watching through the window as Kimber got in her car. She started the vehicle and zoomed back out of the space, then slammed on her brakes to avoid colliding with a passing truck. She looked forward, and her eyes fixed on him. Their gazes locked.
A jolt of electricity went through Lawson’s body. His chest pounded, drowning out the noise in the restaurant. He felt connected to her on some intangible level that he did not understand, as if they were tied together by an invisible link that made him feel as if she was a part of him, and he of her. Did she feel it, too?
Kimber blinked and glanced down, breaking their connection. She looked up again and, with tires squealing, finished backing out and drove away.
Damn woman, you’re more trouble than you’re worth.
Actually, she was worth it, he decided, and his reward for his patience would come soon enough. Not only would he get his key, but he’d get her in his bed, too. He wasn’t that much of a gentleman.
He turned back and found Jack standing behind him. “I’m going to follow her.”
“I guess selling property is a cut-throat business in this century,” the pilot commented.
“She’s not selling property. She’s lying through her teeth.”
“How do you know?”
“She’s packing. When she turned to leave, her jacket opened. I saw her holster.” Damn, she wasn’t bluffing when she said she had the means to kill him. Dread filled Lawson’s gut, and it wasn’t for his personal safety. His concern was for Kimber and any trouble she was in.
“What do you think she’s doing with a gun?” Jack asked.
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out. I’ll catch up with you at the hotel.”
Chapter Seven
“Michiel!” Lawson hollered through the lobby. “Michiel! Get your ass out here!”
Michiel came running from the back room with a drink in his hand. “What’s wrong? Is there a fire?”
“No. I need a vehicle. Give me your keys.”
“What? Why?”
“I have to get to the Bearded Cockle.”
“Why would you want to go there? If you want a drink, just come in the back. We’re getting ready for tonight’s party, but as you can see, I’ve already started—”
Lawson was on him in an instant, Michiel’s shirt fabric gathered tight in his fists. “It’s important that I get to the Bearded Cockle. Now.”
“Okay, okay! Let go of me!”
Lawson released him. Running his fingers through his hair, he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that. It’s just… I need to get there.”
Michiel smothered his wrinkled shirt. “You don’t have to go all alpha male on me. I mean, I like to be roughed up and all, but we hardly know each other.” He winked. “Maybe we’ll get to rectify that. Oh, and I must say, I love the outfit, especially the hat.”
“So, you’ll let me borrow your car?”
“No way, dear. No one drives mein schatze but me. However, I’ll give you a ride.” Upon Lawson’s nod, he grabbed his keys from behind the desk. “Follow me.”
Michiel’s sweetheart was in the back of the motel covered by a tarp. With a big smile on his face, he unveiled her with dramatic flair. “Ta-da!”
If Lawson wasn’t so distraught about Kimber, he might have beaten Michiel for ruining such a beautiful piece of motor ingenuity. “That’s a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe with a 346 cubic inch V8 engine.”
“So you know your classic cars, Mr. Grey. That’s very sexy.”
Lawson raised his eyebrows. He could let the sexy comment go, but not what Michiel did to that poor automobile. “You painted her pink.”
The hotel owner opened the driver’s door and got in. “Yes, I love pink. Pink is so bright and cheery, yet soothing at the same time. I think there’d be a lot less war in the world if soldiers wore pink uniforms.”
Or it might have the opposite effect . Lawson was feeling pretty violent at the moment.
“Well, get in, honey,” Michiel said. “My
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