WindSwept Narrows: #11 Mariah Peyton Read online

“No clue…I’m here with you…it’s late, though…kind of quiet in the hospital this time of night,” Mariah rambled with a manufactured yawn. She administered the sedative to him herself, she thought, he should have been sleeping peacefully when the nurse checked on him. But given the things kids tried these days, there’s no telling what was mixing in his blood stream.

  “You got a car?” He demanded again, peering through the window and pulling the door open cautiously.

  “In the parking lot,” Mariah lied with another big yawn. “But it’s cold out there…”

  “Don’t worry…I’ll keep you warm…”

  “Not in this lifetime,” Mariah grabbed the edge of the door at the same time she brought one booted foot down on his toes. The door struck his head as he was peering to the side, the knife fell to the floor and his body went for a tumble when he tried hopping on one foot. She quickly kicked the knife out of the way as security and Eli came around the open door.

  “Cuff him…and keep him secure,” Eli ordered, using his radio to call for uniforms to take the man into custody. “You got some moves, doc…”

  “Yeah…I bet you say that to all the girls,” she offered with a smile, accepting the palm he held out. Lots of situations…but this time, it ended with someone folding her warmly against him with soothing words and firm arms. It was a nice change.

  She stood wrapped in her jacket, watching Eli talk to an officer and sign off on some paperwork before nodding and watching the last patrol car disappear into the darkness. He held his palm out.

  “Let’s go home, Mariah,” Eli pulled her into his arms, wrapping her close. “You know…I’ve spent my career listening to women tell me how hard it was to be in a relationship with a cop…”

  “I guess it’s just part of the person,” she peered up at him. “How do you separate the personality that makes you what you are…and how do you tell yourself, I’d still enjoy your companionship if part of you were missing…”

  Eli lowered his mouth to hers, his tongue out and searching for her sweetness, the warmth and passion that had been boiling beneath the surface.

  “In other words…it’s okay for me to get into situations, but I balk when I see you in those same situations…ouch…doesn’t make me look good, huh?” Eli opened the car door for her, his grin crooked.

  “I think it makes you look human,” Mariah said softly when he was inside the SUV and heading them to the main coastal road home. “Look at the world we live in and tell me you have faith that each time you step outside the safety of the apartment, that all will be well…regardless of your career. People want to believe that…but I’ve seen so many innocent lives shattered with drunk driving…or being in the quickie mart at the same time someone wants to rob it…those people all began their days believing all was well and would continue so…” Mariah groaned and put her head back, eyes closed tightly. “No philosophy tonight…it’s making my brain hurt…”

  “I think I can help with that,” he said with a chuckle, parking outside the apartment and stepping into the lightly falling snow.

  “Promises…”

  Eli tapped in the code he’d seen her use and opened the door, her hands up and immediately shrugging out of her jacket. It fell to the sofa at the same time he took his off. He didn’t question when she took his palm and led him up the stairs to the loft. They faced each other as boots were removed and forgotten. Mariah stepped forward, her arms up and circling his neck without a word, their lips meeting in silence of the early morning with a long hard kiss until both parted to regroup.

  She caught her breath quickly and leaned in, soothing him with a gentle kiss. The action did nothing to ease the passion.

  He had to have her. He bent down and their tongues tangled together so sensually that her body burst into flames and burned. He nibbled her lips, pulling with his teeth and sucking her bottom lip gently.

  Her hands slid across his rough cheeks, savoring the feeling of his skin before slipping up into his thick hair.

  “Mariah…hold that thought,” his brain had one last rational thought, setting her back and disappearing below to quickly gather all the linens and the bag he’d dropped to the sofa. He was back up the steps, dropping the bag to the nightstand and the linens around the bed, his gaze on the tall woman watching him. She’d removed her jeans and top, her hands out to slowly open his shirt and press her hands along his shoulders, learning the lean shape of him.

