Текст книги "Tall, Dark and Deadly"

Автор книги: Lisa Renee Jones

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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 40 страниц)

Mark stopped dead in his tracks. “Garth,” Lindsey said stepping forward. “This little game is over. Drop the weapon.”

“Or what, darling?”

“I’ll shoot you.”

“I doubt that.”

“If you think for a minute I will hesitate, you’re dead wrong.”

He laughed again, the sound making Lindsey shiver. “Let’s find out. How about a little game of chicken?” He shoved Steve. “Get over there beside Mark.”

Lindsey kept her gun aimed at Garth. “I bet I can shoot one of them before you can manage to put me down.” He smiled. “You choose which one will live and which one will die.”

Garth waved the gun between Steve and Mark. Lindsey kept her gun aimed at Garth. She didn’t doubt he would shoot one of them. Maybe both. He was crazy. She should shoot him before he could shoot them. But . . . . she was foggy. It was hard to think. Should she?

“Game’s up, Lindsey,” Steve said quietly.

Lindsey heard his words, and absorbed their meaning. He was telling her what to do. She pulled the trigger, no hesitation. A second later, Garth crumpled to the floor.

Lindsey had shot him.

Steve’s words washed over Mark. He had reminded her of her training, of her only option. She had to shoot first. And Steve knew she wouldn’t wilt under pressure.

Mark’s eyes darted from Garth to Lindsey as he watched her lean against the wall and then slip down to the floor. Mark ran to her side, pulling her into his arms. The courage she had shown amazed him, but most of all it made him proud. She was amazing, such a combination of vulnerability and strength. She was the woman he loved and he was thankful she was alive. Losing her would have been a nightmare. Stroking her hair, he rocked her, whispering comforting words.

“He’s dead,” Steve said.

It was over.

* * * * *

Finally, after hours at the hospital, Mark carried Lindsey through his front door, her head resting on his shoulder. He had taken her to the emergency room as soon as Steve’s back-up arrived. She had a concussion and a lot of bumps and scrapes. More than anything, she had the trauma of the experience.

Lindsey had turned over her weapon to the authorities, and would now be subjected to an internal investigation. Standard procedure, even though she was on leave. Still, he hated it. He didn’t want this to get dragged out any longer than it had to. She deserved to put this behind her.

Ever so carefully he set her on the bed. Lindsey’s eyes fluttering open. “Where are we?” she asked.

“We’re home, baby,” he said as he bent down and kissed her forehead.

She blinked and looked at him through swollen eyes. “I hurt all over.”

“I know. You’re due some more pain medicine,” he told her. “Let me get you something to drink to take it with and then we’ll get you undressed.”

She nodded. He started to turn. “Mark?” He gave her a questioning look. “You saved my life.”

He sat down on the edge of the bed. “And you returned the favor, if I remember correctly.”

Her lips trembled. “I should have listened to you.”

He kissed her hand, afraid of hurting her if he kissed her anywhere else. “It’s done and over. I’m just glad I didn’t lose you.” Emotion lodged in his throat. “Rest. I’ll get your pain medicine.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyelashes fluttering to her cheeks. “I’m so tired. So very, very tired.”

* * * * *

“Hey Maggie, have you seen Mark?”

“He went out for a bit, but I don’t know where.” She studied Lindsey’s face. “That black eye is really looking better now.”

Lindsey touched the spot under her left eye. “Yes, finally. Now it sorta looks like a bad birthmark.”

“Gives the rest of us females a chance for once,” Maggie said with a playful smile.

Lindsey snorted. “Right. You too funny.”

Mark rounded the corner. “What trouble are you two cooking?”

Lindsey laughed. “That’s for us to know and you to find out.”

Mark moved forward, aware that his pulse was beating rapidly, tension lacing his body. He had something important to tell Lindsey. “Come to my office, and let me try and pry it out of you.”

Lindsey laughed and followed Mark. Once they were in his office, Mark pushed the door shut and pulled her into his arms. “I have ways to make you talk.”

Lindsey unbuttoned his jacket and dipped her hands beneath it. “Please, make me talk.”

“Actually, there is something I need to talk to you about.” He took a step backwards, taking her hand in his. “Come sit with me.”

