that was all he intended to tell his friend. “Don’t forget I’m flying out today,” he said to change the subject.

“What time do you leave?”

“In a few hours. I’m on my way to see Granny Kay and Mellie before I go. And you know the drill.”

“Yep, I know it.”

Now that he traveled quite a bit, he’d asked Striker and Quasar to check in on his grandmother and sister from time to time while he was away. “Thanks.”

They talked for a few minutes longer and then hung up when he pulled into his grandmother’s neighborhood. He didn’t want to admit it but he was missing Joy already. But how could he not when he’d had the best sex of his life last night?

After parking his car, he walked into his grandmother’s home. He wondered how many times he had to tell her to keep her doors locked. There might be a better crew of people living in the area now, but still a thief was a thief.

“Granny Kay?” he called out.

“I’m in the kitchen. Just got in from church.”

He glanced at his watch. He knew church service ended at noon, but as usual his grandmother had hung around for the fellowship hour. One of her own making. She would see church members she hadn’t seen since Wednesday night prayer meeting. Wow! Four days. But it had always been that way for Katherine Courson. He recalled she would make him and his sister sit inside the church while she made her rounds saying hello to everyone.

He entered the kitchen, crossed the room and placed a kiss on his grandmother’s cheek. She was still dressed in her Sunday best. Big hat and all. His grandmother always had dressed well, and he recalled his grandfather would get into the act and wear a shirt the same color as her dress. For years they’d coordinated their outfits that way. Stonewall had always thought it was amusing.

He glanced around. Except for her, the kitchen was empty. “No guests today?” It wasn’t uncommon for her to invite others to dine with her.

“They’re on their way. A couple who just moved to the area.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. His grandmother was so trusting. “What do you know about them?”

His grandmother smiled. “Nothing. That’s why I invited them to dinner.”

It would be a waste of his time to tell Granny Kay that wasn’t exactly how things worked. In his book it was best to get to know people before inviting them into your home.

Stonewall checked his watch. He had some time since he was packed already. Maybe he ought to hang around and meet these people himself. He knew his grandmother considered herself Dear Abby, Dr. Phil and T. D. Jakes all rolled into one. Others in the neighborhood saw her as the threesome as well, and always sought her advice on a lot of things.

“So, how was your date, Stonewall?”

He leaned back against the kitchen counter and raised a brow. “Who said I had a date?”

“Mellie. She was at church and asked had I heard from you to see how your date went.”

He needed to remind his sister to keep her mouth closed. The only reason he’d told her was that she’d invited him to a concert in town. He’d turned her down and, without thinking, told her he was planning his own date for that night.

“It was nice.”

“Any details you want to share?”

“Nope.”

Not a single one. He wouldn’t even tell her about the extra step he’d taken with the cake and using her recipe to pull it off. He’d asked her for the recipe and she’d given it to him, no questions asked, and he’d been glad for that.

“You’re leaving town?”

“Yes. Later today. I think I’ll just hang around and watch a game on television.”

“Yes, you do that.”

He wasn’t fooling his grandmother one bit. She knew what was keeping him there. He would check out this couple she had invited to dinner and then leave. As he grabbed the remote off the table and settled down on the sofa, thoughts of Joy again filled his mind. Mainly thoughts of how she’d looked when he’d made love to her. Beautiful.

“Do you want to join us for dinner, Stonewall?” his grandmother called out to ask.

“No, I’m good.” He chuckled to himself while thinking that thanks to Joy, he certainly felt good.

At that moment the front door opened, and automatically his hand went to his Glock. He wasn’t as trusting as his grandmother. He relaxed when he saw it was Mellie, and couldn’t help but smile. This was the younger sister he adored even if she did get on his last nerve at times. She liked being bossy. Some days he could ignore it. Some days he could not.

He knew he had a beautiful sister. All of his friends had made that fact known to him just in case he was too dense to realize. He hadn’t been too dense. But you didn’t mess with his sister. Amelia Ursula Courson could take care of herself.

At the age of eighteen she began entering a number of beauty pageants for the scholarships. It still bothered him sometimes that his grandmother had been forced to cash in their parents’ life insurance policies that should have been used for his and his sister’s college education to pay his legal fees.

Mellie had once been Miss Charlottesville and Miss Virginia. She’d even competed in Miss USA and had come in third. All the scholarships she’d earned had helped pay for medical school.

“I thought you left town today,” she said, leaning over to give him a peck on the cheek.

“I do leave today. I just dropped by to check on things before heading out.”

She dropped on the sofa beside him. “And how was your date?”

There was no need to tell her to mind her own business, because she wouldn’t. “It was nice.”

“You want to tell me about it?”

“No.”

Mellie laughed and he couldn’t help but smile. Then he asked her, “What do you know about this couple Granny Kay invited for dinner?”

“Nothing, which is why I decided to drop by.”

Stonewall nodded, feeling more at ease. He shouldn’t have been surprised that Mellie had this. “When will I get to meet her?” his sister asked.

He glanced over at her. “Who?”

“The woman you waited over six months to date.”

He frowned, wondering who’d told her that. Striker? Quasar? Who else had known?

“It was just a date, Mellie. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

She smiled. “Okay. I won’t, but only if you don’t. If you do then I will. I love you, big brother.” After placing a wet, sloppy kiss on his cheek and deliberately making that annoying sound that came with it, she got up and went into the kitchen, where he could hear his grandmother moving around.

He wondered about what he’d told his sister—that his date with Joy hadn’t been a big deal. Instantly he knew he had lied. It had been a big deal, and he couldn’t wait for it to happen again.

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