Read Online Dangerous Grounds by Shelli Stevens - Free Book Online

“We found her number on your desk. She was upset, but glad to hear you’re okay. Eric told her to take the day off.”
    She gave him a despondent look—which made him feel like an ass—but he needed to stay focused.
    After a moment she sighed and looked away. “I guess there’s not much else to do. Do you mind if I shower before we go down to the station?”
    “Go for it.” He walked past her into the hallway. “I’ll set out a towel and make you something to eat for breakfast.”
    “I don’t need anything…” She sighed as he cast a warning glance over his shoulder. “Fine. I’m good with Cocoa Puffs if you’ve got them.”
    Gabe fought the urge to roll his eyes. “No. I don’t have them. Damn, you women and your chocolate. Go get your shower.”
    Madison smiled as she walked past him and into the bathroom.
    When she entered the kitchen twenty minutes later, she plopped herself down at the table with a sigh, her hair still wet and her skin all dewy looking.
    He glanced away from her exposed skin down the rest of her body. “That’s my bathrobe you’re wearing, you realize that?”
    “Is it?” Her eyes widened with mock innocence. She stood and reached for the belt tied around her waist. “I can give it back and we can finish what you started this morning.”
    “Never mind.” He turned his back on her before she could drop the robe from her body. When she laughed, his jaw clenched. She was enjoying this a little too much. “Your bagel is ready. Do you like cream cheese?”
    “Love it. You’ll crack sooner or later, Gabe.” He heard her pad off into the living room. “But for now I’ll just watch some television.”
    He grunted in response and then bolted after her.
    “Maddie, wait!”
    But he was too late. She already stared in shock at the television set and the image of her shop being displayed.
    He’d decided to check out the morning news while she was in the shower. Sure enough the media had been running the recent Espresso Bandit burglary as one of their top stories. All the local stations had sent a camera out to her shop at some point to broadcast live. It was another reason he didn’t want her to go into work today. He just wished he’d remembered to turn off the news before she saw it.
    “They didn’t waste much time, did they?” she muttered, sinking down onto the couch.
    “It’s a big story. The Espresso Bandit is terrifying the coffee community.”
    “Yeah, that’s what the reporter just said. Pretty much those exact words.” She tilted her head and sighed. “Well, at least I’m getting some free advertising.”
    “Way to look at the positive, Maddie.” His lips curved into a slight smile. “Just sit back and try to relax. Turn the channel to something more cheerful. I’ll bring you your breakfast.”
    He went back into the kitchen, poured a mug full of coffee and put cream cheese on the bagel, and went back to the living room.
    “Breakfast,” he stated unnecessarily.
    “Oh…is this from a coffee pot?” She wrinkled her nose at the mug. “I should have told you. I pretty much just drink espresso, but thanks. I’ll take the bagel though.”
    The phrase high maintenance flitted through Gabe’s mind and he shook his head.
    “Coffee snob. I’m going to shower. Be ready by the time I’m out.”
    He left her alone with the bagel and crappy coffee.
     
    Madison popped the last bit of breakfast into her mouth, eyed the coffee with regret, and went back to her room to change.
    She pulled on a pair of jeans and a black cashmere sweater, and began searching for her socks. After a few minutes she sighed. Damn, she must have forgotten to pack any.
    Her glance landed on the discarded pair from last night. It wasn’t totally gross to put them on again. People did it all the time. Didn’t they?
    She debated for a moment before coming up with plan B. As she passed the bathroom, she could hear Gabe still in the shower. Of course he wouldn’t mind if she borrowed a