Mark pulled the chairs around so that he could face her. He’d taken a big step. One meant to help Lindsey let go of the past. He could only pray it was the right move. He loved her. He had no question he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

Lindsey touched his cheek. “What’s up?”

He let out a breath. “I’ve given a lot of thought to you and me, and to the firm.” Her eyes widened. “I know you don’t want to run Paxton, and I came back on a limited timeline.”

Lindsey nodded. “I know, and I appreciate what you have done for me.”

Mark smiled, thinking of how things had changed between them. He wanted her to let go of the past. To choose to be with him out of desire, not pressure to run Paxton. “You have a job waiting for you in Washington.”

Her voice was almost a whisper. “Yes, but you have a consulting business to get back on track.”

“If I leave, it’ll force you to take over, and then you’ll resent me. I can’t deal with that.” And he couldn’t. It would destroy any hope they had of a future.

Her eyes clouded. “But it’s not fair for you to stay and miss out on your own business. I understand if you need to leave.”

He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. Better to just get it all on the table. “I made an offer to buy Paxton, and this time your father accepted.”

Lindsey blinked, her expression dumbfounded. “What?”

He nodded. “I don’t want you to leave, but deep down I know you don’t want to stay. To have you practice law here at Paxton, by my side, would make me very happy. But it would be selfish. I care enough about you to want you to be happy.”

Lindsey stood up and walked to the window, placing her back to Mark. “So this is goodbye,” she said without turning.

It took every ounce of willpower he possessed not to go to her. “I hope not. I want you to stay. But I can’t kid myself. You left this place once, and when you returned you never intended to stay. I can’t win either way things go.”

Lindsey stared out, her voice shaky as she spoke. “You should have talked to me.”

“Maybe,” he admitted, “but I have thought about this until it felt I might go nuts. This was the only way I could make the choice yours. Now you have options. Stay or go, but follow your heart.”

He heard her draw in a breath before turning around to face him. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say what you feel.”

“You’re a good man, Mark.”

Mark tried to smile, but failed. Her eyes were distant, her body stiff. His heart felt like it was being shattered into pieces. A good man. Not good enough, it seemed. He’d so hoped she would come to him. That she would choose a life with him. “You’re a free woman, Lindsey.”

Then afraid of what he might say next, he pushed to his feet, and strode out of the room. He had never needed air as badly as he did at that moment.

Chapter Fourteen

Three Months later

Lindsey slipped through the doors of the elegant New Yorker Museum feeling apprehension from the top of her head clear down to her freshly manicured toes.

Already her father’s retirement party was in full swing. The dance floor was filled, the tables packed. He’d made an amazing recovery, her father, nothing shy of a miracle. And Lindsey had been talking with him on the phone a lot. He’d even made amends with Mark, often talking about the great things he was doing with the firm. His turnaround was baffling, but welcome. As daughter and father, they were on the mend, and for that she was thankful.

But there was still one person she needed to connect with.

Mark.

She’d spent three long months in Washington, away from him, missing him every minute. Every day she hoped he would call. But he didn’t. She’d dialed his number too many times to count, and then hung up at the last minute.

Her nightmares hadn’t gone away. The dark images still woke her in the night, leaving her shaken and scared. But now she understood them. They’d never been about the murders. They were about her fear. About losing herself, her life, and her love . . . Mark.

Lindsey handed her coat to a checkperson, and eyed the room, looking for Mark as discreetly as she could. Her hand smoothed her black satin slip dress, nervous about looking her best. She’d dressed with care, taking extra time to fix herself, wanting to look her best.

She’d come to a life-altering decision. She could only hope it wasn’t coming too late. Mark was the love of her life, and she wanted to be with him. Nerves were jangling through her entire body as if she were a schoolgirl with a crush.

Taking several deep breaths, she took a moment to take in her surroundings. She had always loved the Museum, and a moment to explore its beauty would help take her outside of her anxiety. Lindsey had spent hours on the phone with Maggie planning the party. It was exciting to see how beautifully it all had come together. Surveying the room with pride, Lindsey took in the high ceilings and the dim lighting. The setting was elegant, the music soft and soothing, the tables of food delectable, even from a distance.

