Page 74 of Unhinged

He tapped in the code and watched as the gate swung inward. He pulled through and kept an eye on the rearview mirror, counting the seconds until it closed. Plenty of time to make it through if someone was close enough, but there wasn’t much to use for cover. A few decorative trees and shrubs dotted the entrance, but nothing of substance. Someone sneaking through on foot would be fairly obvious.

He dug his phone out and tapped the recently dialed number, then waited for the call to connect.

“Miami Police, Tenth Precinct.”

“Hey, Angie, it’s Luke Stone.” He had spoken with the officer a couple of times over the last few days and already recognized her voice.

“What can I do for ya?” her syrupy voice drawled.

“Is Sanchez free?”

Angie was silent for a beat before responding. “He’s interviewing someone right now. I can have him call when they’re finished.”

“Maybe you can help me.” He turned into Hannah’s driveway and cut the engine. “Are you able to tell me if the footage from the gatehouse at Hannah’s subdivision has been reviewed?”

“I don’t think so, but I can find out.”

Anger churned in his gut, and he tamped it down. They were doing the best they could with limited information and resources, and a B&E was probably pretty low on their priority list. “Let me know for sure, please. I’ve been thinking...”

He told Angie what he was looking for, and she hung up with a promise to call him later. He climbed from the truck and entered the house using the spare key Hannah had given him a few days ago when they had assessed the damage and fixed up her place. He took a quick look around to make sure everything was in place.

Even though he had upgraded her security system and changed the code, it was better to err on the side of caution. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he made his way to the kitchen and set the grocery bags on the counter.

He unwrapped the salmon he had picked up and popped it in the oven to broil while he cut and steamed the broccoli. It wasn’t gourmet, but he hoped she’d at least appreciate the gesture. He was beginning to enjoy these nights with her more and more.

Maybe he could renovate his house and flip it, stay with Hannah until they found something better suited for a family. Her house was nice, but it was small, and he’d still prefer a little more privacy. Once they had kids, it’d be nice to have a big backyard for them to play in.

Yeah, he knew he was putting the cart before the horse, but he couldn’t help it. He was ready to put down roots and start a family. He hadn’t said anything to Hannah yet, skittish as she was, but he was already looking years down the road. He had spent the last decade having fun; now it was time to settle down. And he couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone but her.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-FOUR

The savory smell wafting on the air hit her the second she stepped inside. She closed the door and flipped the lock before slipping out of her shoes. On silent feet, she padded down the hallway toward the kitchen.

Luke stood at the stove, his back to her, and the sight sent a little jolt through her. What kind of man would take care of her the way he had, come into her house and make dinner like it was something they’d done for years instead of days if he was planning to leave her?

Luke turned and caught her gaze, a warm smile spreading over his face. “Hey, beautiful. Did you have a good time?”

Before she even realized she’d moved, she was across the kitchen and in his arms.

“Whoa, sweetheart. Is everything okay?”

She kissed his throat. “I need you.”

He pulled back and stared at her for a moment before nodding once. Reaching behind him, he flipped off the burner and turned off the oven, then scooped her into his arms. He paused only briefly to check the lock on the front door, then carried her upstairs. He lowered her to her feet beside the bed and settled his hands low on her hips. “You sure?”

A smile tipped up the corners of her mouth as she placed a hand in the middle of his chest and pushed him backward onto the bed. He allowed himself to fall but pulled her with him, drawing her up the length of his body. His mouth found hers and she gave in to the passion between them, letting it sweep her far away from reality.

Her stomach rumbled and she let out a rueful laugh. “Sorry I messed up your dinner plans.”

His arms tightened around her waist, and his chin brushed her temple as he shook his head. “I’ll take this over dinner any day.”

“I’ll bet you would.” She laughed and pushed to a sitting position. “But I’ve kind of worked up an appetite now.”

She slid from the bed and tugged on her robe, tying the sash tightly around her waist. Her gaze darted to Luke who lay reclined on the bed, hands tucked behind his head, a tiny smile on his face as he stared at her.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “Stop looking at me like that.”