  His chest was bare, her hands caressing along his sides to his waist, fingers teasing the band of his jeans before opening the button and slowly edging the zipper lower. Mariah felt his palms frame her face, his thumbs beneath her chin and tipping her head back for his kiss at the same time her hands pushed his jeans down his hips. She groaned softly, wanting more as the heat began to build inside her.

  Eli stepped out of his jeans as he moved slowly forward, easing them down on to the bed. His hands moved over her until all their clothing was gone, the soft feel of her enticing and arousing. Her breast felt full in his palm, the taut, crinkled flesh surrounding the nipple he pulled between his teeth making him hungry for more.

  Mariah knew the need inside her was stronger than it had ever been before. There was so much more to being with Eli than just the bedroom, she realized as his fingers began strumming over that sensitive spot that made her gasp aloud. She heard him fumbling with the packet and had to hold her breath when the ripples began seconds before she felt him pressing inside her, moving and moving again.

  Eli groaned at the taut, hot center gripping him. He didn’t want to hurt her even as the tremors erupted and told him they both needed more.

  Mariah’s melodious moans and pleas compelled him to continue. She was wet and needy for him. She held her breath, arching her body against him. The now frequent spasms of her orgasm flexed and rippled over him. Eli moaned. He saw it course through her body, losing himself in her completely. His hips moved of their own, his climax erupting suddenly, taking his breath away for several long seconds.

  Mariah remembers hearing herself call his name, there was amazement inside at the wild sensations coursing through her. She wanted more. But her body and brain wanted sleep for now. There was a soft protest when he pulled away from her, his warmth and soft words returning quickly and tucking them both down with thick blankets and quilts. She didn’t even remember counting before her brain shut itself down completely.

  Eli slid back into bed a few hours later, amazed at the need he felt when he saw her, soft and warm. She turned to him, blinking sleepily and offered a smile, one palm up to stroke over his face. The heat and hunger in her kiss sent his ego soaring and his body hard. He took his time learning each of her curves, arousing and teasing until they were both breathlessly clinging to one another in the darkness. This time sleep captured them both fast and deep.

  Mariah knew there was something on her mind. She knew there was someplace she needed to be. Even in the last vestiges of disjointed dreams, something was forcing her mind to think. She felt the heavy weight across her lower back and frowned slightly. That was new. Gradually memories and sensations returned, drawing a long, low purr from deep inside her.

  Eli. She snuggled closer even as she lifted her head, peering through wild strands of dark hair at the glowing numbers on the clock. Her body bolted upright, dislodging the arm and bringing a grumble from the other side of the bed.

  “Breakfast,” she said aloud. “It’s eight…I’ve got to…I promised Eloise…”

  “Mariah…” Eli groaned raggedly. “We didn’t get in until almost two…”

  “I’ve functioned on far less sleep than that…and I bet you have, too,” She dragged ten fingers through her hair, raking it from her face before stretching are arms above her head. “I promised…it’s part of their family…part of my family…”

  “Babe…they’re not…”

  “Yes…they are…” she interrupted firmly. “They are now. I’ve got to shower and…I promised Eloise I’d do my best to be
there. After the…the sense of belonging they’ve offered me, the least I can…I can do is Sunday breakfast and dinners on Sunday and Wednesday with them…oh, god, I’m tired…” She shoved her feet over the side and stood up, muscles complaining and making her wince slightly. “Hmm…new muscles…wow…”

  “Yeah…no kidding…” Eli pulled the pillow over his head, dreading the words he knew were coming.

  “Come to breakfast with me,” she said, leaning over the bed when he groaned. She lifted the edge of the pillow and put her lips next to his ear. “I’m helping with the elf duties this evening…I could bring the costume home…long stockings…bustier…no panties…I bet I know a law enforcement officer that wouldn’t mind if I sat on his lap…”

  “You’re wicked…” he groaned, cursing the genes that made his body react when his mind said shut up and go back to sleep.

  “I know…I think I shall learn to revel in it,” she told him, striding into the shower. “Ten minutes!”

