Page 34

TWELVE
It was the oddest thing, waking up in Oliver’s home. Adelia had never stayed in such a small space before, but she didn’t mind. It felt cozy and safe, and after the creepy flower incident, she was grateful to be there.
The glow of daybreak cast a warm light across the area rug, and as much as Adelia wanted to burrow deeper under the colorful quilt to keep the slight draft from the windows out a little longer, her bladder was screaming for relief. So she counted to three, threw back the covers, and rushed out of the room and down the hallway, doing a little potty dance along the way. She whipped the door open to a blast of heat and steam and yelped at the sight of Oliver, standing at the sink, combing his wet hair, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.
She covered her face with her hands, but not before she got an eyeful of his broad chest, muscles upon muscles, abs upon abs, leading down to his narrow waist.
“Sorry! I should’ve naked … er, knocked.”
She peeked from behind her fingers and saw the corner of Oliver’s mouth lift in a smile, which warmed her all over.
“I mean, who doesn’t knock when they’re a guest in someone’s home? You don’t just bust into the bathroom like that.”
“Adelia.”
Her eyes locked with his in the mirror.
“There’s another bathroom downstairs.” Obviously, he’d noticed that she was bouncing and squeezing her legs together.
“Okay. Right. Sorry. Again.” She shook her head, mumbling what an idiot she was all the way down the stairs.
She used the bathroom, and when she went to the sink to wash her hands, her reflection stopped her in her tracks. Her hair looked like a wild rat’s nest, and her mascara from the day before was smudged under her eyes.
“Lovely.” She took the hand towel from the bar on the wall and wetted the corner, wiping at her eyes as she talked to herself. “Good morning, Olly. Didn’t know you’d wake up to Medusa in your house, did you? I know, I’m just so hard to resist. Try to control yourself.”
She hung the towel again and left the bathroom on her way upstairs to get her brush. As she walked past the entryway, the door suddenly opened, and she froze.
A petite young woman with dark hair smoothed back from her face in a stylish bun came through the door. She was dressed in a curve-hugging black dress, and the three-inch heels she was wearing accentuated her shapely legs. The woman closed the door and turned, letting out a gasp as she made eye contact with Adelia.
“Oh, hello,” she said as her hand came to rest on her chest. “You must be Adelia.” She laughed a little as she came closer. “What am I saying? Of course, you are. You’re Adelia Allen.”
Adelia couldn’t help the sudden jolt of jealousy that shot through her at this beautiful woman … who had a key to Oliver’s home. “And you are?”
“I’m Carmen.” She held out her hand, and Adelia shook it hesitantly. “I’m such a fan of your parents. I think I’ve seen all of their movies. I especially love the ones they’ve done together.” She paused with a sympathetic look on her face. “I’m so sorry they’re going through a rough patch right now.”
Adelia’s eyes narrowed. “It’s really none of your business what’s going on with my family.”
Carmen's expression immediately shifted to one of regret. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Well, I am, and I’d appreciate it if you kept your pity to yourself.”
Oliver’s heavy footfalls sounded on the stairs. “Hey, Carmen. I see you’ve met Adelia.” He looked between the ladies as he came closer. “Adelia, this is my partner, Carmen.”
“Your partner?” A lightbulb went off. “Oh, your police officer partner?”
“Yes.” He walked past her, fixing his narrowed eyes on hers as if in warning. “And my friend.”
Adelia chewed on her bottom lip. He must’ve heard the way she’d spoken to Carmen before he came downstairs. “Nice to meet you. I’m sorry for snapping. It’s a tense time right now.”
Carmen waved her off. “Don’t worry about it.”
Adelia reached up and attempted to smooth down her wild hair. “I love your shoes.” A compliment couldn’t hurt after how sassy she’d been.
“Thank you. They were a gift. No way could I afford them myself, and I only wear them once in a while when I have to get dressed up.”
“Why are you so dressed up, Car?” Oliver asked.
“I have a funeral to attend this morning.”