Bare It All

“Why not?”

“Complications, for one thing. Hard to think rationally when you’re emotionally involved.”

“He didn’t seem emotional to me. As soon as I related my suspicions, he took over. He stuffed Pepper into my apartment, prepared himself the best he could and warned us—unnecessarily, I might add—to keep the doors locked.”

“Knowing Pepper, that had to be a laugh a minute.”

She smiled at his sarcasm. “She was mostly silent, and very worried. You do realize that Pepper is also in love with your friend?”

Alice sounded so sure about that, Reese shrugged. “Okay.”

“Rowdy is her brother?”

“Yes.” Reese stretched, felt too many kinks in his shoulders, and winced while rubbing a hand over the back of his neck.

He saw Alice gaze in awe at his biceps, and it warmed him. He left his arm up a few seconds longer—until he realized how absurd that was.

Damn it, she seduced him without trying, and in totally unconventional ways. “You met Rowdy?” Reese couldn’t recall any introductions, but then, he’d had his hands full dealing with everything else.

“Briefly.” Alice’s attention coasted over his chest, then down to his abdomen.

His muscles constricted in reaction.

“I wasn’t so sure about Rowdy. He worried me at first. That’s why I called you when he showed up. But he’s not as ruthless as the others. I have a feeling he walks a very fine line between what’s lawful and what fits his own moral code.”

Since that described Rowdy perfectly, Reese felt his own share of awe. “Probably.”

“The lieutenant?”

Though Alice had entered the scene in the midst of pandemonium, she had all the key players down. “When last I left her, she was running roughshod over anyone who stood in her way, issuing orders like a general.” He shook his head. “For such a petite woman, she rules with an iron fist.”

“I liked her.” Alice stared at his lap again.

“I figured you would.” Reese sat forward. “I need some caffeine to kick-start my brain. How about I take Cash out and you put on a pot of coffee?”

The dog, who had almost been asleep, bounded up in agreement.

“If that’s what you want.”

That wasn’t even close to what he wanted, but for now it’d have to do. “Thank you.” He waited, but when she continued to stand there watching him, he shrugged and tossed the sheet aside to stand.

* * *

AT THE SIGHT of Reese’s big strong body, Alice sucked in a breath and all but fled to the kitchen. Reese thought he’d embarrassed her, and yes, he had. A little.

But it was so much more than that, more complex than mere embarrassment. It was...something she hadn’t felt in far too long.

And she relished it.

After two deep breaths, she called out to him, “I’ll have this ready in ten minutes.”

When he finally replied, his voice came from close behind her. “That works.”

Startled, she turned to see him and almost dropped the carafe.

Shirtless and barefoot, he leaned in the kitchen doorway, only a few feet away. He’d pulled on rumpled slacks, zipped but unbuttoned so that they hung low, showing off his taut abdomen and that silky line of dark blond hair that disappeared into his boxers.

Boy. The pants helped a little, but not much. He still looked indescribably awesome.

Sighing in resignation at her distraction, Reese said again, “Up here, Alice.”

Mute, she performed the near-impossible feat of lifting her attention to his face. She had a feeling that with Reese so uninhibited, his reminders were going to come fast and furious.

Really, how could any woman not stare at him?

The very first time she’d seen him, she’d recognized him as a prime physical specimen. Her past had damaged her, sure, but she wasn’t blind or stupid.

It had taken a lot of effort to remember her need for privacy, to look past him, to ignore his friendly smiles and polite greetings.

Then, seeing him with the dog...well, that had sealed her fate. Alice knew she’d lost a small part of her heart to him the moment she’d seen his patience with Cash. Reese stood over six and a half feet tall, but he wasn’t lanky. He had a honed body that drew everyone’s attention. No one could mistake his strength. Yet he’d been so gentle with Cash.

And yesterday, watching him in hero mode as he’d not only taken charge of the deadly situation but also tended to his injured friend... How could anyone be immune to him?

Fully dressed, Detective Reese Bareden was a heart-stopper. Half-naked, he was enough to turn her stupid with lust.

Amusement showed in the glitter of his green eyes. “I like it strong.”

“What?” Oh, Lord, she’d been visually devouring him again. She swallowed and tried to get it together.

“The coffee.”

“Oh.” How could she have forgotten? She held the carafe with both hands and summoned a smile. “All right.”

New concern eased his smile away. “What is it, Alice?”

“Nothing.” She couldn’t very well tell him that he was one of the most impressive males she’d ever known—and that was saying something, given that she’d met some truly remarkable men.

Men from her past. Good men...who’d been there to counter the depraved.

Even thinking about it caused her to tighten, to close in on herself protectively—