Page 24 of Capturing You

Zero interruptions.

Zero beautiful brunettes who made his heart race and his palms go sweaty like he was still the new kid at school.

The doorbell rang a second time in fifteen seconds, then his impatient visitor knocked.

Forbes was nearly to the front door when he heard a man’s voice through the thick wood. “Open up. Police!”

He scowled, cursing said brunette even as he ran up the stairs to the second floor.

He reached his room and rapped his knuckles on the wood. “Brooklynn?”

When she opened the door, her wet hair hung well below her collarbones, dampening his favorite T-shirt, which she’d knotted at the waist over his joggers.

He’d thought the clothes he’d chosen for her would be baggy and shapeless.

Wrong again, Ballentine.

She was…anything but shapeless. And wearing his clothes, in his bedroom, next to his bed…

He swallowed, suddenly feeling parched and…and other things that had him wanting to move into the room and slam the door with his foot and take this total stranger into his arms.

Holy cow, he was in trouble.

He planted his feet firmly outsidethe door. “The police are here.”

Her eyes widened, and she stepped back.

And fury rose inside, a fire even hotter than the one that’d already sparked.

“You’re the one who called them. Why are you afraid?” The words came out harsh and angry. That anybody would frighten or harm this woman…

“I’m not scared, I just would prefer not to deal with him.”

Him. Notthem.

“The ex-boyfriend?”

Lips pressed together, she nodded.

“Is he dangerous?”

“No. I mean…” She blinked a couple of times. “No. Just…”

So yes. Yes, he was dangerous.

He worked to keep his temper under control. “What am I walking into?”

“He’s not… He’s a cop. He’s not going to hurt anyone. He’s just a little…stalkerish.”

Stalker. Ish.

At that, Forbes squashed the last of his inappropriate feelings and moved past her to the wardrobe opposite his bed. He pushed his clothes out of the way and unlatched the compartment behind. “Get in here.” When he turned, she was watching him with rounded eyes. “I’ll try to get rid of him, but if he forces his way in or has a warrant…”

Downstairs, what had been faint knocking turned to pounding. “Open up!”

Brooklynn’s eyes were saucers of fear.

“It’s okay.” He attempted to soften his tone. “This one opens from the inside. And there’re no spiders, I promise.” That didn’t seem to lessen her worry. “I’ll get rid of him.”