Free Passion's Law by Ruth Langan

for a day or two. That’s probably why she forgot to mention your visit. Too much on her mind lately.”
    Graham visibly relaxed. “Yeah. That’s true of all of us.” He turned to Thad. “So, Detective, tell us about what you’ve uncovered so far.”
    Thad got to his feet. “Sorry. I wish I could. But there’s no time.” He offered a handshake to Joe. “Thanks for drinks and dinner.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. Let’s do it again. Soon.”
    Thad shook hands with Graham and Jackson.
    When he turned to Heather she surprised him by saying, “Come on. I’ll see you out.”
    They left the others in the courtyard as they made their way along a hallway.
    â€œThat was very clever of you, Detective.”
    At Heather’s words he paused. “What was?”
    â€œThe way you managed to avoid answering any questions.”
    He laughed. “Part of the job.”
    They walked to the front door. After opening it, Thad paused on the threshold and turned to her. “I had a great time.”
    â€œI’m glad. Does this mean you don’t mind that my uncle pressured you into staying?”
    Thad shook his head. “Not at all. I’m glad he did. I can’t remember the last time I just sat around having a normal discussion with intelligent adults.”
    Heather laughed. “You make it sound like you spend all your time in the company of babies.”
    His grin was quick and unexpected. “Something like that.” He took a step back, determined not to touch her. “Now I really have to go.”
    She placed a hand on his arm and felt the heat of his flesh against her palm. “I hope this doesn’t mean you have a wife or girlfriend waiting at home for you, Detective.”
    He absorbed the little jolt to his heart. “Why? Would you mind if I did?”
    She laughed again. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to trap me into revealing something that would be better kept a secret.”
    â€œAh, secrets—my stock in trade. I’m a hard-boiled cop, remember?” If she kept her hand there much longer he’d go up in flames. In his best villainous imitation he leaned close and caught her chin in his hand. “Ve have ways of making you talk, woman.”
    Her laughter faded the moment he touched her. She found herself holding her breath as she whispered, “The truth? Yes. I’d mind very much. Is there a wife or girlfriend?”
    Her honesty was so unexpected, he was momentarily speechless. When he finally found his voice he said, “No.”
    Her breath came out slowly in a sigh of relief.
    His own smile was gone, replaced with that heart-stopping look that seemed to wipe every thought from her mind.
    For several more seconds Thad waged a terrible battle within himself. He wanted, more than anything, to taste those lips. But he knew he was playing with fire.
    Heather saw the way he stared at her mouth and knew, in that instant, that he wanted to kiss her, but was fighting the urge. She leaned forward slightly, inviting him to do the same. When he held back she leaned into him. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to come together in a kiss. But the moment they did, everything changed. The lighthearted banter was forgotten. The voices drifting from the courtyard disappeared.
    For Thad, the world seemed to fall away. The only thing he saw was this gilded angel in his arms. The only thing he felt was this need. A hard, driving need that had him taking the kiss deeper and holding on to her as though clinging to life itself.
    He breathed in her perfume until it filled his lungsand had him reeling with need. A need as sharp as any arrow, piercing his heart.
    Against her mouth he muttered, “I’ve been wanting to do this all evening.”
    â€œI’m glad. It’s what I wanted, too.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave herself up to the