Escape in Passion Read online

“She worries too much.” Pulling his cigarette pack from his uniform shirt pocket, Vic was about to light it up when Tom spoke.

  “No smoking inside. Smoke is bad for the baby.”

  Vic narrowed his eyes. “Cassie isn’t even here.”

  “Not now, but she will be, and smoke lingers long after you put it out. No smoking.”

  “Yes, Dad.” Growling, Vic put the pack back in his pocket. When he glanced back up, he noticed the steely-eyed look his friend was giving him. “What?”

  “I’m waiting.”

  “For what? I said I wouldn’t smoke in here. Christ.”

  “Tell me why you’re not calling Patty back?”

  “I’ll give her a call later, okay?” Vic huffed.

  “She said some shit went down before you left and that it was major, but she wouldn’t tell me what.”

  “I have to go.” Vic stood abruptly. He did not want to get into this now.

  “What are you hiding from, Vic?” Tom pursued.

  “Nothing. Christ, this is why I haven’t called her back. Nag, nag. Catch you later, pal.” Vic slammed the back door in his wake.

  ***

  The instant Julia saw the staff sergeant exit the house, she set her plan in motion. Hopping from the car, she pulled the knife from her jacket and jammed it into her tire. Quickly slipping the knife back into her pocket, she watched him out of the corner of her eye.

  “God damn son-of-a-bitch,” she said loud enough that it caught his attention, as planned.

  “Got a problem? Oh, hey, hi again.”

  “Huh? Oh, hi. Yeah, my tire’s flat.” She kicked it for good measure.

  He bent at the waist, looking at the tire, and nodded his head. “That is definitely flat. Got a spare?”

  “No,” she groaned, hoping it sounded believable. “I forgot to get one before I left. Great, just fucking great.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll call for a tow. Why don’t you pull that baby into my garage for now, and we can go inside and wait for the truck to show up. It’s too damn cold to stay out here.”

  “I don’t want to be a bother,” she said with a bat of her eyelashes.

  “It’s not a bother; besides, what kind of law official would I be if I didn’t give you aid. I’ll open the garage for you, so you can pull in.”

  “Thanks a bunch, Sergeant Davis.”

  “Just call me Vic.”

  Julia smiled with a nod, climbing behind the wheel of her car after he headed for his garage. When he opened the doors for her, she pulled in, her front wheel flopping like a fish out of water. “I really do appreciate the help,” she said after exiting the car.

  “Don’t mention it.”

  “I’m doing everything my mother always warned me about. ‘Never go into a stranger’s house especially a strange man.” She followed him to the house. “But how much safer could I be than with a cop.”

  “Sounds like your mother’s a cautious woman.” He tossed his keys on the dining room table. “Make yourself at home. I’ll just give Roy a call.”

  “Thank you, Vic.” She kicked her boots off, taking a seat at his dining room table. Even his house was normal; another thing she hadn’t expected. And it was relatively neat. She’d expected him to live in a dump with dishes piled up at the sink and beer bottles littering the counters.

  “Well, we have a bit of a problem.”

  Julia snapped out of her thoughts to look up at him. Without his hat on he was even more handsome. “Oh, what’s that?”

  “Roy’s backed up, pulling stuck cars out of the snow. He said it might be an hour before he can get here.”

  “Oh, well, then I’ll get out of your hair. I’m sure I can drive it the few blocks back to the motel.” She stood with a heavy sigh.

  “You can’t drive on that; you’ll wreck the rim. An hour isn’t that long to wait. I could make us some coffee and we could wait it out.”

  “I wouldn’t want to be an imposition.”

  “Boy, you are a polite one. No imposition. Damn if I can remember your name, though.”

  She smiled shyly, batting her lashes again. “Julia.”

  “Right, Julia Wilson. You do drink coffee, don’t you?

  Or are you too young for that?”

  “I drink coffee; have for a few years now. How young do you think I am?”

  “I don’t think, I know. You’re twenty. I remember it from your driver’s license, and that you’re from Ontario.” He walked to the counter and once again she admired his nice, firm, round ass. “What’s someone as young as you doing out so far from home?” He added coffee grounds, then set it to brew.

