Page 123 of Concrete Evidence
She followed him to the garden room off the formal dining room. He and Roden had talked to Leanne’s dad, and she was more than interested in the conversation.
“Great cookies,” he said.
“We did the woman-bonding thing in the kitchen while Mia escaped for a little downtime.” A dab of chocolate stained his lip. “You’re wearing a chocolate chip.”
“Why not kiss it off?”
“How old are you?”
“Old enough to ask for a kiss.”
“Okay.” Temptation got the best of her, and she accepted his challenge, then stepped back, unsure, insecure, and wanting more.
“Whoa, you’re not getting away that easily.” He placed the cookies and mug on a table, took her mug and placed it beside his, then drew her into his arms.
He seemed to drink deep from her heart’s well, and she struggledwhether to stop him or encourage more. Somehow her arms had encircled his neck, her fingers winding through his thick hair. He ended the kiss yet kept her close. His labored breathing cautioned her, and again she moved back from his embrace.
She sensed his gaze and met his warm pools of growing emotion. She felt it too, longed for his touch. The sound of his voice calmed and thrilled her at the same time... She could taste his lips on hers.
He swallowed hard while holding her at arm’s length. “This is where I need to keep you until the case is over.”
“I understand, but it’s hard.”
“The problem is, the more I’m around you, the deeper my feelings.” His hands trailed down her arms until he grasped both of her hands in his. “If I focus too much on you, on us, I could make a mistake and get someone killed. My head’s got to be in the game.” He smiled. “Now I sound like Roden.”
“But he’s right. We both know it.” She gazed into his mesmerizing brown eyes. “You must wear professionalism to bring logic and experience to the table. Soon it will be over.”
“There’s another problem.” Marc hesitated. “Avery, I can’t give you what you have here.”
Such a dear man. “I don’t need these things to be happy. Contentment and joy come from God and family.” She waved her hand. “I have clothes and stuff I never use.”
He rubbed her arms. “Are you sure?”
“Without a doubt.” She pointed to the cookies and coffee. “We need something to hold on to besides each other.”
He handed her the mug and took his own. “I’d much prefer you.”
She refused to respond because she didn’t like keeping her distance either. Instead, she handed him a lemon bar. “You wanted to talk to me?”
“I did, but I got distracted.”
“Eat your lemon bar and drink your coffee, Agent Wilkins.”
He groaned and grabbed the sweet treat. “We talked to Ross Archer. As expected, he’s not a fan of the Elliotts, but to suspect him of murder or putting lives in danger seems a far stretch. Opinionated, yes. A killer? Don’t think so. He didn’t hide his animosity, which wouldn’t make sense if he were guilty.”
“Have you done a background?”
“Waiting on a detailed report, but initially he’s clean.”
“Where are we in ending this?”
He blew out obvious frustration. “We? Oh, Avery, I have a strong suspicion, but I can’t talk about it just yet. What I will say is those who’ve spent a lot of time framing the senator have done a good job of cleaning up their tracks.”
Marc’s phone buzzed, and he answered. “Yes, let them inside. Thanks.”
“Leanne and Craig?”
“Yes.”
