Free Officer on Duty (Lock and Key Book 4) by Ranae Rose Page A

and so did his mother, muttering about him telling them to be careful, suggesting that he follow his own advice.
    As much as he loved them both, he was glad to have some peace and quiet – something that was often in short supply when his mother was around.
    He soaked up about half an hour of it, staring at the TV without really watching, and then a knock came at the door.
     
* * * * *
 
    “Hey,” Lucia said when Jeremy answered the door. “I didn’t think you’d be here yet.”
    She’d just gotten home from work, and since he kept his cruiser parked in his garage, she hadn’t known he was there.
    “Got off early today.”
    She reined in her smile by a few watts as a fluttering sensation filled her belly. She hadn’t been expecting him to be home, but she certainly didn’t mind.
    “Well, I was just at your mom’s place, but nobody answered. I saw that your lights were on and thought she and Paige might be here. I have something for them.”
    She held up a piece of paper.
    “What is it?”
    “Just some info on a women’s self-defense course they’re offering at the aquatic center. They’re holding it in the fitness part of the facility, and it’s free to any female Riley County resident. An ex-military martial arts expert volunteered to teach it. You know, with everything that’s going on…”
    He took the flyer. “When is it?”
    “It starts in just a few days. We’re trying to spread the word far and wide. They’ll be printing a notice in the paper tomorrow, so slots might fill up fast. Paige and Meredith can sign up online ahead of time to reserve spots if they’re interested.”
    “Thanks. I’ll do my best to talk them into it. What about you?”
    “Me?”
    “You gonna take the course?”
    “Yeah, and I’m encouraging the girls in my juniors’ class to attend it with me.”
    “Good.” His eyes locked with hers, the clear blue allowing her to see how deeply serious he was.
    “Do you know something I don’t – something about whoever killed those women?”
    “I don’t know who did it, if that’s what you’re asking.”
    “Hmm. But you know something . I can see it in your eyes.”
    “I don’t believe that for a second. I’ve been perfecting my poker face for the past dozen years.”
    “Light eyes are transparent. More expressive, most of the time. You may know how to keep the rest of your face under control, but if I get close enough, I can read your eyes like a book.”
    It was only a slight exaggeration. His eyes were expressive. Sometimes, she saw something there that made her body temperature rise by several degrees. She wasn’t sure if it was a meaningful attraction, or just a man looking at a woman he found pleasing to the eye, but it gave her butterflies anyway.
    “Hell, if that’s not a terrifying thought, I don’t know what is.”
    She grinned. “Why? Have something to hide?”
    He held her gaze for a heartbeat, then another.
    She saw that certain something in his eyes, and her skin tingled all over.
    “No, but that doesn’t mean I’d want my every thought on display, either. Especially not if you were the one doing the reading.”
    She realized her grin had faded. In its place, there was nothing but a hot blush. She had to resist the urge to touch the tip of her tongue to her lips.
    He still looked so deadly serious. And those eyes were still locked on her. It was only because she was staring back that she noticed the twinge of pain that twisted his features for a split second when he shifted his weight.
    Her gaze dropped of its own accord, all the way to his feet.
    He wore jeans, and they were a light enough shade of blue that she could see a dark spot on the denim, halfway up his shin.
    “You’re bleeding,” she said, her gaze snapping back up to his. “What happened to your leg?”
    He looked down and grimaced, his expression clearly saying: shit .
    “Got a little scraped up at work today.”
    Her eyes widened. “Did it have anything to do with