  “I’m taking some time off before going to college,” she lied, slipping out of her jacket. “Thought I would cruise around while I decide what it is I want to take.”

  “Ah, at a crossroads in your life?” He took a seat at the table across from her. “Coffee should be ready in a few.”

  God, he had gorgeous blue eyes. They were a sky blue with dark flecks and incredibly dreamy. “Yeah. I just can’t decide what it is I want to be. Did you know when you were younger that you wanted to be a cop?”

  “Pretty much. My dad was a cop.”

  “Was?”

  “He retired two years ago.”

  “Oh,” she laughed. “I thought you meant…well…”

  “Dead? No, he’s very much alive and enjoying his retirement.”

  “Anyone else in your family a cop?”

  “There’s just me and my sister, and she decided to become a lawyer.”

  “You both went into law, just in different divisions of it.”

  “Yeah, that’s one way of looking at it.”

  “How long have you lived here?”

  “Maybe you should go into law yourself. You like to ask questions.” He smiled at her, as he stood from his seat. He got out two cups and filled them with piping hot coffee. “Here you go.”

  She took the cup he offered. “I’ve always been inquisitive,” she informed him. “Do you have sugar?”

  He retrieved the sugar, setting it on the table. “I’ve only been here for seven months.”

  “Thanks. Where did you live before coming here?” She took the sugar bowl and added three spoonfuls of sugar. “I have a sweet tooth,” she explained when he gave her a wide-eyed look.

  “And then some, I’d say. Ontario.” He supplied, then lifted his cup to his lips.

  He really had a sexy mouth and she admired the way his lips puckered when he blew on his coffee. “Wow, small world. Where in Ontario did you live?”

  “Mississauga.”

  “Smaller world. Me, too. How come you moved away?”

  “They needed someone to head the division here. It’s part of the job. You’re bound to be transferred at some point.”

  “Do you have family here?”

  “Friends. I really think you should look into becoming a lawyer. You sound like my sister, with her never-ending questions.”

  “I’m sorry.” She feigned embarrassment.

  “Oh, no, I didn’t mean that as an insult. Questions are good. How’s the coffee?”

  “Great, thanks.”

  “Not too strong?”

  “No, it’s perfect.”

  “I’m used to drinking cop coffee, so I tend to make it a bit stronger than most people do.”

  “I like my coffee strong.” She jumped when the telephone rang, then chastised herself for it. When he stood to answer it, she blew out a long breath. It wasn’t part of the deal to feel an attraction for the man.

  “Well, looks like we have another problem.”

  “Oh, no! Now what?”

  “Roy’s tied up with an accident and won’t be able to make it by tonight.”

  “Well then, I guess I’ll head out of here.” She stood, putting on her jacket. At least she’d had some time to talk with him and find out more about him.

  “I told Roy your car would be in my garage. He’ll pick it up in the morning.” He walked over to his
jacket, and she wondered what he was doing. “I’ll give you a ride back to your hotel.”

  “That’s very kind of you.” She stepped into her boots, pulling the keys out of her jacket pocket. “You might need these.” The multiple keys on her chain jingled as she held them out to Vic.

  He took her keys and tucked them into his pocket. “He’ll give you a call when it’s fixed.”

  “Thanks, Vic; you’re such a sweetheart for helping me,” Julia said, tucking her hands in her jacket pockets.

  “Well I certainly couldn’t leave you to freeze.”

  He was such a perfect gentleman and even held the door for her when they reached his car. When they pulled up to the hotel, she thanked him before heading for her room. Unlocking her door, Julia stepped inside and kicked off her boots.

  Damn it, why did Victor Davis have to be such a nice guy? It made it all the harder to do what she had to do.

  Chapter 5

  The snow had finally headed out, taking the bitter cold along with it. Though the temperature still dipped below the negative double digits, it wasn’t as brutally cold as it had been the past few days. Vic liked to take walks through the town, even when the temperatures were ridiculously cold. Driving in a car, you couldn’t really see everything or get to know people. Vic wanted to get to know the people he was assigned to protect and be welcomed into the fold. He was still having trouble being accepted by a great many of the townsfolk.