She sucked in a deep breath, and willed herself to step forward. She’d barely taken two steps when Maggie found her. “Lindsey,” she said with a warm smile and big hug. “We’ve missed you.”

Lindsey hugged her back, feeling the words with more emotion than expected. “It’s good to be missed.”

Maggie pulled back. “Have you seen Mark yet?”

Lindsey nodded apprehensively. Maggie, angel that she was, had made a point of filling her in on Mark on a regular basis. Lindsey never asked, but she darn sure listened. And Maggie was no fool. She knew Lindsey hung on every word.

“No, not yet. I just got here.”

Maggie surveyed Lindsey, stepping back and inspecting her appearance. “His eyes will pop out when he sees you in that dress, sweetie.”

Lindsey tried to smile, but she didn’t quite make it. “We’ll, see,” she said, and changed the subject. She was getting more nervous by the minute. “The party’s lovely. You did a wonderful job.”

“We did a wonderful job,” she corrected. “Come,” she said with a nod of her head. “Let’s go see your father.”

Together they maneuvered through the crowd, making their way across the room. Lindsey kept an eye out for Mark, but to her disappointment, he was nowhere in sight. Her father’s table was near the front of the room. Lindsey saw him before he saw her, which gave her a moment to digest his incredible transition. He’d put on a good fifteen pounds, and his color was healthy, his smile happy.

The minute he spotted Lindsey, his eyes lit up and he pushed to his feet. Maggie grabbed Lindsey’s arm to gain her attention. “I better circulate. Catch up to you in a few.”

Lindsey nodded and moved towards her father. The minute she was within his reach, he pulled her into a bear hug, holding her tightly and rocking. “I missed you,” he said softly.

Lindsey looked up at him, fighting back tears. She couldn’t believe how good he looked. “I missed you too, Daddy.”

“I want you to meet Elizabeth,” he said, motioning towards a short, dark-haired woman, who pushed to her feet and smiled.

She looked familiar . . . oh my. Lindsey remembered. “Aren’t you one of the nurses from the treatment center?”

She nodded and laughed, her eyes friendly and happy. “Yes, I’m the only one who would put up with your father.”

Lindsey laughed, feeling herself relax ever so slightly. “Well, that makes you a saint, doesn’t it?”

Edward laughed with the two women. “Lindsey, Elizabeth has agreed to be my wife.”

The words hit her with such surprise she sank down into a chair. “W . . . wife?”

Elizabeth reached out and patted Lindsay’s hand as Edward sat down. “Yes, but I know I can never replace your mother nor would I try. I love your father very much, and I promise to be good to him.”

Lindsey looked at Elizabeth and then at her father. He had changed, and she would venture to say this woman had a lot to do with those changes. Lindsey smiled. “I’m very happy for you both.” She paused. “I mean that.”

“Good, because we’re happy together,” Edward said, as he looked at Elizabeth and smiled.

Lindsey watched the two of them, a smile turning the corners of her mouth up. No doubt, these two were in love. Her mother would want them to be happy. A rush of emotion threatened. What she shared with Mark had been special. She’d allowed fear to take it from them. “If you two will excuse me, there is something I need to do.”

Edward’s hand reached out and grabbed her wrist. “The last time I saw him, he was at the bar.”

Lindsey swallowed and nodded. She didn’t ask how he knew who she was looking for. No doubt Maggie had told him. “Thanks Daddy,” she said softly.

* * * * *

Standing at the bar, Mark made like a hermit. Socializing was the last thing on his mind. If it wouldn’t have been downright rude, he would have passed on the party.

Shit. That was a damn lie. No way would he have passed on seeing Lindsey. It tore him up to know she was in town, but she hadn’t even called him. She’d blown him off like a bad day, and it hurt like hell. He’d actually thought he might be getting over her until he heard she was coming to town. All those tucked-away emotions had roared to life, and refused to be put away.

How he was going to see her, and act unaffected, he hadn’t a clue.

