But how? He’d told her a dozen times how worried he was about having her help. Each time, she’d informed him she’d pursue the story with or without him. Arthur wouldn’t give an inch either. He’d have to think on that.
First, he was going to hold her tight. His plan to tell her about the blackmail would have to wait. He couldn’t handle it now. He needed to calm the hell down. When he told her the truth, he needed his full faculties. Otherwise, he’d screw up the best thing that had ever happened to him.
Chapter 44
Meredith checked her hair in the rear-view mirror before dashing for the house. Joy propelled her up the stairs. She was finally going to tell him she loved him and about the article. God, she was nervous, but she was giddy with relief too. He was her Nora man, and it was time for him to know it.
When he opened the door, she careened into his chest and wrapped her arms around him. “How’s that for a welcome?”
His arms clamped around her, but he didn’t respond. His silence and the tension in his muscles burst the happy bubble inside her. She tried to ease back, but he gripped her in place.
“What’s the matter?”
“I’ll tell you in a sec. Just let me hold you.”
Alarm spiked as she stroked his back.
“Barlow followed Peg out of town. She called me. I had to stay on the line and do nothing while he threatened my family!”
He clutched her tighter and told her the whole story. By the end, her body was shaking. Going after a cop was one thing. But a little boy? She wondered what Barlow would have done if Peg hadn’t eluded him the way she did. Would he have run them off the road like Kenny had done to Ray?
“Don’t think about it,” she whispered to him as much as herself.
He pushed back. “How can I not? My God, that’s my sister and nephew. Those bastards went after them, and all I could do was stay on the phone.”
His anger made her shake harder. “Peg handled it. She’s smart and tough.”
“She’s still my sister!” he fired back. He held up a hand. “Sorry. I’m not mad at you. I’m angry that I put them in danger. I never should have let them come here. What was I thinking?”
She stepped closer until they were just inches apart. The tension in his body was contagious. Her muscles bunched when she met his fierce eyes. “You couldn’t have known this would happen.”
“They must have guessed she was helping when Keith told Barlow she was a cop. But dammit, I never saw this coming.”
“So now he’s threatened another police officer. It means they’re scared. They’re going to slip up. Peg will have the test results soon, and we’ll know more.”
He stalked away. “No, we won’t. I’ll keep looking into it, but I don’t want you and your grandfather to be involved anymore.”
Her stomach quivered. “I know you’re upset, so I’ll cut you a break, but there’s no way I’m backing out now. This only firms my resolve. I know Gramps will agree.”
Hugo started barking and whining.
“Listen to me! You’re both out. I don’t want them to come after you.”
The thrust of his chin told her he was digging in his heels. Well, so could she.
“Come here.” She extended her hand. This might not be the best time to declare her true feelings and tell him about the article, but she could still show him how strong their connection was.
Those gleaming dark chocolate eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“I want to kiss you.”
His sigh was long suffering. “This conversation isn’t over, Meredith.”
“I know.” She curled her hand around his neck, pulling him closer. “We’ll talk later.”
“I never took you for the type to solve an argument with sex.”
Her ex had constantly. She bristled at the accusation. Took a minute to study him. He wanted her to be upset. Then, she’d walk away. She’d relent.
“I only want to be with you right now. I promise we’ll discuss it later.”
He didn’t look away, searching her face for something.
“Be with me,” she whispered, standing on her tiptoes. She brushed her lips against his.
He yanked her to him. When he ravaged her mouth, she opened to him. Anger and anxiety traveled across his lips. She gave back comfort and calm.
His mouth left hers and fitted against her neck. “Oh, God, Meredith.”
She held him as the fight left him. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
Love overwhelmed her. Seeing him like this hurt her heart. She brought his face down to hers, their eyes locked together. She kissed him lightly on the corners of his mouth before tracing the seam of his lips with her tongue. His eyes didn’t close. Neither did hers. He opened his mouth and tangled his tongue with hers. Long, slow strokes to match the rhythm of her hands running up and down his corded back.