Deadly Alliance by Kathleen Rowland Page A

the two of them. Alone. Together. She had far better things to do with their precious time and his body than getting weepy.
     

Chapter Six
     
    Finn stood outside on Amy’s bedroom deck, shivering in his boxers. He put a hand over his thumping chest. Amy, as refreshing as morning dew, dozed peacefully inside. Where he was usually the king, he made her his queen. Whatever she wanted to do, he was willing. As he sniffed the air, he caught the scent of wood smoke and gazed across the lapping blue water. Last night, had he heard squirrels on the roof or footfalls? A slow knot crept up his throat. He feared for Amy’s safety, but she agreed to meet him at his house after her hike.
    He was up against something far larger than his company’s drain.
    Something sinister surrounded Les’ death. After breakfast, he and his dad would visit the Kelly couple and do a bit of digging to see what turned up. He stepped inside and shut the sliding door behind him.
    Amy was curled under a quilt, sleeping. He crossed the room and squatted down by the side of the bed. His heart swelled as he took in her pretty face as she slept. Her cheek snuggled down into her palm, long blonde lashes brushing her fair skin as she breathed softly.
    Later this afternoon at his house, he’d make her a mug of hot cocoa. Maybe they’d talk up fishing during Trout Days, home to the rainbow, and then spend the last hours of a sun-warmed day under a blanket on his porch. He had lots to say to Amy Kintyre.
    As she dozed, he didn’t touch her, though he wanted nothing more than to pull her close and protect her from anything threatening her.
    This was some office affair. To think she’d suggested signing an agreement. He chuckled to himself. She was so damn nice. The thought of losing her punched his gut. Pushing himself up, he planned to let her sleep awhile longer.
    “Finn?”
    Her sleepy voice caught him like a net. God, she’s beautiful. “Good morning.” He sat beside her. “Did you sleep okay?”
    “Like a log.” She nodded and then tilted her head to look him in the eyes. “So you and your dad will visit Les’ parents.”
    He looked away for a moment before looking back at her. “I’d like to check on his twin brother, Liam. See how he’s doing.” See if he’s alive. He didn’t plan to share his suspicions until he knew more, but sensed Liam was an embarrassment to Les’ parents.
    “Les’ brother adored feeding birds. Particularly swans.” She was running her hand along the length of his hip. The sparks she sent up and down his skin made it hard to focus. “Don’t stop.” He needed her close, had to keep her close.
    “Why would I?” She curved her hand around his backside and squeezed here and there.
    Finn went hard in one second flat. He slid an arm around her, easing her up. She pressed her body against him.
    He pushed the hair back from her face, kissed her forehead, her cheek, her jaw, and then teased her soft mouth with his. “I want to take you fishing.”
    She said, “Trout Days? I accept. From what I know, I’d say you are the best fish in the entire lake.”
    “You’re the prettiest and nicest fish.” Finn had never once been nervous with a woman, even when he’d dated Miss California, aka. Miss Winterbottom. After her, there were a few one-night-stands. “I’d like to fish with you even after Trout Days.”
    “To see if we have something,” she whispered.
    “Baby, we’ve got something.” He smiled, tipped her face up. “Our something is really big.”
    She parted her lips, met him kiss for kiss with heat building between them. “Let’s make our way to the shower.”
    He tried to ignore his growing need.
    Inside the bathroom, she turned handle for the shower. While the water warmed to tepid, she gathered up a sponge and eucalyptus-spearmint body wash. “I like the woodsy scents.” She set them on a shelf in the shower.
    “Step in, baby. I’m going to enjoy washing you up.” Knowing his need was