Why he had ever thought getting involved with Lindsey was a good idea, he didn’t know. Tipping back his drink, he finished it off. Like he’d had any option. She’d had him by the balls the moment he set eyes on her. He was pitiful. There’d never been an inkling of hope for his heart. On that note, he ordered another drink. Though he wasn’t a big drinker, tonight was an exception. Anything to ease the pain of the knife she had planted in his chest and kept twisting. His entire situation was ironic—no, a joke, a bad joke on him. Paxton was thriving, and he was even getting along with Edward. Hell, he’d even become great friends with Steve. A shared near-death experience tended to build friendship. Even Greg had high-tailed out of town. Everything had come together, but still he wasn’t happy.

Because he missed Lindsey.

* * * * *

He was standing alone, looking incredibly sexy in his tuxedo. And she knew her fascination with him, her need to be with him, hadn’t been imagined. Passion, hot and fierce, raced through her veins. But it was so much more than that.

She needed him in every way possible.

Her mouth grew dry, and her pulse raced dangerously fast. Nerves flip-flopped her stomach. God, how she had missed him. As if he felt her gaze, his head lifted, and their eyes locked. Oh, those eyes. They enticed her with their shrewdness—so assessing, so amazingly seductive. One look from him had always been enough to make her knees rattle. His gaze slipped down her body in a slow inspection that was hot and intimate.

For the briefest of moments, emotions flashed in his eyes, maybe even anger, but then they were gone. He pulled the shutters down, blocking what was inside from her view. Completely still, he just watched her: no smile, no welcome home. Of course, what had she expected? She’d pushed him away time and time again. She would have to go to him. It was her turn to expose herself, to risk being denied.

But he was worth it.

Slowly she stepped forward, never taking her eyes from his, not stopping until she was directly in front of him. “Hi,” she whispered a bit breathlessly. Heat sizzled in the air between them despite the uncertainty of their relationship.

His eyes darkened, and for a split second, she really thought he might reject her. Silence filled the air for what felt like a lifetime. She had forgotten just how big he was, tall and broad, and incredibly masculine. Finally he spoke, “Hi, yourself.” His voice was soulfully deep, a velvet perfection that gave her goose bumps.

She wanted to touch him—no, she needed to touch him. There was no option—it was a physical need, so real it was like hunger. Lindsey reached out and ran her hand down his lapel, the touch making her burn for more. “You look very handsome.” And sexy as sin.

He reached up and put his hand over hers, his eyes loaded with unspoken meaning, with desire. His touch warmed her body, and made her ache. “And you look like pure temptation,” he said in a voice as soft as a caress.

A slight trickle of relief filtered into her mind. At least he wasn’t denying he wanted her physically. It was the encouragement she needed to step closer to him. Grasping both his lapels with her hands, she said, “Yeah?”

His voice was husky as his hands settled on her waist. “Oh, yeah.”

She swallowed and wet her dry lips. His gaze dropped to her mouth, and she knew he wanted to kiss her. And, oh, how she wanted him to. It felt like forever since she had felt those sultry, warm lips on hers. “I’ve missed you Mark.” Her voice cracked with emotion.

Mark looked down at her, so beautiful, so everything he wanted in his life. But when would she leave him again, get scared and tuck her tail and run? Was he convenient for the night, a chance to ease her loneliness while in town? She missed him. The words rang in his head over and over. She had been gone for months, not one phone call, and now she suddenly missed him.

He had suffered enough heartache to last a lifetime over Lindsey. No way could he watch her walk away again. As much as he wanted to drag her off and made wild, passionate love to her, it was best to keep his distance. When she left, and surely she would, he would be screwed over again. The thought made him drop his hands to his sides.

His voice was icy. “You have a funny way of showing it.”

“Mark—” Lindsey started to plead her case when the loudspeaker came on.

Maggie’s voice filtered through the room. “It’s time for a special tribute. If you could all gather around.” She paused and there was a shuffle in the room. “Lindsey and Mark, can I get you both up here?”

Lindsey pulled her bottom lip into her teeth. Her eyes flashed with something that resembled desperation. “No,” she said, surprising him as she flattened her hands on his chest. “Promise me you’ll hear me out before the night is over.” He stared at her, trying to get a grip on what he was feeling.

Maggie called for them again. Lindsey’s eyes held a plea. “Please, Mark.”

