As the water lulled him, and the television murmured on, Malachi’s mind shifted into dreams of desire-filled green eyes and all the ways he’d like to worship Mia Livingston’s body.
Eleven
When Mia emerged from the steamy bathroom, she was met with Malachi’s snores. There was nothing timid about them either. They permeated her tiny apartment, practically rattling the windows, and made her chuckle.
Tucking her robe tighter around her, she tiptoed past the chair, a goofy smile on her lips. The big guy filled her place with his larger than life presence, not to mention those healthy snores, but he made her feel safe, secure.
Taz meowed softly as Mia sank down on the couch, tucking her legs up under her. She checked her phone, saw no messages, and slipped it back into her pocket. The TV was silenced. She ignored it while stroking the cat and thinking about the kiss she’d pressed on the top of Malachi’s head.
It had been totally spontaneous, and she hoped not inappropriate. She didn’t even know him—not really—but where would she be right now without him?
During her shower, she kept seeing him step in front of her and Ladybug during the attack. His light touches throughout the meeting had kept her grounded. Her heart warmed at the memory of his smile. He was the first man in a long, long time who had made her feel so…happy.
As she watched him sleep, she knew in her heart he was a good guy. He’d done more for her in the past few hours than most folks had in her entire lifetime. His whole team had welcomed her, and even though he hadn’t told her the details of the deal the FBI had made with King upfront, she understood why—he’d been protecting her the best way he could. Amber had, too.
So much for worrying about breaking the news to him regarding who she was. He’d been slapped in the face with it before she’d even told him her name.
Worst first date ever.
Not a date, she reminded herself. She hadn’t had one of those in nearly two years, and she didn’t regret it one bit. She’d been too busy helping Amber make it to the mayor’s office, then recovering from the kidnapping.
Now, because of his kindness, not to mention those muscles, certainthingswere stirred up. She wanted to feel like the twenty-seven-year-old that she was, not the shelled out person she’d become.
The throw pillow called to her. She had nothing left. Her body was shutting down. She nestled into the soft couch, tugging an afghan over her legs.
Her eyelids were heavy weights. Sleep could no longer be cheated. As the screen flickered over Malachi’s strong features, she found herself smiling again. Her last view, as she finally gave up, was of him.
Mia woketo a buzzing vibration and the looping melody she reserved for Sue.
Neck stiff, she stifled a yawn, pushed upright and hurriedly shut off the ring tone. Malachi slept through it, his body contorted sideways in the chair now, head thrown back and mouth open. It was a funny thing to see him in such a carefree state. She didn’t want to wake him.
The message from Sue was short and sweet.I’m here. You okay?
Damn it. Mia had told Sue she’d need a lift at eight every morning this week. Sue only knew her as Amy and had no idea who she was, or that what had happened to the mayor would alter Mia’s need for a drive. Mia cringed with guilt that she’d forgotten to cancel.
Ladybug managed to stand, still in her dog bed, and shook herself as Mia replied.So sorry! I forgot to cancel. I’ll send payment through anyway! A.
What came back was a frown-y face response.No worries, but I do have your favorite muffins and a treat for Ladybug if you want them.
Mia bit her bottom lip. Any other day, she would have shot down the stairs in record time to retrieve them. The double chocolate variety from Be Mine Bakery was something both she and Sue indulged in once a month.
Trying to formulate a significant excuse was more challenging than expected. She typed, deleted, started again. Then she gave up, went to her payment app, and added a generous tip.
Except, when she hit send, the app crashed. She swore, then hurriedly tried again. No deal. The program was having issues.
Great, now she couldn’t even compensate the woman.
Ladybug shuffle-walked around, sniffing at Malachi’s hand, flopped over the arm of the chair and dragging on the floor. Mia glanced at the sleeping man and chewed her lip again. She had to take Ladybug out anyway.Be right there, she told Sue.
From her purse, she took out cash and her stun gun. Then she tightened her robe and picked up Ladybug.
The dog had to be carried but was anxious to get to the ground once they were outside the entrance. Mia shaded her eyes and glanced down the road. The sun was rising, though the neighborhood wasn’t fully awake yet. A guy rode by on a bike, a woman ran along the opposite sidewalk with her Labrador, jogging in place when it stopped to mark a tree.
Ladybug barked a greeting. The woman waved and she and her canine companion continued on.
Everything looked normal. Mia breathed a sigh of relief.
Sue was parked in her usual spot, halfway down the block. Mia carried Ladybug with one hand, keeping her tucked close to her side, her other resting on the weapon inside her pocket. Nobody paid any attention as she closed the distance and crossed the street. Sue was texting when Mia knocked on the window. When she glanced up, she smiled and lowered it, tossing her phone in the seat. “Here you go,” she said, handing Mia a bakery bag. “I’m sorry you don’t need a ride. Everything okay?”
