Of course, it’s wrong.
Maybe so, but Emma couldn’t seem to help it. It was like there was some sort of switch that only existed between the two of them.
He touched her and her body reacted.
“You did good.” He led her outside and to their vehicles, his hand remaining on her back the entire way.
“Thanks.” Emma pressed the button on her key fob when they were only a few yards from her car, unlocking the driver’s door.
“I need to stop by the hotel to grab my things and check out. Then I’ll follow you to your place.”
“Okay.”
When he stared down at her, it felt as though he could read every thought, every feeling, she’d ever had. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah.” Emma nodded. “Just ready for this to be over.”
“I know.” He reached up, tucking some hair behind her ear. “We’re almost there.”
Trace’s choice of words combined with his sweet touch sent a shockwave of arousal racing through her veins. He was referring to the case, but as she stood in that parking lot, Emma found herself wishing he’d been talking about them.
Traffic was starting to get heavy with the lunch hour approaching, so the trip to the hotel and then her place took longer than usual. Emma’s stomach growled as she parked outside her apartment building.
Okay, so maybe shower,food, and then sleep until this whole thing blows over.
Climbing out of her car, Emma released a sigh of relief. Man, it felt good to be home.
“Nice place.” Trace shut his truck door, the horn honking when he pressed the button to lock it.
“Thanks.” She locked her own car and made her way to the sidewalk. “The apartment’s kind of small, but it’s just me, so I don’t need a lot of room.”
“Makes sense.”
Carrying his bag, Trace followed her as she made her way through the covered corridor and up the stairs.
An apartment on the third floor wasn’t ideal, especially when she was carrying a load of groceries. But at least she didn’t have to worry about people stomping up above her, plus the top-floor apartments all had vaulted ceilings, making the space appear larger than it actually was.
“This is me.” She reached apartment number Sixteen C. Emma started to put the key in the lock, but Trace’s hand stopped her short.
“I should go in first.” His hand burned into hers. “Just in case.”
“Be my guest.” Emma handed him her keys and stepped aside.
With his duffle bag over his left shoulder, Trace held the keys in his left hand while pulling his gun free with his right.
“Really?” Her head turned on a swivel to make sure no one else was around. “I have neighbors. Plus, I seriously doubt someone’s hanging out inside my place just waiting for me to come home.”
“Your neighbors aren’t my concern. You are.” Trace simply shrugged. “And trust me, it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
Something told her he was speaking from experience.
Letting the man do his thing, Emma waited while he opened the door with caution.
“Stay behind me.”
“Yes, sir,” Emma saluted him with a smirk.
The bulging muscle in Trace’s clenched jaw said he wasn’t amused, which made Emma’s smile grow even wider.