Read Online Dangerous by Patricia Rosemoor - Free Book Online Page B

time.”
    “I’m not rushing Max.”
    “I meant Jackson.”
    “Oh.”
    “You said he’d update you, so he will, right?”
    “Right.”
    “Then give him enough time to get what he needs before you start worrying.” He figured using the word “obsessing” might insult her.
    She shoved her cell into her pants pocket.
    They walked for a few minutes, letting Max explore on a long leash until he got tired of smelling every tree and rock and flower and came to them, forcing himself between them as they headed back for the house.
    Drago said, “About the dog…”
    “What about him?”
    “We can’t keep doing this while we’re trying to find the girl. Coming back to walk and feed him multiple times a day. Do you have anyone who can take care of him for a day or two?”
    He hoped to God they would find the girl quicker than that, but with no lead yet, all he had was hope.
    “Yeah, well, I kinda used up my credit with my neighbors.” She gave the house next door a sad look as they passed it. “And my parents are more than thirty miles away.”
    “Siblings?” He didn’t even know if she had any.
    “My sister, Flora, is in New York temporarily.”
    “Friends?”
    “Other cops.”
    Who were probably on the task force she formerly headed.
    He tried again. “Your vet?”
    “Yeah, maybe.”
    But she didn’t look so sure. Her brow was furrowed and her lush mouth was turned down in a frown.
    “I hope he can wait long enough for you to come home if we get on a hot trail.”
    “I get your point. It’ll have to be tomorrow, though. Vet’s already closed for the day.”
    Stopping on the steps to her house, she pulled out her cell and shook her head. Then texted something at rapid speed. She stared a hole through the cell but no returning ding.
    “Jackson is probably in the midst of the search now.”
    Sighing, she slid the cell back into her pocket and opened the door.
    Max leaped into the house and headed straight for the kitchen. She followed the dog and gave him food and fresh water. Then went back into the living room, where Drago was staring out the window. A glance at her told him the walk hadn’t relaxed her at all. Her muscles were taut with tension. He could read anxiety in her expression.
    Trying to get her to think about something else for a while, he said, “That text could come through at any time. Or not. I have some other ideas to track this bastard, but that means leaving, not knowing when we’ll be back. Why so reluctant to find a place to keep Max so we can keep full focus on the case?”
    She shrugged. “I know I’m a cop, but now I don’t even have my Glock to protect me. Rodriguez made me turn it in along with my star. Besides, living alone in a house, I feel better having a set of ears that can hear any strange noises better than mine can.”
    That she admitted to some fear of living alone, if in a roundabout way, surprised him. It also surprised him that she wasn’t wearing a backup piece. “You won’t have to worry about strange noises. My hearing is spot on.”
    She gaped at him, then said, “Who invited you to stay?”
    “Don’t worry, I can fit on the couch.” The last place he wanted to spend the night. He gave it a good look, then crooked an eyebrow at her. “Unless you want me in your bed, of course.”
    “You must think you’re irresistible!”
    He took a step closer. “Am I?” Though he knew starting up with her was the last thing he should want, he didn’t always make wise choices.
    She shoved a hand on his chest. “Well, why don’t you go find a woman who thinks so!”
    “Pretty sure I already have.”
    He slid a hand along the one planted in the middle of his chest, followed it upward—slowly, oh so slowly—to her elbow. She had the opportunity to pull away. To shove him from her. To tell him to go to hell.
    She looked like she wanted to say it.
    She looked like she wanted to fuck him.
    He’d take the second.
    Wrapping his fingers around her upper arm, he