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“Yes.” Lia exhaled long and hard. “Or I used to, at least. A long time ago.”

???

There was no time. Cody had to get back to a crime scene. She needed to focus on finding a killer. But for sure, the kiss on the beach dismantled her. Was it a case of mindful manifestation? Because as she watched Kim walk out of the ocean with little droplets of water on her eyelashes, scintillating in the sunshine like diamonds, the thought of grabbing her for a kiss was first and foremost on her mind. Kim’s wet t-shirt clung to her breasts, highlighting erect nipples and giving undeniable proof that she did not wear a bra. A few strands of wet hair clung attractively to the line of her jaw, her eyes sizzled, and Cody failed not to stare. When Kim stepped into her and cupped her face in her hands, her mind went totally blank. She tensed, only for a quick second as her startled brain adjusted to the situation. Then, there were no more thoughts, only pleasure and sensation. What had Kim said?

‘I’m going to do something a little crazy if you don’t mind.’

Hell of a disclaimer to kick things off. And Cody did not mind. Not at all. It was crazy, yeah, how much Kim made her feel with just a simple press of the lips. Perhaps it was because there were layers to this embrace. Gentleness, desire, connection, need… Cody felt it all and then a bit more. Kim’s lips on hers were at once soft, smooth, hot, and tantalizing.Jesus!Amazing. The woman left her breathless and wanting never to stop kissing her. When Kim pulled back and smiled, her honey-colored eyes conveyed all the joy and uncertainty that she clearly felt at the moment. Cody could not resist; she kissed her back, wanting to dispel any doubt in her mind that this may be one-sided. With one hand sliding around the back of her neck, braced firmly to support her trembling legs, she captured her waiting mouth. As Kim yielded to her, instantly, Cody let out a small whimper. This felt so good… It was so easy! They parted again, exchanged a loaded glance. and

“Mm,” Kim murmured. “Okay.”

“Okay,” Cody confirmed.

Kim raked her fingers through her hair, gripped with both hands and delivered another kiss. This time it was deep, long, and hard. And the very second that silky tongue touched hers, Cody was lost. Not since Emma had a kiss felt so damn right, so perfect. Kim both led and invited at the same time. She directed, but she was not forceful. Her kiss was just exciting. Demanding, you bet, but also gorgeously allowing. Cody tasted salt on her mouth from the ocean. Warm skin. Moist lips. All of it…All of her!So beautifully intoxicating. And again, there was no time. Neither of them said very much back in the car. But they held hands all the way. Tight.

“I’ll be home later,” Kim said as Cody pulled up in front of the building. “Come back when you can.”

“It might be very late when I’m done.”

“Doesn’t matter what time. I just—” She stopped, bit on her lip, stared at her intently.

“What?” Cody prompted, catching a question in her eyes.

“You come only if you want to,” Kim murmured.

“Gosh, Kim, don’t you know I do?”

“Yes, I… I guess I’m just making sure you know it’s okay if you’d rather wait.”

Cody kissed the tempting half-smile on her lips, which held a hint of amazement and wonder. She felt the exact same thing and did not want to wait.

“I will come to you as soon as I can,” she promised.

Kim laid a soft hand on her cheek. Her gaze turned urgent once again. And searching.

“This is crazy,” she repeated. “Isn’t it?”

“Well, yes,” Cody grinned. “Not my usual day at the office, that’s for sure.”

“How do you feel?”

“Great. Perhaps a little dazed.”

A shadow flashed across Kim’s eyes, and she tightened her hold on her fingers.

“I do not want you distracted on the job, Cody.” Nice and sharp now. A lawyer’s tone, laced with intimate concern. “You be careful out there, okay?”

Cody nodded.

“Yes. Always am.”

It was a long time since a woman had said this to her like she meant it absolutely. Cody carried the feeling and the sweet taste of Kim’s lips with her all the way back to the crime scene. Her heart was still racing with the charge of that mind-blowing kiss when she got there.Crazy...But she, too, was a professional, of course. So, she took a deep breath, and stored the memory safely at the back of her mind. By the time she re-joined her team at the scene, her focus was once again total.

“What have we got?” she prompted.

“A footprint,” the chief forensics officer informed her.

Cody stared, frowning at the muddy patch of ground, now cordoned off behind police lines, in front of the water. The area was a mess.