  He waved to the odd person shoveling their walk and was pleased to receive a friendly hello from most. Hands in his jacket pockets, he strolled along the streets.

  When a snowball hit him square in the back of his head, he flinched. Spinning around, Vic saw a small boy several feet behind him with a wide grin on his face.

  “Jeremy. Oh, my God, did you just throw a snowball at that nice officer?”

  Vic watched the frantic mother rushed to her son, taking him by the arms and kneeling down to face him.

  “You turn around right now and apologize. I am so sorry,” she spouted nervously, looking up at Vic with apologetic eyes.

  “That’s all right. Jeremy just wanted to have some fun, didn’t you, big guy?” Vic smiled at the boy which he figured couldn’t be more than five.

  “Still. Apologize, Jeremy.”

  “I sowwy,” Jeremy said shyly, hanging his head.

  “Not a problem, big guy. What good is fresh snow if you can’t have fun with it?” He knelt down and balled up a handful of snow, tossing it lightly at the young boy, hitting him in the chest. Jeremy giggled, balled up his own snow, and threw it back at Vic.

  “Oh, now the war is on, kid.” Grabbing more snow, Vic threw it at the child. For the next fifteen minutes, he threw snowballs with an eager and active five year old and had the time of his life. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had this much fun.

  “You win, kid. I surrender.” Vic ruffled the boy’s head, mussing up his hat. “Next time I won’t be so gentle. Have a nice day, ma’am.”

  “Thank you, Sergeant Davis; you have a nice day, too.”

  He was pretty sure it would be a pleasant day now, after his frolic in the snow. Smiling, Vic decided to pop into his favorite gal’s shop and say hi. He stepped into Cassie’s Collectables to see Cassie at the cash register with a customer. Vic occupied himself by checking out the shelves full of ornaments, glass figurines, and small trinkets. When he heard Cassie thank the customer, he shifted, tipping his head at the young woman as she left.

  “How’s tricks, sweet cakes?”

  “Slow, but good. Why are you covered in snow?”

  “I was taken down by a five year old.” He smiled fondly.

  “Is this one of those long story versions, or can I get a condensed one?”

  “You just got the condensed one. I just can’t get over how huge you are.” She looked like she was carrying triplets.

  Cassie narrowed her eyes and lifted her fist as she walked to him. “I haven’t hit anyone today. Want me to make up for it on your face?”

  Vic took her balled hand and kissed the knuckles. “I’ll pass, thanks. When are you due again?”

  “Three weeks and counting; believe me, I am counting. My back is killing me, I think my feet are numb, and I have to pee every two minutes.”

  “Wow, remind me not to ask how you’re doing next time—wait, I didn’t this time. Why don’t you call one of your lackeys and go home and put your feet up. I’m sure Tom could pull himself free from his work to give you a massage. Or…I could whisk you off your feet right now and take you to the back room for a quickie?” Vic wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.

  “Okay, you’re on. Show me what you’ve got, Vic.” Cassie sauntered towards him, slowly unbuttoning the bottom of her maternity blouse.

  “Jesus, Cassie, I was only joking. Christ.” Throwing his hands up over his eyes, Vic was afraid to look. Then he heard her whip of laughter and pulled his hands down, relieved to see she was doing her shirt back up. “That was mean.”

  “That was priceless. You’re all talk, Vic.”

  “I’ve already seen you naked, twice, remember?” he pointed out, remembering quite vividly what she had looked like in the buff and the shocked look on both her and Tom’s faces when he’d happened upon them just after a sweaty bout of hide the salami. And who could forget the nude portrait Tom had done of her? He certainly couldn’t.

  “Does it get you through the lonely nights, thinking of me naked, Vic?” Cassie purred, sliding one of her finger along his arm.

  She was such a tease, and he could totally understand why his friend was gagga in love with her. “Hell, yeah. I don’t need porn anymore. I just lay in my bed, close my eyes and think of you naked while I—”

  “Okay, you win. Christ, Vic.” Cassie shook her head, pulling up a chair to sit in.