He’d never seen Lindsey seem so willing to lay herself on the line. Something in her voice, and in her actions, touched him deep inside. It wouldn’t hurt to at least hear her out. Decision made, he didn’t say a word, but he took her hand in his, loving the feel of her soft skin against his rough palm. He nodded towards the stage and pulled her behind him, moving quickly towards Maggie.

Lindsey couldn’t breathe or think. The only thing that kept her slightly composed was the possessiveness of his hand over hers. His touch gave her comfort and hope, and she clung to it as a source of strength.

An hour later, she stepped down from the podium with Mark by her side. To her relief, he reached for her hand again. “Come dance with me,” he said softly.

Lindsey didn’t want to dance; she wanted to leave with him, now. She stopped walking, tugging on his hand. He turned and looked down at her, a question in his eyes. “Let’s leave,” she said, and then added more firmly, “now.”

Slowly, a sexy grin slid onto his face as he tugged her up close and personal. “You can’t run out on your father’s party. Let’s dance a few dances first.”

Lindsey swallowed. “And then we’ll leave?”

He reached out and ran his hand through her hair, a gentle caress that made her ache to feel him closer. “Yes,” he said. “Then we’ll leave.”

“Together?” she asked, needing the confirmation as much as her next breath.

Mark chuckled. “Yes, together.”

Lindsey let out a sigh and her shoulders visibly relaxed. “Okay then. Let’s dance.”

He led her to the dance floor, and she melted into his arms, needing his warmth, his nearness. He buried his face in her hair. “You smell good,” he whispered by her ear.

Lindsey wrapped her arms around Mark’s neck and pressed her body against his, wanting to be as close as their public setting would allow. “You do too,” she said softly, meaning it, wishing she could get lost in everything that was Mark and forget about the party.

Their eyes locked and held. For the first time, she wasn’t shaken by how easily he got to her. A simple look and he had her on fire. She wanted all he was, and all they could be together, no matter how much risk that came with. His hands slid over her hips, his touch setting her on fire, making her forget where they were.

“When are you leaving?” he asked, breaking her out of the sensual fog the music and his touch had formed.

She wet her lips, looking up at him, trying to decide how to answer. This wasn’t the right place or time. She reached up and ever so gently traced his jaw line with her fingers. “Mark—”

Lindsey’s father appeared by their side. “Can I have this dance?”

She looked at Mark, a desperate question in her eyes. He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m not going anywhere. Dance with your father.”

She opened her mouth to speak, and Mark rested his finger on her mouth. “I’m not going anywhere.”

She nodded, trying to take comfort in his words, offering a bright smile to her father, and slipping into his arms. “You look very handsome, Daddy.”

He watched her closely. “I didn’t want to interrupt you and Mark. I know you have some things to work through, but I wanted to make sure I cleared the air.” He paused. “He’s a good man, Lindsey. I was a stubborn old man who gave him a bum wrap.”

Lindsey laughed. “Yes,” she said. “You were.”

“I just wanted to make sure none of those things I said impact how you deal with Mark.”

His concern touched her deeply. Lindsey smiled. “Thank you, Daddy. This means a lot to me. More than you know.” She paused, wondering what she should share. “I may be too late to resolve things. I’m not sure.”

“He’s crazy about you,” he assured her.

She hoped he knew something she didn’t. “But that doesn’t make him willing to become involved with me again.”

He pushed a piece of hair behind her ear. “Do you love him?”

Her expression softened. “Oh yes, I love him very much.”

Edward stopped dancing. “Then go tell him. Get him away from here. Go someplace private, and make him believe it.”

Pushing to her tiptoes Lindsey, kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Daddy.” She looked at him, amazed at the changes Elizabeth had made in him. He had been lonely, much like she had. Love had made him a new person. “Wish me luck.”

She turned into the crowd, but she didn’t see Mark. Panic started to build. With each passing second, her heart pounded harder against her chest. But then he was there, pulling her into a dark hallway. Mark. The man she loved. Seconds later, his mouth was covering hers, and he was kissing her with such passion, such emotion, she thought she might go up in flames. Their tongues and hands explored as they molded their bodies together in wild abandonment.

He pulled away too soon and she stared up at him, her breathing erratic.

“I want you,” he admitted hoarsely.