  Eli threw the pillow at the half closed door, gathered clothing strewn about and headed for the shower on the lower level, grumbling at the semi-darkness and snow covered ground.

  Mariah felt the hesitation in him as they approached the double doors, wide open with happy chatter coming from inside. “Eli?”

  “I…it’s like you’re announcing to the world…” he met the arched eyebrow, swearing softly when she dropped his palm. He didn’t know where the hesitation came from, but it was definitely a new sensation. He listened to the argument inside his head even as she spoke.

  “You don’t have to come to breakfast, it’s okay,” she told him, forcing a smile in place and kissing him softly. “I’ll be back at the house in an hour or so,” she promised and entered the large diningroom. “I’m sorry I’m late…”

  “It’s barely past eight, dear, you’re not at all late,” Elizabeth said with a welcoming smile.

  “We saw the news,” Jessica said quietly.

  “The big accident…they said extra victims were taken to the health center,” Clarissa picked up in between bites.

  “We were called out to help,” Eli told them with a smile and nod, striding in to take what he guessed was his designated place next to Mariah.

  “It was very late when we were free to go home,” Mariah couldn’t stop the appreciation and emotions in her eyes.

  “We left you seats together,” Eloise said with a nod to the two empty chairs near her and Morgan. “Was it very bad?”

  “Was it the ice and snow?” Gwen asked, helping Zoe with her little orange she was working studiously at peeling.

  Chapter Six

  In between bites, they fielded questions about the accident; answered inquiries about their new jobs and listened to the excitement in Gwen’s voice about her new restaurant. Mariah promised she would be there for the five o’clock party and they ended breakfast with Eloise and Morgan leading them along the back corridors to the storage room.

  The cart was loaded twice with an old wooden dining table and chairs and a large desk for their computers before Eloise and Morgan went off to enjoy their Sunday.

  “Why didn’t you want to come in to breakfast, Eli?” Mariah rubbed her palms across the seat of her jeans when they’d finished positioning the desk. It had been bothering her all morning.

  “I told you,” he said with a dismissing shrug. “It felt like you were announcing to the world…”

  “They’re family…”

  “No, Mariah, they aren’t your…”

  “They are,” she interrupted flatly. “They’ve welcomed me and made me part of their family and I’m not turning my back on that. I need it. And you don’t think they noticed the big SUV parked outside all night, Eli?”

  “I…it’s just not…”

  “Not what you signed up for?” She said softly, nodding to herself. “I guess it’s difficult to see into the future…oh, if you help Eloise, you’ll be involved with this family and then…why bother seeking me out?”

  “To get to know you…to…” He knew he didn’t have an answer for himself, let alone for her. “To spend time with you and…”

  “I’ve got tons of things to do,” she said abruptly, inhaling deeply. “Then I have the kids charity thing tonight. I’m sure there are lots of things you’ve neglected…spending time helping me get settled and all…”

  “Yeah…lots…” he agreed tonelessly, digging keys from his pocket. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Hmmm…thanks for your help, Eli,” Mariah turned away, striding into the back of the large apartment and into the bathroom. She heard the doors slide closed at the same time she leaned against the bathroom door, her head back, eyes closed as she slid to the floor.

  Eloise bit her lip when she watched Mariah join her and Gwen in the office they were using as a dressing room.

  “Hey, Gwen…how goes the new restaurant? All things smooth,” Mariah asked cheerfully, smiling at the costume laid out for her on the sofa. She began changing into the red and white velvet.

  “It’s amazing…smooth…not always…but there’s a…it’s just an incredible feeling to know you’re on the path you were meant to have,” Gwen tried explaining happily. “Nothing compares to the feeling…oh, well…okay…maybe being with Ethan…” She admitted with a soft chuckle.

  “I second that,” Eloise agreed with a sigh, her gaze going to Mariah. “Are you okay?”

