LITMIR.BIZ

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darkness of the hour had hidden quite a few things. There was a small lake behind her property, pretty with the moon reflecting off its surface. Of course, there were some twenty such lakes in the Crystal Lakes community, so he shouldn’t have been surprised.

      “Is the lake stocked?”

      “Yes. But it’s seldom used. Occasionally, one or two of the neighborhood children come here to fish. My lake is the most shallow, so it’s the safest. And it’s the only one on this side of the community. Most of the lakes are farther up.”

      “You don’t mind the kids trampling around your yard?”

      “Of course not. They’re good kids. They usually feed the ducks and catch a frog or two. I enjoy watching them.”

      Judd stared back at the house. There was a large window that faced the backyard and the lake. He could picture her sitting there, content to watch the children play. Maybe longing for things she didn’t have. Things money couldn’t buy.

      Hell, he was becoming fanciful.

      Disgusted with himself, knowing he’d been away from normal society too long and that was probably the reason she seemed so appealing, he parked the truck and got out. The fresh air cleared his head.

      He opened Emily’s door to help her out, but she held back, watching him nervously. “I’ll make sure you get inside okay, then I’ll take off. We can hook up again tomorrow morning.”

      “Oh. Yes. That will be fine.”

      She sounded relieved that he didn’t intend to come inside tonight, and perversely, he changed his mind. He’d come in, all right, but with his imagination so active, he couldn’t trust himself to be alone with her any length of time. Anyway, he told himself, she wasn’t his type—not even close. She was much too small and frail. He liked his women big, with bountiful breasts and lush hips.

      As far as he could tell, Emily didn’t have a figure.

      But those eyes…She walked up a small, tidy patio fronted by three shallow steps, then unlocked the back door and flipped a switch. Bright fluorescent light cascaded through a spotless kitchen and spilled outside onto the patio. Judd saw flowerpots everywhere, filled with spring flowers, and a small outdoor seating group arranged to his right. Everything seemed cheery and colorful…like a real home, and not at all what he’d expected.

      Damn, he’d have to find some way to dissuade her from her plan before he got in over his head.

      She turned and gave him a small, uncertain smile. “About tomorrow…”

      He interrupted her, coming up the three steps and catching her gaze. “Let’s make sure we understand each other, Emily, so there won’t be any mistakes.”

      She nodded, and he deliberately stepped closer, watching with satisfaction as she tried to pull back, even though there was no place to go. Good, he thought. At least she had some sense of self-preservation.

      He braced his hands on the door frame, deliberately looming over her. “From this second on, I call the shots, with no arguments from you. If you really want my help, you’ll do as I tell you, whatever I tell you.” He waited until she’d backed all the way into the kitchen, then he added, “You understand all that?”

      Chapter 3

      EMILY’S MOUTH OPENED TWICE, BUT NOTHING came out. She was too stunned to think rationally, too appalled to react with any real thought. Judd dropped his arms and stepped completely into the kitchen, watching her, and by reflex alone, she started sidling toward the hall door. She had made a terrible mistake. Her instincts had been off by a long shot.

      Judd’s smile was pure wickedness. “Where ya’ goin’, Emily?”

      “I, ah, I just thought of something…”

      Like a loud blast, his laugh erupted, filling the silence of the kitchen.

      She halted, a spark of suspicion beginning to form. “What is so funny?”

      “The look on your face. Did you think I had visions of taking you instead of the money?” He shook his head, and Emily felt her cheeks flame. He was still chuckling when he said, “It only makes sense that I’d be in charge—after all, that’s what you’ll be paying me for. Like I told you, a rich little lady like yourself would only draw a lot of unnecessary attention hanging around that area. You’ll have to follow my lead, and do as I tell you if you want to stay safe. And another thing, we need to figure out some reason for you being there at all. I think we’ll have to do a little acting. Your part will be easy, since you’ll just be the rich lady. That leaves me as the kept man.” He spread his arms wide. “As far as everyone will be concerned, I’m yours. There’s no other reason why a woman like you would be around a man like me, unless she was slumming. So that’s the reason we’ll use.”

      She was so mortified, she wanted to die. Stiff-backed, she turned away from him and walked over to lean against the tiled counter near the sink. She heard Judd close the door, and seconds later, his hands landed on her shoulders, holding her firm.

      “Don’t get all huffy now. We have things to discuss. Serious things.”

      “You mean, you don’t intend to taunt me anymore? My goodness, how gracious.”

      “You’ve got a real smart mouth, don’t you? No, don’t answer that. I’m sorry I teased you, but I couldn’t resist. You’re just too damn easy to fluster.” He turned her to face him, then tipped up her chin.

      “Here, now, don’t go blushing again. Not that you don’t look cute when you do, but I really think we should talk.”

      Emily stepped carefully away, not wanting him to know how his nearness, his touch, affected her. Even after all his taunting, she still went breathless and too warm inside when he was close. And ridiculously, it angered her when he belittled himself, claiming she could have no interest in him other than as a sex partner. The physical appeal was there, but it was more than that. Much more. He had helped her. He’d actually taken on three inebriated men to protect her, even though he wasn’t a real cop. And he was willing to help her again. She discounted the money; what she was asking could put his life at risk. He must be motivated by more than money to get involved.

      But for now, she couldn’t sort it all out. Especially not with her senses still rioting at his nearness. She drew a deep breath, then let it out again. “I thought we were going to wait until morning to make any plans. It is getting rather late.”

      “No, I’ve decided it can’t wait. But I won’t keep you long. Pull up a chair and get comfortable.”

      Emily didn’t particularly want to get comfortable, but she also didn’t want to risk driving Judd away. For the moment, he was the best hope she had of ever finding the man who’d sold her brother the gun. She knew her limitations, and fitting in around the lower east side of Springfield was probably the biggest of them. She needed him.

      As she headed for a chair, Judd caught the back of her coat, drawing her up short. “It’s warm in here. Why don’t you take this off?”

      He was watching her closely again, and she couldn’t fathom his thoughts. She shrugged, then started to slip the shabby wool coat from her shoulders. Judd’s eyes went immediately to the tiny camera she wore on a strap around her neck.

      “What the hell is that?”

      She jumped, then lost her temper with his barking tone. “Will you please quit cursing at me!”

      He seemed stunned by her outburst, but he did nod. “Answer me.”

      “It’s rather obviously a camera.”

      Closing his eyes and looking as though he were involved in deep prayer, Judd said, “Please tell me you weren’t taking pictures tonight.”

      “No. I didn’t take any.” She lifted her chin, knowing what his reaction would be, then added, “Tonight.”

      “You

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