Lie by Night: An Out of Darkness novel (Entangled Ignite) (11 page)

When the cloth dipped below the water line to caress what he was quite certain was a shapely thigh, Cole realized he was staring like a teenage boy. He spun and left the room, pulling the door shut behind him.

He wanted her, but it was the wrong time to do anything about it…again.

Chapter Fourteen

Raising her other leg from the water, Emma smiled, enjoying the masculine appreciation that had flared in Cole’s eyes.

She took her time bathing, the brief rest under layers of bubbles having refreshed both body and spirit, then rose from the water. Humming softly, she combed her hair.

She slathered on the inn’s luxurious body lotion, and then dried her hair until it lay about her shoulders in shimmering waves. Removing her towel, she slipped into smooth, satin pajamas purchased earlier in the day. The pale blue color brought out the pink of her cheeks and deepened her eyes. As they shopped earlier, with Cole cajoling her into letting Weston cover her purchases, making her laugh even as he kept a careful eye out for Forrester’s men, she’d come to a decision. Tonight was for her—and Cole. For this one night, she was going to set aside her worries about Jacob and just be.

Leaving the robe hanging in the bathroom, she opened the door and stepped into the sitting room.

Cole stood near the window, looking out on the Parisian night. As she glided toward him, he turned. His eyes glowed deep blue in the moonlit room, widening as she advanced. He rubbed his hand along his jaw, then along the back of his neck before dropping it to his side.

She smiled.

He stepped toward her, meeting her halfway across the wooden floor.

They stood, content to drink in each other’s presence, until Cole raised his hand to her cheek and cupped her face as though she were a very fine, very rare treasure. Fingers trailed along her jaw, rising up to touch her lips. With tender caresses, he learned the texture and planes of her face.

Just when she thought she could bear the gentle touch no longer, he slipped his hand behind her neck and spread his fingers upward into her hair. He tilted her face and brushed her lips with his. First, tentative kisses gave way to increasing passion, until he devoured her mouth with his.

Emma raised her hands to stroke his face. The kiss slowed, intensifying at the same time, and heat like nothing she’d ever known consumed her. Her fingers trailed down his neck, slipping inside his shirt to caress his chest. Without breaking the kiss, she unbuttoned the top button, then the next, and the next.

He pulled back to look into her eyes, asking without words.

Are you sure?

She responded with a soft smile. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her to the bed and let her feet fall to the ground, a slow, sensual slide that teased her hungry body. His hand dipped low on her back, kneading the skin, soothing aches she’d learned to live with over the past days. His hands slipped lower to squeeze her butt, pulling her with excruciating slowness toward his body until she rested against him and felt the full force of his desire for her.

She moaned low in her throat.

He captured her mouth in a hungry kiss, plundering her with his clever tongue. Her hands crept down his chest to finish unbuttoning his shirt.

Wicked lips left her mouth and nibbled along her jaw until he nuzzled her neck, sending a tingling pleasure down her spine. All the while, his hands molded her skin, massaging her flesh, pressing her against the evidence of his desire.

He pulled back. They stared into each other’s eyes, rapid breaths mingling in the cool, night air. He released her backside to run his hands up her back, over her shoulders, tracing his fingertips along the neckline of her satin nightshirt. He toyed with the lace opening, slipping his fingers further beneath the fabric, teasing the soft mounds of her breasts.

When she could bear it no longer, she grabbed his hands, pressing them full against her aching breasts. He squeezed them, exploring the shape of her through the thin fabric. When he gently pinched her nipples with his thumbs and fingers, her knees nearly buckled.

His breath blew harshly near her ear as he continued to fondle delicate flesh.

The last button on Cole’s shirt broke free. Emma ran her hand down his chest, over his flat stomach, stopping only when she cradled his arousal. She squeezed hard.

…

Cole dropped his forehead against her shoulder. “S-top.” He took a deep, shuddering breath and leaned back to stare into her eyes. “Are you sure?”

Her tongue peeked out of her mouth to wet her lower lip. No words were necessary.

His hands dropped to her hemline and yanked her shirt over her head in one desperately graceful move. He stopped and stared. She was beautiful.

She reached for him, but he pushed her hands back to her sides, raising his to brush hungry fingers across her breasts, enjoying the shiver that ran through her body. His hands drifted lower, never losing contact with her soft skin, until he reached her satin pants.

Emma inhaled sharply. Slipping his fingers into the waistline, he pulled the pants down to her ankles in one long slide, leaving them pooled at her feet.

His eyes devoured every inch of her before he tumbled her back onto the bed and ran his hands slowly from her waist to her ankles. He lifted her right foot in his hand, massaging deep into the delicate tissue. She groaned. He repeated the slow caress on her other foot.

