Read Online Yule Be Mine by Lori Foster - Free Book Online Page A

my heart.” He turned and slunk down the stairs like a man on the way to the gallows.
    When the door closed behind Clive, Parker mustered up his good sense and peeled Lily’s hands off his arm. “Good night, Lily.” He headed for his door.
    â€œGood night?” She hustled after him. “But…what do you mean, ‘good night’?”
    â€œI’m beat. It’s been a hell of a day.” Parker refused to look at her. Just being near her made him twitchy in the pants. If he looked at her, he’d be a goner.
    â€œSounds like.” She scuttled in front of him, blocking his way. “I never realized that detectives got into so many physical confrontations.”
    That damned admiring tone weakened his resolve. “It’s the holidays.” He couldn’t help but look at her, and once he did, he couldn’t look away. “It brings out the worst in everyone.”
    Gently, Lily said, “That’s not true.”
    His day had been just bad enough to shatter his resolve. He wanted to vent. To Lily. Somehow, he knew she’d understand.
    To disguise his level of emotion, Parker snorted. “The wreck I mentioned? It sent two innocent people to the hospital.”
    Concern clouded her beautiful eyes. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”
    â€œI got called in because the arresting officer found psilocybin mushrooms in the car of the idiot who caused the wreck. Enough to know he’s a dealer.”
    â€œHallucinogenic drugs,” Lily breathed, surprising Parker. “How terrible. Will the victims be all right?”
    Parker eyed her. What the hell did Lily know about mushrooms? “I don’t know,” he grouched. “Last I heard, the woman was in surgery.” She had two kids who’d be counting on her to be there Christmas morning. Parker hoped like hell she made it.
    â€œThe dealer?”
    â€œEscaped without a scratch.”
    â€œBut you’ll see to him, I’m sure.”
    Parker ground his teeth together, pissed off all over again. Lily sounded so confident in his ability. “I’d already arrested him once on a charge of manufacturing methamphetamine, but he failed to appear in court. At least this should cinch a conviction.”
    Lily inched closer, her expression sympathetic, her mood nurturing. “Your job isn’t often an easy one, is it?”
    Damn, she looked sweet and soft, and far too appealing. Parker cleared his throat. “Look, Lily, I’m beat. I don’t want to talk about work.” He didn’t want to tempt himself with her. “I need to get some shut-eye.”
    Her hand settled over his, her fingers warm and gentle. “At least let me explain about Clive.”
    Cocking a brow, Parker said, “It was pretty self-explanatory.”
    Leaning on the wall beside his door, her gaze somber, she studied him. “I had no idea Clive harbored an infatuation. He said he wanted to talk about business, my schedule was clear…” She shut down on that real fast. “It was not an intimate lunch.”
    The nature of their business made Parker’s stomach roil. “So you said.”
    â€œI guess you got an earful, huh?” She didn’t sound all that embarrassed. “He lied to me, Parker, saying he wanted to help with a project of mine, telling me he wanted to be friends. Can you believe his nerve?”
    â€œThe world is full of creeps, Lily.” What project? No, he didn’t care. “Good night.”
    Lily’s voice dropped. “It’s barely six o’clock.”
    Sticking his key in the lock, Parker tried to ignore her nearness. An impossible task. “I’ve been up over twenty-four hours. I can’t see straight anymore. Fast as I can get a shower and find some food, I’ll be turning in.” His door opened. He stepped inside…
    Lily followed. “Poor baby.” She touched him again, this time on his right