“Charlie, let’s clear the air, okay? I promised I’d tell you why Reese and I were keeping watch on you.” He zeroed in on her. “We heard what happened the last time you were in town.”
She swallowed hard. “Exactly what did you hear?”
“We heard how your sister wanted to kill Deacon Slater and how you came into the picture at the last moment and stopped her.”
If her jaw had dropped, she wouldn’t have been surprised. “I didn’t stop her from killing Deacon. I just wanted to get us out of there.”
“Anderson and Daniel said you tried to get Shannon to leave with you.”
She studied his face, trying to decipher his expression. He appeared open, unguarded, and truthful. Did he know Deacon Slater was a vampire? “She wouldn’t go with me even when I tried to drag her away.”
He set down his glass, his expression growing more serious. “And that’s why we were watching you. Around here, we tend to take care of each other. So when the Holms boys heard you’d come back but hadn’t contacted Shannon to say you were in town, they got a little nervous. I guess they were worried you’d try and snatch Shannon away like people do to loved ones that have joined a cult.”
“I’m not here to ‘snatch’ her, as you put it. I’m here to make sure she’s staying because she wants to and not because she’s being held against her will.”
“She’s not being held here. That much I can vouch for.”
“How do you know? Maybe she’s afraid to leave them. Maybe they’ve got some stranglehold on her. I don’t know. I mean, being what they are, how can I be sure?”
“Hasn’t she called you?”
“Yes.” Did he not hear her last question? Or had he ignored it on purpose?
“Has she ever said anything that would make you think she’s not happy?”
“No. But again, maybe she can’t.”
“Okay, if you don’t believe her, why not go take a look for yourself? Why not meet Anderson and Daniel? See all three of them, and then you’ll rest easy that she’s really happy.” He took another drink then spun spaghetti around his fork.
“There’s more to it than you know.”
His eyes sparkled as though she’d just mentioned buried treasure. “Like what? You’re not out to hurt Anderson and Daniel, are you?”
“Of course not.” Unless they threaten Shannon or my life. “It’s nothing I want to talk about.” She busied herself with her food, hoping he’d take the hint and change the subject. What was she supposed to tell him? That she couldn’t risk getting too close to the werewolves who had taken her sister? If she did, would he believe her?
“Okay, fine. I can respect that. So let’s change the subject.” He placed his hand on top of hers. “Do you know how beautiful you are?”
The question coming from any other man would’ve sounded cheesy, but she could see the sincerity in his face. She’d received lots of compliments before, but his sent an arrow diving straight into her heart to pierce the wall she’d built to keep her safe. Business and her family hadn’t left much time for romance. She’d long ago given up on the fantasy of a man to love and children she’d shower with the affection her parents had never given their daughters.
She offered him a slight smile, suddenly shy. “I bet you say that to all the women who come into town to snatch their sister away.”
“Hey, I thought we weren’t talking about that any longer.” He poured them both another glass of wine. “But I want you to know I’m telling you the truth. You’re the most beautiful, the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
She slid off the stool and walked over to the couch. He followed her, and, unless she was wildly mistaken, he didn’t take his eyes off her. He sat next to her, close enough that she could feel the strange but wonderful reaction he gave her whenever they touched but just far enough away to yearn for more of that touch.
“Tell me, Charlie, what do you want?”
He had a way of looking into her eyes that made her feel special and vulnerable all at the same time. “What do you mean?”
“I mean what do you want out of life? Your family owns a major corporation, right?” He leaned forward and grazed his fingers along her arm. “And I bet you’re in a high-level position in that company.”
“You’re right on both counts.” She had to concentrate on his words. Otherwise, she’d give in to the shivers he sent racing down her spine. Shivers that only his body pressed against hers could warm. “But I resigned.”