She dug her fingers into the plush bedding. He smiled at the sight of her clenched hands and looked into eyes dark with passion.

Her gaze left his and drifted lower, stopping at the painfully full bulge in his jeans. Perfect, white teeth bit her lower lip.

He groaned and shed his shirt and pants, stopping to grab a condom from inside his duffel before returning to the bed. He placed one knee on the mattress and tried to gain control of his raging desire. With a moan of protest, she slid her hands along his body and pulled him to her. He sought entrance and her body welcomed him, enclosing him in warmth before consuming him in ecstasy. Worries and fears ceased to exist. There was only fiery passion and a deep burning emotion he refused to name.

The second time they made love, they took their time, stroking and exploring with restless hands, soft whispers filling the night as they learned each other’s bodies.

In the small hours of the morning, sleep finally beckoned. Emma turned on her side, and Cole pulled her close, his chest pressed tight against her back. Listening to the gentle sounds of her breathing, he slipped his arm around her to clasp her hand with his.

For a brief moment, he was at peace.

…

The sense of contentment, of belonging, lasted for almost an hour before darkness beckoned Cole from sleep. He feared they’d made a mistake; however, he found it impossible to regret the change in their relationship.

Six months ago, he’d known Emma was the one. His grandpa had told him that for some men, it was like that. You met the love of your life, and you just knew.

Even though tonight had proven beyond doubt what he’d known in his heart, he knew something else.

He was a man who believed in the truth. If the truth revealed Jacob to be guilty, Cole would bring him to justice. And he was quite certain, that although Emma cared for him, in a battle where Emma had to choose between him and Jacob, Cole would be the loser every time.

Chapter Fifteen

Cole and Emma descended the steps of the inn, the bright morning marking an end to the night’s respite. They’d had a quiet breakfast, neither quite willing to test the fledgling bond between them. The flight to New York would be a perfect time to refocus his thoughts and search for underlying patterns in the investigation. Cole could only hope he would find a pattern that boded well for both him and Emma.

“What do we hope to accomplish when we meet with Zach?” Emma asked quietly, glancing right and left.

Good. She needed a stronger sense of caution. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much more to offer than what he’d already told her. They’d regroup in New York and figure out where to look next. Also, they’d have a chat with Grant and…

“Is that where you think Forrester is?” She interrupted his thoughts as her voice, still hushed, grew more insistent. “Cole?”

He frowned. Last night’s temptress had transformed into today’s pain in the butt. She didn’t need to be privy to all of his thoughts. Although, if he wanted her to trust him, he needed to share as much information as he could.

Emma grabbed his hand, recalling his attention to her. “Cole?” Magical eyes pleaded with him.

Ah, there was the alluring woman from last night. He hailed a passing cab.

The temptress gave his hand a little tug. “I’m not trying to be difficult. I’m just trying to understand.”

The cab pulled up to the curb. He followed her into the backseat, placing the luggage at their feet. To be completely truthful with himself, he wanted Emma to understand his commitment to the Westons. And that meant having her meet Lizzie, Zach, and their children.

He leaned over to place a quick kiss on her lips. “And I’m not trying to be difficult. It’s just that I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking for, but…” He hesitated and then sighed. “My gut is telling me to head back and regroup. And I want to talk with Grant.”

“Who’s Grant?”

“Grant is the idiot who knew Forrester was behind the kidnapping and said nothing. Unfortunately, he’s also Sam’s biological father.” Disgust dripped from his words. The Weston’s might have forgiven Grant, but Cole never would.

“Sam?” Emma looked puzzled.

“Sam is Lizzie’s daughter from a previous relationship, although Zach has been her true father since before she was born. Grant butted his way back into their lives when Sam was a baby. Although Zach didn’t know it, Grant’s father was the mastermind behind Forrester’s drugs. Grant claimed he couldn’t say anything about his connection to Forrester or the kidnapping because he had to keep Sam safe.” Months later, Grant’s treachery still infuriated him.

“Forrester would have hurt the little girl?”

He nodded fiercely. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Yes. He kidnapped Sam and returned her to Grant a few days later, but Lizzie believed Sam was being held by Forrester the entire time she was on the island. It kept her in line. The old man is devious and very dangerous. He would have killed Sam without hesitation if it served his purpose.”

“Then Grant did the right thing.”

“No. We could have protected Sam if we’d known the truth.”

“But he believed it was the only way he could keep his daughter safe.”

Cole didn’t like the undercurrent of understanding in her voice or the possible reasons for it. “And he was willing to sacrifice Zach, Lizzie, and Daniel—his daughter’s baby brother—to do it. No matter how Sam would have felt if anything happened to them. No.” He shook his head. “Grant’s a coward. He had other options.” He clasped her hand. “It’s important that you understand the kind of control Alistair holds over people.” It was important she not underestimate the enemy.

