Page 12

CHAPTER 11

T here was nothing more comforting to Star than Ethan’s hand in hers and Thor’s head resting beside her. The day had been nothing short of harrowing.

“Do you want to talk about it,” Ethan asked, “or forget it for now?”

Her gaze drifted past the windshield, unfocused on the chaos of traffic. What she saw instead was burned into her memory. “The day started out so well. I had a great meeting—they renewed my contract for another year. And they gave me a raise.”

Ethan’s eyes flicked to her. “That’s fantastic.”

She nodded. “I was so happy. Afterward, I stopped at Whole Foods to pick up everything for the sauce and meal I was planning to make you Saturday. That’s what’s in the shopping bags. Along with two bottles of wine—which, honestly, I might open tonight.” Her voice softened, and she stared out the side window. “I was trying to catch the Q train, so I dodged through a crowd—and my heel caught in the sidewalk. Freak accident.”

Ethan’s lips quirked. “Or a Star accident.”

A small smile tugged at her mouth. “Exactly. I put my bags down and tried to free my heel, which broke. Worse, I landed in … well, you know.”

Ethan reached over, and her fingers slipped into his, the warmth calming her frayed nerves.

“I was so angry,” she admitted. “I ruined my skirt. And my heels—Louboutins. I know, third-hand, but still. Louboutins.” She rolled her eyes, her frustration bubbling.

Ethan glanced at her. “That’s impressive? The loob-a-whatevers?”

She gave a dry laugh. “For nearly every woman alive? Yes.”

“What’s so special about them?”

Her brows shot up. “The red soles.” Men .

“That’s it?”

“That’s enough. They’re Louboutins .” She emphasized the word.

Ethan shrugged. “Okay.”

“Men. Trust me—ask any woman about a red-soled shoe and ninety-nine times out of a hundred, they’ll know.”

Ethan shook his head, amused. “No, thanks. I’ll just trust you on this one.”

“Good. You should. Anyway, losing them pissed me off. So, I opened a trash can and hurled my shoe right in. And it landed—on the body. Or what was left of it.” Her voice cracked. “The expression on his face … I can’t unsee it.”

Ethan’s grip on her hand tightened, grounding her.

“I’m sorry I pulled you into this. I probably dragged you away from something important.”

Ethan shook his head firmly. “No. There’s nothing more important than you.” His voice softened. “Everything else can wait.”

She paused, a playful note in her voice. “But … what were you working on? If you can tell me. If you can’t, I understand,” Star said softly. “I just … I don’t want to think about this anymore.”

Ethan’s voice was calm. “Well, I was looking for your ‘friends’ from the hardware store.”

Star’s head snapped toward him. “My friends? You mean Pam?”

Ethan frowned. “Who’s Pam?”

“My friend from the hardware store. Who were you talking about?”

“The people you recorded.”

Star scoffed. “They aren’t my friends.”

Ethan shook his head. “Sorry I confused you.”

“It’s okay. I’m easily confused today.” She squeezed his hand lightly. “So … did you find anything on my”—she made air quotes—“friends?”

Ethan’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Some details. Not sure they match what you recorded.”

Star turned in her seat, fingers burying into Thor’s fur as he settled between them. “What did you find?”

“I was trying to figure out why those guys were in Ditmas Park.”

Well, that didn’t answer the question, but she went with it anyway. “And?”

“And I kept coming back to the same question. Why would the Mafia conduct business in a small, local hardware store?”

“Most businesses around here are small and local. You said they were into drugs and prostitution.” She’d listened and remembered.

“Exactly,” he replied. “So, what’s the profit angle?”

Star’s brow furrowed. “Out of the city, low crime—perfect for anyone but the Mafia. Wouldn’t they prefer somewhere … chaotic?”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Ethan agreed. “But there’s a presence here.”

Star jolted upright, startling Thor. “Sorry, baby.” She stroked his head. “Do you think they’re … moving here? You know, with their families? People move here with families for a better lifestyle.” Her voice dropped. “That would be bad. But they wouldn’t start anything where they live, right? Too much risk? They wouldn’t want to involve their families, so it should be safe if the families are living here. Can you find that out?”

Ethan turned to her, amused. “Your brain … amazes me.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you teasing me?”

He shook his head, lips twitching. “No. You jump from one thought to another, but it’s brilliant. I’m still catching up. Honestly, your brain’s miraculous.”

