Above the Law (29 page)

“Lindsey?”

She turned in her chair, but she didn’t need to look to know Dale was standing beside her. “What are you doing here?”

Dale moved so she was standing directly in front of her. She had a shy smile on her face and she looked flushed, like she’d been running. “I came to give you a proper good-bye.”

“Really?” Lindsey’s heart beat faster as she contemplated exactly what that meant. Dale looked as handsome as ever in her jeans and boots, but her mind flashed to last night when Dale was naked in her arms. She wanted more nights like those, long, languid bouts of pleasure punctuated by work instead of the other way around. “Good-bye like forever or good-bye like see you later?”

“Your choice, but I’m hoping for the see you later kind.” Dale reached for her hands. “You shouldn’t ever have to choose between doing what you love and being with someone who loves you. I’ll be here waiting when you get back.”

She’d said love, and Lindsey doubted it was a word Dale threw around lightly, but she had to be sure. “And if I choose not to go at all? How would that work? Even if I stay, there will be times I get into risky situations.” She waited for her response, wondering if Dale was down for the long haul. It was one thing for Dale to say she’d wait, but if Lindsey stayed here, that pledge would be put to the test every day.

Dale pulled her to her feet and wrapped her tightly in her arms. “I won’t say that I won’t worry, but I’ll do my level best not to get in your way.” She leaned back and looked her in the eyes. “In fact, if you choose to stick around I may have a job where you can get in all kinds of trouble.”

Lindsey smiled. “And that’s why I love you.”

Dale pulled her into a long, deep kiss, and Lindsey forgot about everything except the strong woman who held her tight. When they finally broke for air, Dale said, “Whenever you decide, whatever you decide, I’m here for you.”

Exactly the words Lindsey needed to hear, but her mind was already made up. “Take me home.”

THE END

About the Author

Carsen Taite’s goal as an author is to spin tales with plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of over a dozen novels of romantic intrigue, including the Luca Bennett Bounty Hunter series and the Lone Star Law series. Learn more at www.carsentaite.com.

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