She mulled this over. “It’s an incredible coincidence. Grant and Lizzie, Lizzie and Zach, all tied to Forrester.”

He shook his head. “With Forrester, there are no coincidences.” When her troubled eyes sought his, he clarified, “Lizzie and Zach forgave Grant. They should have kicked him out of their lives and made it official with a restraining order. But they didn’t, so I tolerate him for the Weston’s sake. Anyway, we’ll question him when we get there.”

His plan sounded weak, even to his ears. He braced in anticipation of her disappointment.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” This was unexpected.

“Yes.” Emma shrugged. “It’s better than any ideas I have.”

Cole sighed and closed his eyes. The interview with Cherise had been a bust in terms of finding Jacob or Forrester, but her thinly disguised accusations indicated she was involved in this mess. Suspecting she was receiving instructions from Alistair, he’d set up surveillance before they left.

Unfortunately, just because he was beginning to think she’d intended to paint Jacob as a criminal in order to cover her own part in this mess, he couldn’t be positive.

And that bothered him.

…

Emma tilted her seat back and stared out the window of the 747. The morning had started so wonderfully. She’d awoken cradled in Cole’s arms, enjoying the feel of the sun as it streamed through the lace curtains. Her lips had curved on a contented sigh, remembering how she’d been well loved in the dark hours of night by the man who’d haunted her dreams for months.

As she came more fully awake, the sun became more intrusive, shining a bold light on her situation. Tears had stung her eyes as she fought the truth. She was falling in love with a man committed to a course of action that might destroy her brother.

There was no way she could let that happen.

Cole’s unwillingness to understand Grant’s actions further distressed her. What would he do when he found out she’d withheld information to keep a loved one safe? The presence of the microchip gnawed at her, threatening to give her an ulcer before they landed. She had no idea how to figure out what was on it. But if she shared it with Cole, he’d share it with Weston Security. She wasn’t ready to extend her trust that far yet.

Her hand slipped inside her empty pocket. Although her Mace rested safely in Cole’s jacket, she wouldn’t feel completely comfortable until she had it safely back in her possession. Thanks to Cole’s clearance, he’d once again bypassed the security scan. They’d boarded early to meet the pilot and staff before settling in their seats.

The flight back to the United States passed with less tension than their first plane ride together. They lounged in companionable silence in first class where she sipped a glass of white wine while Cole nursed a coffee.

Traveling on the Weston expense account certainly had its benefits—even if nerves did keep her wide awake all the way across the ocean.

By the time the plane touched down in New York, the butterflies that plagued her with increasing intensity as they’d neared the United States had turned into a full-fledged case of anxiety.

She wasn’t sure if she was more nervous about meeting the people Cole considered family or about meeting the man who understood that sometimes you had to betray someone you cared about to protect someone you loved.

Either way, she felt woefully unprepared to meet the people Cole loved and the man he hated.

Once they cleared customs, Cole maneuvered them through to the passenger pick up doors. Wordlessly, he returned her Mace as a black Escalade slid into place at the curb and a handsome man in a black leather coat exited the driver’s seat and rounded the rear of the vehicle.

“Hey there, stranger! It’s about time you headed home.” The man reached out to shake hands with Cole.

“Zach, I’d like you to meet Emma. Emma, this is Zach.”

Zach turned a pair of warm, forest green eyes her way and grasped her hand. A dimple appeared when he smiled.

She’d been prepared to dislike him. To feel judged by him. To see in him the enemy. Instead she felt…welcome.

Zach took her backpack and opened the SUV’s luggage door. “Traveling light, I see. A woman after Cole’s heart.” He looked pointedly at the small duffel Cole placed beside Emma’s bag.

Emma felt Cole’s eyes on her. She refused to glance his way. What was wrong with her? Zach hadn’t meant anything by the
Cole’s heart
comment. She needed to pull herself together.

Laughing, Zach whacked Cole on the back, scanned the area carefully, and returned to the driver’s seat while Cole ushered her into the backseat and climbed in beside her. A look she didn’t understand passed between the men. Then Zach pulled into traffic and headed away from the airport.

…

The SUV turned down a tree-lined drive in Westchester County that meandered through dense woods before opening into a clearing. An array of fall flowers bloomed in riotous abandon along the cobblestone path from the driveway to the majestic, stone house. The two-story home was large enough to be considered a mansion, but it had none of the ostentation she normally associated with such a fancy dwelling. This home sprang naturally from amidst the flowers and wooded surroundings, both enchanting and welcoming.

Zach parked, and they stepped into air that hinted of winter to come. They headed for the door, but before they arrived, it was flung open and a dark-haired woman stepped out to greet them. Long, curly hair cascaded well past her shoulders. Dark eyes snapped with excitement.