“Good answer.” Her smile softened.

Ethan’s tone sobered. “No, I haven’t figured out why they’re here. But there has to be a reason.”

“I can ask Pam if she’s seen them. Got a picture?”

Ethan shot her a sharp look. “No. You’re not investigating this.”

She pouted. “That’s not fair. I mean, I can help.”

His voice was firm. “No. You can’t help in the investigation.”

“Why not?”

“Mafia,” he replied dryly. “You recorded them—possibly planning a hit. What do you think they'll do if they catch wind you’re asking questions?”

Star’s face fell as reality settled over her. “They’d … think I heard everything or at least something.”

Ethan’s voice dropped to steel. “Exactly. And their next move?”

Her throat felt tight. “They’d want me … gone.”

“So, what did we learn from this?” Ethan asked, his tone amused.

Star rolled her eyes. “No investigation. None.”

“See? You can be taught.”

She smirked. “I’m a good student. Very smart.”

Ethan shot her a quick glance. “No doubt. Smart people think through the consequences—not just jump into the middle. I’m not losing you before I get to know you better.”

“Because we’re dating.” Her smile softened.

“We are.”

She met his gaze. “How about I make you that dinner tonight, not tomorrow? I really don’t want to be alone. Not right now.”

“I’d love that.”

“And I’m definitely drinking that wine tonight.”

Ethan smiled, his hand flicking on the blinker as he merged into traffic. “Authorized.”

* * *

The kitchen was filled with rich aromas as Star sampled the sauce, her eyes rolling heavenward. “Perfection.” She finished shaping the meatballs, ready to drop them into the simmering sauce—her father’s recipe, passed down from his Italian mother. The flavors were divine, steeped in tradition. If time had allowed, she’d have made fresh pasta, but today, she’d use the pasta she’d picked up from the market.

Thor watched her. Ears perked, tail thumping, hopefully.

She chuckled. “No, you big baby. Nothing for you. I don’t know when your daddy feeds you, but you’re not getting anything without his permission on my watch.” She ruffled his ears, earning a disappointed tail thump on the floor.

“Are you two having a good conversation?” Ethan’s voice carried from the stairwell as he emerged from his downstairs office.

Star grinned. “We are. He’s learning that my uncooked meatballs are off-limits. Are you ever going to show me your office? Is it a secret lair like the Bat Cave?” She glanced past him toward the basement door.

“Any time you want a tour, let me know. There are certain protocols, no cell phones in the area, and things like that, but it’s just an office. Computers, screens, phones.”

“Phones? Like landlines?”

“Believe it or not, some people still use them, but in my case, satellite phones. Phone lines can be tapped and monitored.”

“Can’t cell phones be tapped, too?” She pulled a bunch of freshly washed basil from the fridge and rolled it into a bundle to chiffonade the herb.

“Yep.” Ethan popped the cork on one of the bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon she’d purchased. “But some safety measures have been created to hinder that ability. I use them. No one can access my calls or computer systems.”

“No one? That’s a pretty bold statement.” She glanced over at him. “Getting a bit cocky, aren’t you?”

Ethan poured two glasses of wine and handed her one. “I’m one of three people who can make that claim.” He leaned against the counter and sipped his wine while staring at her.

She stopped and gave him her full attention. “Are you really that good or trying to impress me? You don’t have to reel me in. I’m caught.”

He leaned down and kissed her. “Hook, line, and sinker.” He winked at her and walked over to the counter where she’d built a small charcuterie board for them to snack on while dinner simmered. “This looks amazing.” He took a cracker and cheese and popped it into his mouth. “Tastes good, too,” he said when he finished his snack.

“Thank you.” She smiled and then frowned. “I don’t have any bread to serve with dinner. Well, I mean, I bought some, but during the course of the day, the baguette was murdered.” A chill ran down her spine, and she rubbed her arms. “Bad choice of words. Way bad. Anyway, I smushed the stuffings out of it when I was freaking out in the back of the patrol car.”

Ethan walked over to her and took her in her arms. “Do you want me to go to the deli and ask Mrs. Harvey if she’ll sell me a baguette?”

“We could go together.” She waved at the stovetop. “I can put that in the oven and let it simmer until we get back.”

