“Theo.” When he looked at her, she tipped her head toward her SUV. “Ready to go?”
With a clipped nod, he finally moved. Jules couldn’t drag her eyes away as he walked toward her—no, he stalked toward her. She shivered happily. When had this happened? How had this happened, that this gorgeous man had come to the diner to find her, so they could…? Her brain ground to a halt as she tried to mentally complete the question. So they could what?
Then he was there, in front of her, tracing his hand down her forearm so he could take her fingers in his, and Jules didn’t care what they were going to do. She was just happy to be here, hand-in-hand, with Theo. Looking from their linked fingers to his face, she felt her smile slip away.
“When was the last time you slept?” From the looks of it, it had been a few days.
Theo raised one of his shoulders in that aggravating half shrug that didn’t mean anything, but—she was learning—he often used it to try to dodge a question he didn’t want to answer. That meant he’d been awake for a while—a long while.
“So…” She’d automatically headed toward where she’d parked her SUV, and since they were attached at the hand, he’d gone that way, as well. “We’re taking my car, then?”
“Yeah.” Theo used his free hand to rub his eyes before sending her a sideways glance that was cuter than it should’ve been. Apparently, Theo did the guilty-little-boy look well. “Viggy’s at home, and like you said, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten much sleep. It’ll be better if you drive.”
Frowning at him, she said, “You should be home in bed, then.”
“Doesn’t help.” At her confused look, he added, “Insomnia.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.” There was a moment as they reached her Pathfinder, both pausing for a second, as if reluctant to let go so they could climb in opposite sides of the vehicle. Realizing how ridiculous they were being, Jules tried to tug her hand free with an amused snort. Theo’s fingers tightened, holding her captive, and her smile faded as her pulse sped up. For a second, they stared at each other, anticipation gathering around them in a thick fog, but then Theo released her, and the spell dissipated.
Silently, they got into the SUV, and they remained quiet for most of the drive. Inside Jules’s mind, though, the rush of thoughts was very loud, as if she had an entire fleet of sorority sisters in there who were all trying to give Jules advice at the same time at the top of their lungs. When Theo finally spoke, it was a relief to focus on something other than her spinning thoughts.
“I want someone to watch your place again tonight. We still haven’t found Rounds.”
“Okay.” Jules didn’t mind. Although it was strange having someone she didn’t know sitting in her driveway all night, it was a huge relief. If she and the kids had to stay alone in that house with Norman on the loose and mysterious shadows moving in the trees… Jules shuddered. She wouldn’t sleep at all. “I’ll bring him—or her—coffee. And maybe a snack.”
“Do that.” Reaching over, Theo poked her side with a gentle finger. Although she was normally very ticklish, shock kept her from reacting, other than to stare at him. Had Theo actually tried to tickle her? “Right now, watch the road.”
“Sorry.” Jules snapped her attention back to the street, but her brain was still whirling. Surly Theo was tempting enough. She wasn’t sure if she could handle friendly, teasing Theo without her head—and heart—exploding.
As she turned onto her driveway, her breath started coming quickly. After the first curve in the rutted gravel path, they were surrounded by rocks and trees, hidden from everyone. The isolation of the property made her so much more aware of being alone with Theo. It was a good kind of excitement, but that tiny voice in her head—a voice that sounded a lot like Sam—wouldn’t shut up about the stupidity of getting involved with a cop.
Pulling up next to the house, she turned off the engine. When she peeked at Theo, he looked back with heated eyes, a tiny smile touching his mouth.
Who am I kidding? She gave a mental sigh. I’m already involved with a cop.
Getting out of the car, climbing the porch steps, unlocking the front door…all the things that were becoming routine in her new life had a new tension now that she was with Theo. Before she could step inside, he was there first. Even though he was a cop, someone who could bring her world crashing down, could break apart her family just as easily, Theo made her feel safe. Having him as a wall—a strong, solid wall—between her and any dangers that might be lurking in the house was such an intoxicating feeling that she was afraid she’d already become addicted.