  “Two can play your game, baby, and I’m a pro.”

  “Yeah, if you’re such a pro, how come I have yet to see you with a girl?”

  “She usually comes late at night and leaves right after I pay her.” He smiled, taking the chair across from her. “What’s new—and please spare me the in-depth look into the misery of the pregnant woman.”

  “I feel sorry for any woman who might fall prey to your proposal and become your wife. And since you don’t want to really hear about me, let’s talk about you. Thomas is worried about you.”

  “He doesn’t need to be.” Not her, too.

  “Doesn’t he? You come to town for a visit and end up staying, permanently. You never talk about why you up and left your home to move here.”

  “I wanted to be with my friend and his gal. Is that so bad?” Damn, he wanted a smoke, but he knew the rules. No smoking around preggers.

  “What about your job back home? And your family? Thomas said your sister is worried about you. Why is she worried about you, Vic?”

  “Well, this has been a slice, Cassie, but I have a job to do, and I had better get back to it.” He stood, slipping his cigarette pack from his jacket pocket before he headed for the door.

  “You can’t avoid us forever, Vic,” Cassie called out. He waved her off as he left her shop. If he had his way, he damn well would.

  ***

  He really did need to call someone to come in and shovel his walk. But really, what was the hurry? It wasn’t like he had mail delivered to his house, or flyers for that fact. And no one ever came to his door anyway, so there was no rush. Spring would come eventually and melt it all away and problem solved. Vic hung his jacket on the hook by his back door, kicked off his boots and hanging his hat over the top of the rack. What he wanted now was a cold beer and to crash on the sofa. Maybe if he had the energy when he was finished with the brew, he’d put together a sandwich.

  Grabbing a cold one from his fridge, he headed to the living room and was about to sit down on the sofa when his doorbell rang. Baffled, Vic set his beer down and walked to the door. No one ever visited him, aside from Tom or Cassie, and usually they just called him to ask him over.
Who could this be?

  Opening the door, he was completely shocked to see Julia on the other side, her arms full of bags.

  “Hi.” She smiled brightly, and he admired the way her eyes sparkled in the overhead light.

  “Hi.”

  “I called your office, and they told me you’d gone home. I thought I’d come by and cook you dinner.”

  His brow lifted. “Okay. Why?”

  “For helping me with my car and for your kindness. It’s kinda chilly out her. Mind if I come in?”

  “Oh, sure, yeah.” He stepped aside, then being a gentleman, grabbed the bag in her arms. “You want to cook me dinner for helping you with your car?”

  “Yep. It’s the least I can do.” She stepped out of her boots, removed her jacket and hung it in the closet behind her. “Thank you.” She took the bag from him and walked off towards the kitchen.

  Vic stood there in complete shock. Had she just waltzed into his home, into his kitchen, ready to prepare him dinner?

  “Where do you keep your broiler?”

  “My what?” He shook his head clear and walked to the kitchen. She wore a pair of skin-tight, fancy ass jeans and a tight black t-shirt. One look at her made his mouth water. She had a mighty fine ass. Then he mentally slapped himself for ogling someone who was barely legal.

  “A broiler,” Julia reiterated.

  She was cute, not gorgeous but cute. Maybe because she was still so damn young. Stop thinking of her sexually, you idiot. “Since I don’t have a clue what that is, I’ll have to say no.”

  “Oh, well, I’ll figure it out. What about baking pans?”

  “Same place as the broiler.”

  Julia smiled, giving her short bob of red hair a flip back from her face, turning back to the cupboards. “You really are a bachelor. Okay, what about some sort of frying pan?”

  “Cupboard to your left. You really don’t have to cook me dinner, Julia.” Actually, he preferred she didn’t. Not when his thoughts were turning to mushy lust just looking at her. Had it been that long since he’d been with a woman that he would melt over such a young thing that had yet to develop a figure? Well, at least eight months, remembering the last woman he’d slept with and the tragic end to her life.