Ethan glanced at the sauce and meatballs she was cooking in a Dutch oven. “And your wine?”

She smiled, turned out of his arms, and walked over to his cabinet holding his coffee cups. She took an insulated cup that had a top down from the shelf. “Never let it be said I’m not inventive.”

Ethan laughed and watched as she poured both glasses of wine into the silver insulated mug and topped it with the lid. Then, she put the lid on the Dutch oven and put it into the oven, turning the temperature to three twenty-five. “That’ll be good for hours. Shall we?”

Thor was up for the idea, and they all walked down the sidewalk. Ethan held her hand, and she sipped her wine from her coffee cup. Sighing, she leaned against his big body as they walked. “I needed this tonight. Thank you for allowing me to invade your kitchen and evening.”

He dropped her hand and circled her shoulder with his arm. “I’m sorry you had to witness the gutters of humanity today. No one should have to see what you did.”

“I’m afraid I’ll have nightmares for weeks.” She shook her head and took another sip of wine.

“You could sleep with me,” Ethan offered almost casually.

Her head whipped up, and she stopped walking. “Don’t play with me, Ethan. I couldn’t take it today.”

Thor moved over to a patch of grass and got his sniff on. Ethan frowned and looked down at her. “Why would I play with you?” He cupped her cheek. “We’ve known each other for over six months. I’ve wanted to be with you for what seems like an eternity. You’re beautiful and full of life. You laugh, and my entire world lights up. You’re stubborn and independent and everything I didn’t know I wanted in my life. I’ve told you in no uncertain terms I’m interested in you. I have been since you moved in.” He smiled. “Things just kept happening to prevent me from asking you out.”

She rolled her eyes. “You mean, I kept happening.”

He shrugged. “You, accidents, situations … things.” He smiled. “We don’t have to be intimate, but you can sleep with me, or I’ll stay at your house with you. I’ll sleep above the covers.”

“Why would I want you to stay above the covers?” She shook her head. “I’ve wanted you forever. That sounds bad, doesn’t it? To say that? I mean, it’s okay for a guy to say it, but if a woman admits she wants to be intimate with?—”

Ethan’s lips closed over hers, stifling her rambling. His arm tightened around her, pulling her into his hard body. The feel and smell of the man swamped her senses with a spontaneous combustion of lust and need. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss, sweeping her tongue against his. The sensation of that touch pulsed through her with lightning speed and blazing heat. His hips pushed against her, and the ridge of his desire did absolutely nothing to stifle the out-of-control yearning rampaging through her.

When he pulled away, she swayed into him and dropped her forehead to his chest. “Good God, no blankets, please.”

His chest rumbled with laughter. “I agree.”

“We should probably go home.”

“We should wait for a minute,” Ethan replied.

She looked up at him. “Why?”

He lifted an eyebrow and smiled. “Because moving right now would be uncomfortable.” He swiveled his hips, and she understood immediately.

“Oh, sorry.” She blushed, but she wasn’t really sorry.

Thor nudged her hand, and she looked down. “Do you want me to go ahead with Thor? You can take your time?”

“Like that wouldn’t be awkward.” Ethan snorted as he dropped his arm over her shoulders. “Let’s go to the deli, get our bread, and head back to the house.”

They started strolling again. Thor picked up the pace when he realized they were heading toward the coffee shop. “We aren’t going in tonight, bud,” Ethan said, easing the dog past his favorite store. As they approached the deli, Ethan stiffened beside her.

“What?” she asked.

“The window is cracked. Here. Hold him, and don’t come in until I tell you.” He was sprinting forward before she registered he’d given her Thor’s leash. She walked forward and then saw what Ethan had seen. The display in the window was trashed. She walked farther and looked into the deli. The small shop’s display counters were shattered. Ethan was talking to Mrs. Harvey, who had a broom in her hand. When she turned to the door, Star gasped. The side of her face was red and swollen. The black and blue that would follow would be vividly colored.

Ethan motioned for her to stay out. “I don’t want Thor to walk on the shattered glass.”

She nodded and kept the dog beside her. Her hand found his scruff, and she watched Ethan talk to Mrs. Harvey. He shook his head and headed back to her.

“What happened?”

“Some guy came in and busted up the place, threatened her but didn’t get any money.”

“Are the police on the way?”

