Silenced Night by Lori Altebaumer

Author:Lori Altebaumer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lori Altebaumer
Published: 2024-01-04T00:00:00+00:00

Everleigh’s appetite for both food and company had fled the scene long before they arrived back at Charlie’s with supper in hand. When Luke said they needed to talk, he meant he wanted to ask questions she’d already answered. She wanted to believe it was because he was on her side in more than an occupational responsibility sort of way. But she wasn’t that delusional.

Maybe her answers had satisfied him, or maybe he’d gotten bored. Either way, she was thankful when he’d switched the conversation to lighter, less interesting topics like how to lower his income taxes. Subjects Everleigh could sink into and answer almost by rote.

Now she couldn’t keep up the charade. She excused herself with a headache after Charlie inquired about her lack of eating for the dozenth time.

“I’ll see you home. Charlie can help me get your car later, if you’re okay with that?”

She nodded, grateful for the kindness. The last time she’d walked home she’d almost been run over. Company was probably a good thing.

Besides, he had a badge. He could probably do whatever he wanted.

Honestly, the thought of entering her empty house left her uneasy. She couldn’t bear the idea of not feeling safe in her own home, but until Justin Wicketts was locked away, she wouldn’t feel safe anywhere.

Luke helped her with her coat, his one-armed assistance awkward.

He took her hand, then tucked it into the crook of his arm. He smelled good in a way that made her want to inhale more deeply. The warmth of his body next to hers as they walked side by side stirred something in her. She was thankful the dark hid her face, certain it gave her heart away.

Stupid thoughts, but what she wanted right now was to wrap herself in his embrace. When was the last time she’d let herself be hugged? She hadn’t grown up in an emotionally demonstrative family, and this longing surprised her.

She blinked the moisture back into her eyes.

It was foolish. Especially since Luke’s attention was only due to his occupation. And if he ever looked into her family background, he’d have to start questioning her sanity. How could he not? Even she was starting to. But something inside her sparked with a hope that he was interested in more than protecting a witness, making sure nothing derailed the trial about to happen. Maybe she was tired of living life alone, driven by nothing more than career success. Maybe she wanted a glimpse of what Charlie had with Anna.

To take her first risk with a man like Luke Douglas would be unwise. A man likely as committed to his career as she was to hers.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll just take a quick look around before I say goodnight. Charlie will sleep better if I do.” It was a troubled, lonesome sort of smile that crossed his face as she stepped aside for him to enter.

She slipped off her coat while he wandered through the rooms, his presence filling her house and her heart with more of the unfamiliar longing.

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