Free C.J. Urban - Julie Townsend 01 - Hidden Intent by C.J. Urban Page B

think I’ve ever laughed as much as I did during that time, but I seldom saw her again after that, and I’ve always wished I could have seen her just one more time.”
    “I can imagine,” Skye said. “And I understand how you would feel an obligation to her.”
    “Yeah, I do. Jacob has got to be innocent, Skye.”
    “Even if you’re right, he’s already been convicted.”
    “That doesn’t matter. If he’s not the real killer we’ll figure out a way to get him released,” Julie said. “And we can find the real killer on our own, Skye.”
    “We?”
    “Sorry, me,” Julie said.
    “No, I don’t mind helping. I’m just surprised you want me to help you with something so personal.”
    “I’ve pulled you in this far,” she said, drawing him a little closer.
    Skye couldn’t help it. He reached over and kissed Julie tenderly. Just a small one, but she surprised him by kissing him back. She put her hand on his hair, stroking it. They were both lost in each other, and nothing else existed except that kiss.
    Julie pulled back, though, glancing toward the stairs. Sam was up there, and he could come down at any moment.
    “Sorry,” Skye said, but his eyes burned into hers and he looked anything but sorry.
    “Don’t be,” Julie whispered. “I’ve been dying to know what your lips feel like against mine.”
    He kissed her again, briefly. But he respected the fact that she didn’t want Sam to see them making out.
    “Well, you have pulled me in, as you put it,” Skye said, smiling. “So, where should we start?”
    Julie made herself look away. She took a sip of coffee. “I want to go to the library tomorrow, and look at any old newspaper articles having to do with the murders. It’s our best shot at gathering more information.”
    “Unfortunately, I have work tomorrow morning. So you’re going to have to fill me in later.”
    “If you come by after work, I’ll tell you what I found.”
    “Wouldn’t miss an opportunity like that for the world,” Skye said with a grin. “I’m off at five. Are you going to be here?”
    “Yeah, I’ll be here after five.”
    “Look, Julie,” Skye blurted out, “I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. But I don’t think you should be alone here. Not after…” he didn’t want to say after you’ve already had a Peeping Tom. “I could stay here on the couch. I promise I’ll be a gentleman. For as long as you want me to be.”
    Julie tried to think clearly. This was all becoming too much for her. So much had happened; the move, the diaries, Jacob Leigh, and now this. She did want him to stay. She trusted him, but she didn’t quite trust herself. It had been so long… Well, you’re going to have to be strong, she told herself. It’s the smart thing to do.
    “Really? You’d do that for me?”
    “Baby, I’d do anything for you. I’m worried now, and I want you to be safe.”
    Julie took his hand in hers. She almost kissed him again, but forced herself to get up. “Thank you, Skye. I’ll get you some blankets.”
    Before he could say anything, she turned and went up the creaky stairs, and came back down with a couple of blankets and a pillow. He took them from her and tossed them onto the couch.
    Skye kissed her again, and he could feel his body temperature rise. Apparently Julie could too, because she pushed him away playfully, and without another word, hurried upstairs to tuck Sam into bed.
    Skye sighed and began arranging the blankets on the couch. He picked up the pillow and sniffed it, closing his eyes. It was hers, it gave off the same scent as her beautiful hair.
    As Julie climbed into bed, she did feel safer knowing that Skye was just downstairs. She pulled her covers up over her, re-living his kiss. She smiled, remembering the sweet taste of coffee on his tongue.
    But as she fell asleep, Julie couldn’t help but feel watched, as if a pair of eyes was trained on her.
     
     
     
    Chapter 16
     
     
    Julie awoke to a stream of sunlight