Free Deadly Desire (Carrington-Hill Investigations Book 2) by Kate Allenton Page A

hands fell to his sides.
    “I think we’r e done here.” Her voice cracked as she spoke.
    “Done as in no way we’ll be friends ? Or done here as in no more shoveling and you’re ready to go?”
    She gave him a w arm smile. “Done as in I stink and need a hot shower, so let’s leave.”
    He grabbed both shovels , carried them out the back door, and rinsed them off before returning them to where they belonged. “It’s probably good we’re leaving. We still need to pack.”
    “Pack for what?”  She reached behind her to undo the smock, but he brushed her hands aside and untied the knot for her. His fingers brushed against the soft skin of her neck as he lifted it o ver her head. The scent of strawberries from her shampoo drifted to his nose as he briefly leaned against her back before stepping back and removing the one he had worn. He hung them both up on the pegs.
    “We have a benefit fundraiser in Quinton, Alabama for a cancer organization,” he replied, pleased at how nonchalant he sounded at the thought of their first big test of being a couple, even though it was fake. “Didn’t you even look at the schedule Regina gave you?”
    Her brows drew together as he placed his palm on the small of her back and steered her out of the kennel. Unable to hide the amusement of watching her chew on her bottom lip, he leaned over and whispered, “Don’t worry. We aren’t sharing a hotel room, and we’ll have a chaperone for this trip.”
    “Oh , honey, I’m not worried.” She winked. “I am more than capable of keeping you in line, but I think with everything going on, that we need to make you less of an available target. We just need to be seen together making out and for the picture to make the papers. After that, you’re services won’t be required for me to do the rest.”
    He shook his head. Even though she was right, his showing up at the events meant more. It was his way of helping. “ My schedule shouldn’t matter. I’m not the killer’s target.” He held open the SUV door for her. “You are.”
    He shut the door and slid into the passenger seat.
    “Yeah, but I only need one really good sexy showing to entice the stalker to want to take me out, and I can do that with my hands tied behind my back.”
    She revved the engine and pulled out of the drive.
    “Maybe since we’re going out of state the killer won’t follow us. Maybe it will be a peaceful weekend and we can relax.”
    “And maybe pigs will fly and the killer will turn herself in. Collin, obsessed people don’t stop just because you crossed the state line.”
    ****
    Sara leaned back into the leather seats of the private jet, courtesy of Lexi’s billionaire husband. She’d spent the rest of the evening avoiding Collin while she packed. She’d checked in with Marco, Lexi , and Catherine. Lexi had reminded her that, a few short months ago, it had been a family member actually embezzling from her fake husband. It was her best friend’s words that reminded Sara that everyone needed to be considered a suspect. Sara let her gaze rove over to Regina. What did she really know about the woman? Nothing, except that Collin trusted her. Regina knew his schedule like the back of her hand. She had the information at her fingertips. Was it possible Regina wanted more from him? She made a mental note to discuss it with Collin when they reached the hotel. Until then, Sara would watch her as carefully as she would any other suspect.
    Regina’s glare met Sara’s watchful gaze. Neither one of them spoke a word . They didn’t have to. Regina was sizing Sara up just as much as she was Regina. The woman was all legs and blonde; everything that Sara wasn’t. She was refined by the look of her perfectly polished outfit and pumps. Initially Sara had thought high maintenance, but now she wasn’t so sure. The only thing really off about the young assistant was her eyes. Her impeccable makeup did little to cover the bags sagging beneath her young eyes.