“She said she didn’t want to call them. Refused.” Ethan scrubbed his face with his hand. “I can’t force her. Maybe you could talk to her?”

“Sure.” Star handed him the leash and walked in. “Mrs. Harvey? Millie? What in the world happened?”

The woman glanced at her, and tears formed in her eyes. “Nothing, Star. He was just a jerk who thought he could scare me. He can’t, and I won’t be calling the cops, so you just never mind about trying to make me. I’ll clean this up and close for a day or two while I get new equipment in and the window fixed.”

“But, Millie, why won’t you call the cops? They could find this guy. Did he hit you?”

“Nah, I did that trying to get to the back of the counter to grab my broom. Slipped and fell, drove my face into the counter.” Millie shook her head. “Never thought I’d see the day when we’d have to lock the door or pay for protection. Not here of all places.”

“Protection? Like alarms or armed security?”

Millie glanced at her. “Never mind, sweetie. Just an old lady rambling. You take that handsome young man and go home. I’ll be fine. I’ll lock the door after you.”

“I do wish you’d report this to the police. Think of the others.” Star tried to reason with her.

“I am, my dear. I am. Now, out you go.”

“You’re reporting it?” Star was instantly relieved, moving as the woman pushed her with the end of the broom near her ankles.

“No, I’m thinking of the others.” Millie practically chased her out of the small store with her broom. Star stepped out of the deli, and Millie shut and locked the door behind her, flipping the sign to closed.

“What in the world just happened?” Star wondered as she watched Millie return to the mess to sweep it up.

“That’s what I plan on finding out.” She watched Ethan look across the street at each storefront near Millie’s. “Ready to go back?” he asked while still looking down the street. Ethan tensed suddenly. “Let’s go.”

“Oh, okay. Sure. What just happened?” she asked as he took her arm and turned her from the store.

“Keep walking, and don’t look back.” Of course, she tried to turn around. “Star.” Ethan snapped at her.

She jumped and looked forward again. “Don’t tell me not to look because, of course, I’m going to look!” she hissed at him. “Don’t you know anything about me?”

“Sorry. Two men were watching. They were there when I went into the deli. Missing when I sent you in, but they were back in another position when I was looking for cameras.”

Star scrambled to keep up with Ethan’s longer steps. “Are they watching us?”

“More than likely they’re watching Mrs. Harvey.”

“Why?”

“I have my suspicions.” He hustled along, and Star was nearly jogging.

“Ethan, you’re walking too fast. Slow down a bit.”

Instantly, he slowed his pace. “Sorry.”

“Are you mad?”

“What? No, no, I’m not mad.” He dropped his arm over her shoulders again. “I went into work mode.”

“Wow, if you’re like that when you work, I don’t want to be on the other side of … whatever it is you do.”

“Security,” he said once again.

“Yeah, I get that. Security with computers, and you work for yourself, but what exactly do you do, Ethan? I mean, I do transcription. That’s self-explanatory. Mrs. Harvey runs a deli. Pam works at the hardware store. That makes sense. Exactly what kind of security do you do?”

He glanced down at her, his eyes sharp and searching. Finally, he said, “I’m an independent contractor, which means I work for myself. My clients have non-disclosure agreements with me, so I can’t disclose what I do for them, but everything is absolutely legal. I troubleshoot their systems, resolve problems before they escalate, and ensure no unethical hackers target their systems, their people, or any systems they’re interested in. Nothing nefarious.”

She stopped walking and put her hand on her hip. “Well, couldn’t you have said that six months ago?”

“When I was picking you up from in front of the garbage truck or freeing you from the car window that ate your scarf?”

She blinked. “Well, there is that. But we’ve visited for hours and hours, and you’ve never volunteered that information.”

He smiled and shook his head, starting them toward the house again. “And you’ve never asked me about my work or what I do. Why would I share if you didn’t ask? It wasn’t like we were dating.”

“But we are now,” she reminded him.

He chuckled. “Eventually, we’ll have that dinner.”

“Dinner is overrated. I’ve been told my sauce is better the second or third day.” She glanced up at him.

“Well, then, we shouldn’t mess with perfection, should we?” He extended his hand. Star took it and shivered. Finally, after months of dreaming about this man … That shiver intensified when he looked back at her. Those eyes were wicked and caring, sensual and suggestive. Screw dinner; she was going to a feast instead.