  “Hmm…never better,” she lied with a bright smile, slowly sliding her foot into one of the candy cane colored stockings. “But there is something…both of you,” she looked up, unaware of the moisture in her eyes. “I just wanted to really thank you…I never realized…this morning at breakfast…and really since you invited me into your lives…I feel like a sister…like I have a place…and even in all the people, there’s a sense of peace for me,” her voice caught and she worked to clear her throat. “I just wanted you to know…and thank you…”

  Eloise was across the room, hugging her for a long minute. “Sometimes sisters just find each other,” she said softly. “We were lucky…we grew up together and actually liked one another. It’s kind of nice to have a big sister.”

  “Enough of this,” Gwen said sternly, carefully dabbing at her eyes. “I just did the make-up thing…” The others laughed with her and finished dressing.

  It wasn’t until they were back in the office and getting into their street clothes that Gwen looked at Eloise, her lip drawn between her teeth in thought.

  “No Eli tonight?” Gwen asked, trying to sound casual.

  “No…no…” Mariah smiled a little, her head shaking. “I think the whole family thing this morning…it’s not what he was looking for…just a date or two,” she shrugged. “Nothing serious.”

  “I’m sorry,” Eloise folded things carefully. “He…I thought you were good together.”

  “No matter. I’m a big girl…not usually that naïve. Maybe just some low defenses…too much stuff on my mind all at the same time,” Mariah added the box to the stack in the corner for the next night. Four nights until Christmas, she thought. “I love playing with the kids, thanks for inviting me to help. It’s so easy to get lost in their smiles and laughter that…all the other stuff…goes away for a while. I need that, I think.”

  “We’re the grateful ones…” Eloise chirped with a grin. “The charity works all year to help these families…it’s really great to see some of them have gotten on their feet, especially thanks to the resort now.”

  “It shows that the plan can work,” Gwen said quietly. “I heard Morgan and Ethan talking about a problem at the construction sites, though. They stopped discussing it when they saw me…I don’t understand people not wanting this to work…”

  “What kind of problems?” Mariah looked at Eloise, both of them waiting.

  “Morgan talks about the school…but I haven’t heard anything about someone trying to stop things,” Eloise said thoughtfully.

  “Well…I know from talking to Eve, there was a man, Eric
Milton who didn’t want the apartments to go on the site it’s being built on. For personal reasons,” Gwen said as they walked along the corridor to the lounge. “But Morgan was saying they had to tighten security because of thefts and because of genuine sabotage.”

  “It just doesn’t make sense,” Mariah said, her head shaking. “I’m feeling like a late night ride…I might just cruise around the area and see if there’s anything that’s not supposed to be there. People tend to not notice motorcyclists,” she told the others thoughtfully. “Just let’s not say anything. If I see anything, I’ll let you know. See you tomorrow,” she said, waving and parting with them before they came abreast Morgan and Ethan waiting at a quiet table.

  Eloise watched her leave, sighing and reaching for the water pitcher.

  Mariah pulled her gloves into place, chewing on her lip as she fit the helmet over her head and strapped it down. The roads were dry but it was cold outside as she tapped in the general area she wanted to cruise around. She knew it was purely out of the restlessness inside her tonight that made her want to ride and think of nothing but the attention she had to pay to the conditions and her skills.

  The construction site was huge. One side of the road was where the very modern school was being built. She’d listened to Morgan, smiling at the enthusiasm she heard in his voice when he answered questions Eloise and Gwen put to him. The other side and almost twice as large, was the housing complex for employees. It would have a very up to date security system and strict rules of conduct. And down the center was the simple, normal two lane road. For now.

  Mariah didn’t know the area, but cruised down the center, alert and curious. Logically, there shouldn’t have been any movement inside the fencing. Maybe a night watchman was pacing off his route…maybe. She didn’t think there should be movement outside the fencing, either. Unless one was attempting to get inside for some reason. Shortly before nine at night. She glanced around, noting there were a good many street lights out at the moment. How convenient.