She already knew he wanted her, but did he love her? Closing her eyes, she reached for courage. Her lashes lifted, and she looked into his eyes. “You asked me a question,” she said. His gaze sharpened but he didn’t say anything. “You asked when I was leaving.” She paused, trying to assess his expression, but all she saw was smoldering heat and a hint of anticipation. “I use to think home was in Washington, but now I know home is where you are.”

He leaned against the wall and let his head fall back, his eyes rolling shut. Fear wrapped around her heart. He didn’t want her. His sudden retreat made her feel like she had been slapped. Of course, she deserved rejection, but she so didn’t want it to be reality. Feeling the tingling of tears, the rush of painful emotions, she turned to leave.

Mark’s hand snaked out and grabbed her wrist. When she turned, he was looking at her with an emotionless mask. “Why now?” he demanded in a low voice that seemed almost angry.

Jerking her arm away was the first thought she had, but she couldn’t find the strength. She needed to be alone to think and cry. “Let me go,” she whispered.

His face filled with harsh determination. “Oh, no, sweetheart. You’re not getting off that easy,” he said as he tugged her against his body. Lindsey refused to look up at him, choosing to stare at his chest. “Look at me, Lindsey,” he demanded.

“No,” she said stubbornly. “Just let me go.”

“Is that what you want?” he asked harshly, but then softened his voice. “Tell me, Lindsey.”

She dropped her head to his chest as the first tear streamed down her cheek. Angry at her lack of control, she swiped at it. “No,” she whispered with her face buried in his shirt. Then she forced her gaze up to his. “That’s not what I want, but obviously it’s what you want. I told you I wanted to be with you, and you went cold on me.” She wiped another tear away with a rough swipe of her hand. “I put it all on the line, as hard as that was for me, and you—”

“You put it all on the line?” he demanded. “How about me? You’re the one who walked out on us, Lindsey.” His eyes were dark and turbulent. “I don’t want to count on you—correction—I won’t count on you again and then have you turn your back on me. I can’t do this again. Not like before.”

And then she understood. He was afraid she was still undecided. She hadn’t convinced him how serious she was. Quietly, she asked, “Remember my nightmares?” He nodded slowly, his eyes holding a question. “They weren’t about the murders. I’ve been having them every night since I went back to Washington. At first I thought we hadn’t gotten the right guy, that my subconscious mind was warning me there was still a murderer loose.” She looked down and tried to calm her shaky voice by inhaling and exhaling. When she felt able, she looked back up at him and continued, “And they really were warning me, but not about what I thought. All along they were about you and me. About me being afraid of you leaving me.”

He let out a heavy breath. “What are you saying, sweetheart, because I need you to be real clear with me. No guessing games and no maybes.”

Her lips trembled as she spoke her heart. “I’m saying, I love you, Mark Reeves. I love you so much it hurts every minute I’m not with you.”

Mark’s hands cupped her cheeks. “There is no in-between this time. Are you sure?”

Tears streamed down her face. “I love you, Mark. And I want to be with you every day of my life. I even want to work by your side, if you’ll let me. You were right, you know? I’m an attorney. It’s what I have always wanted to be, but it took you to help me see it.”

He kissed her then, so tenderly, so perfectly full of love that Lindsey felt dizzy. Before he said the words, she knew. She had known a long time, but she had been afraid. He raised his head, his knuckles softly caressing her cheek , his eyes potent with emotion as they met hers. “I love you, Lindsey Paxton.”

She smiled through her tears. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say those words. I was so afraid I waited too long. I was such a fool, Mark.” She grabbed his hand and kissed it. “I’m sorry.”

“I know how you can make it up to me,” he teased.

She laughed through her tears, loving how easily he made her smile. “Well, I hope it’s with hot sex.”

“That is the best offer of apology I’ve ever heard.” Mark wrapped his arms around her waist, his eyes dark with emotion. “Marry me, Lindsey,” he said tenderly. “Spend the rest of your life with me, and make me the happiest man alive.”

Lindsey wrapped her arms around his neck. “I would be honored.”

He kissed her again, a long kiss that sealed their future. “Let’s elope, tonight. We’ll go back to Vegas.”

Lindsey stared up at him, surprised. A slow smile filled her face. “I like Vegas, and I love you, so let’s do it.”

***

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