“The account does appear to belong to Ms. Speakman, and she’s commented on your page eight hundred and sixty-two times in the past two days alone.”
I swallowed. “She’s obviously sick. I just don’t want her to hurt herself again. Can’t they bring her in for another hold?”
“I’ll get in touch with her doctor and see what we can do. In the meantime, I want you to be cautious. You never know how people who become this singularly focused will react.”
Ruiz had no idea how cautious I was going to be, but it wasn’t because of some obsessed fan. “Trust me, I’m cautious. But I really don’t think it’s me you need to be worried about. It’s this woman.”
Detective Ruiz cleared his throat. “We’ll be careful all the way around. How about that?”
I adjusted my ballcap. “That’s fair.”
“I’ll keep you up-to-date with my progress.”
I headed back towards the door. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“Talk soon.”
“Have a good night.” I hit end on my screen and pulled open the door. This was the last thing I needed to deal with. I roughly shoved the phone into my pocket. I just needed to take precautions. No photos with fans. Avoid going out as much as possible. It wasn’t forever. It was just for now.
I grabbed my food from the bartender with a muttered thanks and walked back to the Kettle. Tessa had let me borrow her keys, so I was able to let myself in through the back door. My boots stomped up the wooden stairs. I knocked on the door to Tessa’s apartment, not wanting to let myself in.
“Just a second.” The door swung open, and there stood Tessa in nothing but a towel.
My Adam’s apple bobbed as my throat went dry. Long, lean legs peeked out from terrycloth that was too short and too long all at the same time. Her skin was creamy white, and my hands itched to see if it was as smooth as it looked. My gaze traveled up Tessa’s body to where she held the top of the towel together at her breasts. Creamy swells.Shit.I blinked furiously, trying to break my gaze.
Tessa cleared her throat, and I finally focused on her face, her cheeks pink. “Sorry, I needed a quick shower. I smelled like horses.”
I nodded, the movement jerky. What was I, fifteen again? “I got our food.” I held up the bag in my hand.
“Thank you for doing that. I’m just going to get changed real quick.”
I stayed rooted to my spot. “Of course.”
Tessa turned and picked up a pile of clothes from her bed. The towel rode up higher on her thighs. I looked at the ceiling. “There are drinks in the fridge if you want to grab something,” she called as she headed for the bathroom.
“Thanks.” I closed and locked the door and then headed for the kitchen. “You’ve got to get a grip, man,” I muttered to myself. I pulled plates from the cabinets, distributing the burgers and fries on each one and placing them on the table. I set the milkshakes down next. Opening the fridge, I grabbed myself a Coke.
I felt pinpricks in my leg, and my gaze shot down to see a tiny, orange furball climbing up my jeans, cast and all. “Trouble. Why aren’t I surprised?” I pulled the kitten off my pants and held him to my chest. He swatted at my face, apparently upset that I’d ruined his fun climbing game. “You have a whole climbing tree that cost about three hundred dollars. Why don’t you use that?” Another swat.
The sound of the bathroom door opening reached my ears, and Tessa rounded the corner wearing a pair of yoga pants that hugged every curve and a tee that hung off one shoulder. Her hair was twisted up in a towel. She had no idea how gorgeous she was.
Tessa took in the Coke in one hand and the kitten in my other. “Sorry I don’t have beer or anything.” She reached out, taking Trouble from me. “Come here, baby,” she cooed. Of course, the cat curled up in her arms and started purring, no clawed swats at all.
I shook my head and looked at the can I was holding. “This is perfect.” The last thing I needed was alcohol. I needed all the restraint I could muster around this woman. “What can I get you?”
“I’ll take one of those.” Tessa inclined her head towards my Coke.
I reached into the fridge and pulled out another can.
Tessa took in the table. “Do we need anything else?”
I pulled out her chair. “I think we’re good.”
“Thanks so much for doing this,” Tessa said as she sat, placing Trouble in her lap.
“No problem.” As soon as I sat, worries began to swirl. I needed Ruiz to come through, to get Kimberly Speakman the help she needed. And I really needed the whole thing not to blow up in the media. Especially now.
Tessa carefully studied my face. “What’s wrong?”
