Free The Case of the Mesmerizing Boss by Diana Palmer

catch your assailant.” “Live with you?” she asked hesitantly.
    He nodded. “It’s the safest way. I’d let you move in with Adams, but his girlfriend wouldn’t like it,” he murmured dryly, trying to lighten the moment. She hesitated.
    “Tess,” he said quietly, “if you’re worried because of what happened last night, there’s no need. I told you that I don’t want commitment. I won’t seduce you. And you must know by now that I won’t force you, either.” She bit her lower lip. “Yes, but it wouldn’t look right.”
    “No one will know except the office staff,” he promised her. “And they know why. It isn’t as if I’m asking you to have an illicit affair with me.”
    “I know that.” She stared at her pink fingernails. The thumbnail was chipped. She picked at it nervously.
    He tilted her chin up and smiled faintly. “I won’t walk around in the nude or watch football games for the duration.”
    She smiled in spite of her fears. “Do you normally watch football games?”
    He shook his head. “But I do normally walk around nude. I’ll have to buy a pair of pajamas while you’re in residence. And a robe.” “I like pajamas, too,” she said.
    “I’ll pick you up tonight at seven and take you home with me,” he said. “Until then, Adams can keep an eye on you.”
    He got up from the desk. Tess felt more uncertain than she ever had before. Living with him was going to be one big test of her immunity to his attraction.
    With a frown she watched him go back into his office. Why was he doing it? To prove to himself that he really didn’t want her? She
     
    The Case of the Mesmerizing Boss59 wished she knew. But she was much too afraid of the consequences of staying by herself to argue with him. Over the years she’d learned how cheap life was to people who used and sold narcotics. Dane was a trained policeman, an ex-Texas Ranger who knew more about means and methods of protecting people than she had time to learn. She was glad he had that knowledge. Now, her very life might depend on it.
    The day turned out to be a quiet one, thank goodness. She left at five with Adams on her heels, and when she got home, packed enough for a few days. She didn’t like leaving her apartment, but she really had no choice.
    Dane buzzed the apartment at seven sharp, and she opened the door.
    “Ready?” he asked.
    “I’ve just got to get my coat,” she said, looking around. She had a single suitcase. “Is that all you’re bringing?” he asked with a frown. “Well, it’s enough for a few days,” she began.
    “Tess, this could take weeks,” he said shortly. “I don’t want to alarm you, but you may be with me for some time.” “I-I can come back and get what I need, can’t I?” “I suppose. Did you pack a gown and a robe?” “Yes.” She flushed. “Well, pajamas and a robe.”
    He smiled gently. “You’ll have your own room. It’s a big apartment.”
    “I remember,” she said absently, and then regretted dragging the memory up when he glowered. “Let’s go,” he said tersely.
    She locked up. He carried her case down to the garage, his eyes watchful and alert to any sign of danger. She noticed with quiet resignation the faint bulge under his jacket. He carried a .45 automatic pistol on the job. He had a permit for it, and it was registered. A tool of the trade, he called it. But to Tess, it was a painful reminder of the ever-present danger of his profession and the realization that he could be killed pursuing it. He helped her into the car before he put the case in the trunk,

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    Diana Palmer
     
    and he examined the engine and every inch of the frame before he started the vehicle. “Is that necessary?” she asked.
    He nodded as he backed out of the parking space. “Part of the routine, honey. Don’t worry about it. You’re in good hands.”
    “I know that.” She leaned back against the seat. “Why did I have to leave the office late?” she groaned. “If I’d gone home