Ember Burns (The Seeker) Read Online Free Page B

his underwear.
    “Hi, Clay. How are you?” She managed a sincere smile. It really would have been good to see him in any other circumstance.
    “Hi back. I’m good. May I come in?”
    He looked so hopeful she couldn’t refuse him. Maybe he won’t stay long if I play the tired card.
    “Sure.” With reluctance, she waved him inside. “Have a seat. Would you like a drink?”
    “I’m on duty, but I appreciate the offer.” He touched her hand as he moved around her.
    She closed the door and followed him to the bar. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be right back. And I thought you got off work at eight tonight?”
    “I did. I’m on call.” He seemed so at ease inside her home.
    He made one hell of a picture, wearing jeans and a dark green polo shirt with a badge clipped on the side of his belt. He even smelled nice. Not as good as the Greek god waiting on the balcony, but it works for him.
    Ember shook off the thought and strode back to where she’d left Angel. He hadn’t moved.
    “It’s Detective Harper. I won’t be long. Would you like to come inside and wait?” It took everything she had not to throw herself on him. She wanted to feel his mouth on her again so bad she could taste it. Jesus, he’s like a drug.
    “Is everything okay?” The softly spoken question was laced with something other than concern.
    “Yes. He’s just checking on me.” Was it her imagination, or did he seem angry?
    “Maybe you should put on a robe.” A muscle bunched along his jaw.
    Okay, he’s definitely pissed . For some odd reason the thought comforted her. Obviously, she wasn’t alone in the instant-connection thing. Whatever it was.
    She snagged a robe from a hook on the bedroom door on her way back to the kitchen and had it cinched up by the time the detective came in to view.
    Clay stood. “Everything good?”
    Ember felt guilty for lying to him. He’d saved her life, had been there for her so many times during the last year. Just tell him the truth. Yeah, right. Sorry, but I have my half-naked neighbor that I just met today out on the balcony, and we’re waiting on you to leave.
    “I’m fine. Just a little tired. It’s really good to see you.” That much is true.
    His hand came up to caress her face. “You work too hard.”
    “With moving offices and the damn stilettos I wore today, I’d considered homicide just shy of three o’clock.” Are his lips moving closer?
    “At least it wasn’t suicide.” She turned her face to the side at the last second, causing his mouth to brush her cheek instead of her lips as he’d obviously intended.
    A crashing sound echoed from the back of the condo, and Clay stiffened.
    Ember stepped back, nervous and a little off-balance. “It’s just the neighbor’s cat. I left the sliding door open in my bedroom.” They stared at each other until it grew uncomfortable. “I should go to bed soon. Six o’clock comes pretty early.”
    Disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he didn’t push. “Are you free this weekend?”
    At the moment, Ember couldn’t think beyond the big, sexy Bulgarian who made entirely too much noise.
    “I’ll see what I have going on. Call me tomorrow?” Another sound from the back made her cringe, but she didn’t blink. What is he doing back there, rearranging shit?
    Clay’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, and he glanced toward the hall. Neither of them moved for a long moment. “Sure. Talk to you then.”
    He turned to leave, and Ember nearly sagged in relief.
    She followed him to the door and thought about how many times she’d wanted him to stop by. Now that he was there the timing couldn’t have been worse.
    He paused with his hand on the knob. “Lock this behind me.” Without another word, he eased the door open and stepped out onto the porch, shutting it softly behind him.
    Ember engaged the locks and rested her forehead against the cool wood. I’m sorry, Clay.
    A pair of big hands flattening against the door on either side of her head