Zach stepped forward to place a kiss on the woman’s lips.

“Emma, this is my wife, Lizzie. Lizzie, Cole’s friend, Emma.”

“Come inside. Dinner is waiting.” Lizzie ushered them through the door, pausing to hang Emma’s well-worn raincoat in the entryway closet. Everything about her crackled with energy, from her dancing curls and expressive eyes to the way her hands gestured as she spoke. She exuded both charm and beauty in an elegant, crimson sweater worn over tight, black jeans and calf-high, leather boots. “It’s so nice to meet you, Emma. Your jacket is gorgeous.”

Emma smiled, as won over by Lizzie’s effusive welcome as she’d been by Zach’s warmth. She brushed her hands down her new silver jacket. The Mace fit discreetly and securely in her right pocket.

The entryway opened into a spacious great room. A floor-to-ceiling, stone fireplace graced the far wall, flanked on either side by picture windows that showcased the large backyard.

Lizzie led her down a short hallway and into a large kitchen, while the men lingered behind.

“Sam, Daniel! Dinner time,” Lizzie called as she opened the oven and removed two dishes. The aroma of pumpkin and blueberry filled the kitchen.

The pounding of little feet accompanied cheers as two young children burst into the kitchen. They skidded to a stop at the sight of Emma. The girl appeared to be four or five, her beautiful, dark curls identical to her mother’s. The boy was a toddler. He finished his run less gracefully, bumping into his sister. The little girl grabbed his arm to steady him and held tight, never taking her eyes off Emma.

“Sam, Daniel. This is Emma. Emma, meet our children.”

At her mom’s cheerful introduction, Sam loosened her grip on Daniel.

“Hi…” Emma’s response faded under the children’s squeals of delight as Cole and Zach entered the kitchen.

“Uncle Cole!”

“Co’!”

The children flung themselves at Cole, who scooped them both up and nuzzled their necks until giggles filled the room.

“I’m so hungry, I could eat anything!” Cole growled at Sam.

“Don’t eat us. We have food!”

Daniel patted Cole’s cheek with chubby hands, grinning with delight. His dimple matched his father’s.

Cole and the children led the group through a door on the far side of the kitchen and into the dining room. A beautiful pine table sat beneath a rustic chandelier. A large, golden turkey graced the far end of the table. Off-white stoneware surrounded by forest green napkins and pristine silver sat in front of each chair. Side dishes dotted the remaining space—oyster dressing, stir-fried green beans, corn casserole, cranberry salad, and the most delicious smelling homemade rolls.

Thanksgiving! She’d forgotten. She and Jacob tended to avoid any holiday marked by the gathering of family, taking a page from
A Christmas Story
and heading out for Chinese at both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The heavenly aroma reminded Emma how long it had been since she’d eaten. Her stomach growled. Cole grinned and winked at her. As if this were no more than a friendly family gathering and not a precursor to a debate about her brother’s innocence. Despite her initial misgivings, she further relaxed, determined to enjoy this unexpected inclusion in the family’s gathering.

The children scurried to their seats. Zach lifted Daniel into the high chair to his left, securing him with a safety belt. Lizzie moved to Zach’s right and pulled out the chair next to hers. Sam climbed into the booster seat, and her mom pushed her up to the table.

Emma tried to ignore the unaccustomed emotional tug as this family went about the everyday business of eating together. She looked up and caught Lizzie watching her.

Her hostess’s mouth quirked in a half smile. “Zach called when you left the airport and again when you were fifteen minutes away.” She rested her hands on her chair back. “My timing isn’t always this perfect.”

Emma realized she was referring to the fact that a feast awaited them upon arrival.

“Why don’t you and Cole sit there,” Lizzie gestured to the empty chairs on the other side of Daniel.

Daniel patted his tray with glee. “Co’!”

Emma smiled as Cole ruffled Daniel’s hair. “I’m happy to sit by you, big guy.”

He pulled Emma’s chair out for her, and the adults sat. With everyone gathered at the table, one chair remained empty on the opposite side of Sam, across from Emma.

All eyes zeroed in on the vacant chair. Emma wondered who was missing.

…

“Is Aunt Sophie joining us today?” Cole looked at Zach. His hand snuck under the table and squeezed Emma’s knee. It surprised him how absolutely right it felt to have her seated with his family, preparing to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.

“No, she went to Florida to visit her cousin. She’ll be here for Christmas.”

Confusion knitted Cole’s brow. “Kyle?”

Lizzie grinned. “My brother is with Sophie.”

Silence surrounded the empty chair until Sam burst out with, “Guess who’s coming for dinner, Uncle Cole. Guess!”