Warmth funneled into her chest again, and she walked over, cupped his face, and kissed him. Slow and soft, hoping to convey what he was making her feel. Hegother. The man really got how her brain worked and what spoke to her heart.
When Emily drew back, Holden’s gaze was warm, and his expression was soft.
“What was that for? Not that I’m complaining,” he said, setting both hands on her hips.
She continued to cup his face. “For being you,” she replied. “And forgettingme.”
“I’d never forget you, babe.” He smiled and kissed her nose.
She let go of him and snorted. “Notforget. I said forgetting, like for understanding me.”
“I know.” He winked. “I just like to see your eyes flash.”
Releasing her, he yawned and pulled out a stool for her to sit on before he sat in the other one. And yawned again.
“Sorry,” he said with a shake of his head.
Since the first night they’d had sex, the two of them had started to sleep in the same bed together on the nights he wasn’t out of town, and they always stayed here because of Queenie. Emily wasn’t comfortable changing the dog’s routine just yet, but she had started introducing her to other dogs and took her for playdates at Lyndsey’s, as well as Holden’s, where the Rottie enjoyed romping around on the beach with Isla and Sinjin’s dog, Loki, because they were Holden’s neighbors.
“Someone wore me out,” he teased, and set a hand on her knee.
Normally, she’d just snicker and supply a comeback, but he hadn’t slept the greatest last night, so Emily knew the tossing and muttering in his sleep wasn’t an every night occurrence.
“You sure that’s it?” she turned to him and asked softly. “You slept a little restlessly last night.”
Frowning, he met her gaze. “I’m sorry, babe. I hope I didn’t disturb you too much.”
“You didn’t. I’m good,” she assured, then turned her attention to the food, stacking three pancakes onto her plate before spooning a ton of strawberries on top. Better to look busy than concerned. She knew it wouldn’t fly with him. As it was, she’d already pushed it as far as he’d probably allow before he changed the subject, but she had to try. “Want to talk about it?”
“About what?” he asked, loading his plate.
“Whatever was bothering you enough to mess with your sleep,” she replied, and almost told him he’d been saying the name Braddock, but stopped at the last second, unsure.
He met her gaze then, and as she suspected, it was friendly but closed off.
“Just the usual crap from serving.” He shrugged.
Inwardly, her stomach tightened, and she sighed, but outwardly, she just nodded. “Okay. You know I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
“Thanks.” He leaned over to kiss her forehead. “And you’re going to be late if you don’t clean your plate soon.”
And that would be the subject change she’d expected.
“Roger that.”
Emily dropped the matter and enjoyed her delicious breakfast. Afterward, she enjoyed a kiss from an equally delicious Holden, before heading out, promising to meet at his place after work since he’d be done at the shelter before her shift ended.
That didn’t mean he hadn’t remained in her thoughts all morning. The sexy man definitely provided her with a lot of delicious food for thought.
And she’d much rather think of him than wonder if or when Perez might strike again. Emily didn’t intimidate easily. She wasn’t afraid for herself. No, she was afraid for Queenie. If the guy found out Emily had adopted his former dog, who knew what he’d do, and she definitely didn’t want to find out. Nor was she okay with allowing it to eat her up inside with worry.
Besides, for the most part, things had quieted down. No more Perez sightings or Bronco sightings. Last week, she’d gotten her car back from Dex—looking better than new—and thankfully, there hadn’t been any spray-paint incidents again. Or any other occurrences…other than the feeling as if she was being watched. That continued to happen off and on, and she was beginning to wonder if it was just her imagination now.
Emily hadn’t told a soul. Not Holden, not even Lyndsey or Isla, the two people who knew her the longest, next to her family. She’d kind of been staying away from her family, just in case the crazy manwasfollowing her.
Blowing out a breath, she pushed aside thoughts of the jerk as she drove toward town. Dispatch had sent her to answer a call about the sound of kittens crying behind the strip mall near ESI.
She arrived on scene to find Mel and Loni, the baker, looking around the dumpster in back.
