Beneath the Stetson(22)

He lifted an eyebrow. “Was that Gil Addison’s truck I saw out front?”

Her flush deepened. “It was. We had dinner together.”

Chance’s smile was more of a grimace. “I suppose that means at least one of us is no longer on your suspect list.”

“A man is innocent until proven guilty,” she said.

Chance shook his head, his gaze hooded. “Doesn’t feel that way from where I’m standing.”

* * *

Bailey headed for the stairs, wishing she had the luxury of becoming friends with Chance. Already, in the short time she had been around, she felt like he was a man who could be trusted. But hard evidence was composed of facts and not feelings. Until she could completely clear his name from the suspect list, she couldn’t get too friendly. It was impossible to imagine Chance committing a kidnapping. But she knew better than most that some people hid unimaginable secrets. Chance didn’t. She was almost positive. Hopefully, soon she could prove it.

Upstairs, she stripped out of the one nice dress she had brought with her to Royal and stared at her reflection in the mirror. The tiny undies and demibra that matched the garter belt were intensely feminine. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine the look on Gil’s face if he saw her like this. His raw passion elated her, made her feel special and wanted.

In the shower, she imagined Gil at her side, his face all planes and angles as he stared at her with male determination. His body was intensely masculine, strong and rugged. The juxtaposition of his tenderness with Cade and his ruthless pursuit of Bailey should have confused her, but in a way, it made perfect sense. He was a man of deep emotions, whether it be love for his son or hunger for the woman in his arms.

She wouldn’t be the woman in his life, not long-term. But if the fates were kind, she would certainly enjoy exploring her sensual side with him until it was time for her to leave.

Sliding her soapy fingers over her slick breasts, she inhaled sharply as arousal pumped through her veins like thick honey. Her nipples were taut nubs, their ache an ever-present reminder that she was young and in need of a man’s touch.

Dragging the washcloth between her legs, she winced as her body demanded attention. It didn’t take more than a few languid strokes before she came with a low moan and rested her forehead against the tile as her heartbeat slowly returned to normal.

On shaky legs, she got out and dried off, already anticipating the following day. What did Gil have in mind? And how long would they have to wait?

She was almost asleep when the cell phone on the bedside table vibrated suddenly. Snatching it up, she glanced at the screen. Though she had only dialed it once before, she recognized Gil’s number. “Hello.”

“Bailey. I just looked at the clock. I’m sorry. Were you asleep?”

“Not quite.” She shifted, sitting up against the headboard. “Is something wrong?”

The silence on the other end of the phone lengthened. “Define wrong.”

“Is Cade okay?”

Gil’s voice was hoarse. “He’s fine. Never even woke up when I carried him to his bed.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah.” The awkward conversation was going nowhere. “I wish our evening could have lasted longer,” he said.

She knew exactly what he meant. “Me, too.” Suddenly, something struck her. “Are you in bed?” she asked, not sure if she wanted to know or not.

“Yes. And wishing you were here beside me.”

She swallowed hard. The man was nothing if not honest. “I need you to be sure, Gil. Things will be complicated, and I don’t want you to resent me when this is all over.”

“I wasn’t very nice to you at first, was I? And you’re not sure if I fully trust you.”

She heard the regret in his voice. “You were entitled to your opinion. In your place, I might have been just as aggravated. It’s never easy to be questioned about a crime. It makes innocent people jittery. I understand.”

“I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of you. I really like you, Bailey. In spite of your job.”

She smiled, smoothing her free hand over the soft, faded pattern of the double wedding ring quilt on her bed. “I like you, too, Gil. In spite of your bullheadedness.”

“Touché.”

His chuckle warmed her. “I’m not having phone sex with you,” she said firmly, yet willing to be persuaded.

“Trust me, Bailey, when we finally have sex, it’s going to be a helluva lot more exciting than mere words. I’m going to let you turn my world upside down and then return the favor.”

Her breath caught as her legs moved restlessly against the sheets. “You’re awfully confident.”