Free Between Midnight and Dawn by Cheryl Yeko Page B

would be a disaster, because when she found out he was using her, lying to her, she’d boot his sorry ass out the door for sure.
    “Well, it can’t hurt. So, how about we make a date, and I’ll show you some moves.” He hadn’t meant for the words to sound so provocative, but the moves he’d really like to show her flashed through his mind with stunning force.
    Her smile fell away, her caramel eyes growing smoky with desire. She took a step back and swiped one hand up and down her thigh. Nervous energy rolled off her.
    “Okay,” she said quietly, shrugging one slim shoulder. “Sure.”
    Kyle glued his arms to his sides to keep from reaching for her as the sexual tension grew thick in the room. Charlie shoved his way between them, wanting to play and breaking the spell, his rump still beating a rapid tattoo against the furniture.
    Kyle decided to take the opportunity to haul tail outta there before he did something he couldn’t take back, like sleep with the woman he was using to bait a killer.
    “Okay, how’s tomorrow after work?”
    She shook her head. “I have plans tomorrow night.”
    His gut twisted as a surge of jealousy swept through him. “You have a date?” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. Get it under control, dammit. I have no claim on this woman.
    “No. Sheryl’s coming over for dinner.”
    Kyle tried to ignore the relief her words had on him. He read his watch. “How about now?”
    “Now?” she asked hesitantly.
    He shrugged. “No time like the present.”
    She nibbled on her bottom lip, as she thought it over. Lust filtered through his body, and he forced his hand back to his side. Although what he really wanted to do was nibble that lip himself, trace his fingers down her slender neck, to those tantalizing breasts, and lower . . .
    Can’t happen, dumbass. Telling himself that didn’t stop his mind from thinking about all the things he’d like to do with Nicole. Hot, dirty, sensual things that’d have her crying out his name as he rocked into her . . .
    Knock it off. Not happening, so no use thinking about it.
    She nodded, glancing down at her outfit. “I’ll need to change first.”
    Kyle lowered his eyes over Nicole in her sexy outfit, knowing it’d be far too tempting to slide his hands up her skirt in search of silky flesh. His jaw locked and he swallowed hard. “Sure. Wear something loose and comfortable. I need to stop by my place first, but I’ll be back in about ten minutes. Does that give you enough time?”
    “Make it fifteen.”
    “You got it.” Stepping outside, he waited for the deadbolt to click into place before sprinting across the yard. Once inside the cottage, he forced his attention back to the job at hand, checking that all the cameras and sound equipment were in good order. He felt like a heel as he eavesdropped on her changing, and playing with the dog. Although he very much enjoyed the sound of her laughter.
    His body tightened, thinking how in a few minutes he’d have his hands all over her. For educational training only. He snorted at his own line of bullshit.
    His cell phone rang out, and Rob’s number scrolled across the screen. “Hey, buddy.”
    “Hi, Kyle. Are you still in Port Huron?”
    “Yeah, I’ll be here a while. Why?”
    I’d like to meet up with you tomorrow. I’ve got some information you might be interested in.”
    “Okay. What is it?”
    “I’ll fill you in when I see you. Where can we meet?”
    Kyle wouldn’t leave Nicole unprotected. And since she had dinner plans with Sheryl tomorrow, he wasn’t going anywhere. “I’m renting a cottage from Nicole, in her backyard. I’ll email you the address.”
    There was a short pause on the other end, before Rob said, “Nicole Chambers? The woman who was attacked?”
    “Yeah.” He knew Rob wouldn’t be too keen on the idea that he had her under surveillance. Too bad, because he’d do whatever it took to take Barber down, and keep her safe while doing