Page 64 of Night Moves
“Sorry. I didn’t think about that.” He ran a hand through his hair, leaving a few strands sticking up.
She could almost see the thoughts of how he was going to find this serial killer racing through his brain. She would suggest going for a walk, but he would veto that.
“You mentioned a gym in the building. Why don’t we go there?” she suggested. “Some physical exertion could help us both get a good night’s sleep.”
He studied her. “That would be great for me, but are you sure you want to do that?”
She stood. “Just show me where to get changed, and I’m good to go.”
“You can sleep in my bedroom tonight and can change in there.” He grabbed the bag holding her limited clothing, carried it down the hallway, and set it on the king-size bed. “Let me grab some clothes, and I’ll change in the bathroom.”
He went to a long dresser and took out shorts and a T-shirt then picked up sneakers from the closet. At the door he glanced back at her as if he wanted to say something else but gave his head a quick shake and left the room.
She didn’t even look around the room but quickly slipped into a pair of sleep shorts his dad had gotten for her and left on her T-shirt. By the time she joined Drake, he was dressed in athletic clothes and filling water bottles in the kitchen. She admired the muscles in his legs. She would be no match for him in the gym. And she was taken aback by the fact that he was wearing his gun holstered at his hip and it looked totally odd with the athletic attire.
He turned. “Ready?”
“As I can be in this outfit. Good thing it’s a private gym.” She chuckled.
She shouldn’t have said anything as it drew his attention, and he ran his gaze from her head to her toes, and the heat of a blush rose over her cheeks. His eyes flared with interest, a place neither of them needed to go, so she bolted for the door like a startled deer.
He caught up and led her through the halls and down to the large room with a wall of glass overlooking the hallway. The room was spotless and smelled of lemon cleaner. She wasn’t a gym enthusiast but thought the equipment was top-of-the-line. She went straight to a treadmill and got it moving. He stepped to the one next to her and was soon jogging along. They settled into a comfortable routine, but still, she was acutely aware of him. Of his confident stride. The fluidity of his body. Of his masculine form.
She nearly groaned at her wayward mind and forced it back to thoughts of finding Kirk.
“Would it be okay if I read the reports Erik compiled?” she asked between breaths.
He arched an eyebrow and didn’t miss a beat on the treadmill. “You think he missed something?”
“No, but sometimes something stands out to another person.”
“I don’t think reading them is such a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Gina’s report will have graphic details of her murder. Things you won’t want to see.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Natalie firmed her shoulders. “If it might help to have fresh eyes on it, I can handle it.”
He slowed to a walk and looked her deep in the eyes, mining for something she couldn’t fathom, and she needed to know the answer to. “What?”
“I…it’s just…” He shook his head. “I hate that you’re suffering in all of this, and I don’t want to add to that. I want you to have a wonderful life not filled with such strife and turmoil.”
The challenges of her life flashed before her eyes, and she came to a stop. “We don’t often get what we want.”
He jumped down from the treadmill and took her hands between his long warm fingers. “You’ve gone through so much already. And here I am, pretty much skating through life with very few issues. I actually feel guilty.”
“Hey, don’t.” She had to work hard not to focus on the touch of his hands. “God has a plan for each of us. His plan for me is different than His plan for you.”
“I don’t know how you stay so positive, but I respect it. And you.”
“Thank you,” she said as she didn’t know how else to respond.
She expected him to back away, but his gaze seemed to search even deeper, and his expression changed. Gone was the pity. Replaced by blatant interest in her. She warmed under the fire in his gaze. Loved it, in fact. Loved having someone show they cared for her.
He inched closer. Cupped the side of her cheek. His touch mesmerizing. “I want to kiss you.”
She wanted that too. So much. But it wasn’t a good idea. Not at all. It could go nowhere for either of them.
