“No.” Fed up, he allowed his anger to show again. “I’ve let you play your games. I jumped at your father’s bidding. I even allowed your damned brother to leave the scene of a kidnapping. Enough, already. If you’re not going to cooperate, then I’m done wasting my time.” He reached for the door handle.
“Wait.” Madison didn’t want him to go yet, so she drew in a breath and admitted the one thing she could think of that might keep him interested and wouldn’t compromise her family. “It’s personal for me, and for my entire family, because we lost someone we loved to human trafficking.”
Slowly Crosby sank back into his seat. “Who?”
“My mother.”
Immediately his antagonism waned. “Damn, Madison. I’m sorry.”
Now, why did his understanding make her throat feel too tight? She’d lived with the loss of her mother for years now. “Dad took it especially hard.” Skirting the issue of their vigilante work, she said, “That’s why he funds the task force.”
“To search for traffickers?”
“It’s more than that, really.” She didn’t get to brag on her father very often, so she’d enjoy doing so now. “I know I glossed over this earlier, but Dad’s involvement is actually pretty elaborate. You see, the task force he funds ensures that victims are represented legally. They get counseling and financial assistance, and they’re offered access to recovery resources.”
“Like?”
Getting into the explanations, Madison leaned closer. “Many victims have no idea what to do once they’re saved. Some come from bad home lives so they can’t get help there. Others fear retribution. They’re lost and alone and still so afraid. Through the task force they’re given safe housing, offers of education or employment, and enough financial aid to get back on their feet.”
While she spoke, Crosby’s gaze drifted over her face—and settled on her mouth. “Remarkable.”
“I’m really proud of my family and all they offer, but I’m sure you can understand that for many victims, it’s a very private endeavor.”
“It’s not the privacy issue that concerns me.” His gaze finally lifted to clash with hers. “It’s the possibility of illegal activity.”
“You’re accusing me?” Why did she sound so breathless?
“All of you, actually.” His voice went deeper, rougher. “Now tell me what else you’re up to,” he insisted, and somehow it sounded sexually suggestive.
“You know what I’d rather do?”
His dark bedroom eyes narrowed.
Madison reached for him over the console. “I’d rather kiss you,” she murmured, right before her fingers slid into his cool, silky hair and her mouth settled over his.
He went still for a heartbeat, and then those strong arms closed around her, pulling her nearer as he took over. Or tried to.
Being submissive wasn’t really her thing, so she angled as close as she could get and deepened the kiss.
To her surprise, he laughed.
Insulted, she lifted her head and glared at him. “You’re amused?”
Smiling, his gaze tender, he stroked two fingers along her cheek, then under her chin. “Yeah, you amuse me.”
“That wasn’t my intent.”
“I know.” He leaned in for a soft kiss. “My guess is you wanted to distract me. I’m tempted, but not quite that easy.”
Of all the... She dropped back to her own seat, now glad that the console kept them apart. “You think the only reason I kissed you—”
“Yeah, that’s what I think.” His slight smile never wavered. “I wouldn’t put anything past you or your family.”
“Well.” Her face heated with ire. “That’s insulting.”
“To me, as well.”
“Most especially to you,” she snapped. “For your information, I don’t offer those type of personal favors for my family. I kissed you because I wanted to. But trust me, I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Good. Let’s keep it simple, okay?” Lifting his hip, he drew out his wallet, found a card and handed it to her. “Have your brother call me within the hour. If anything else happens, I strongly advise you to let me know.”
Madison sat there, fuming, turned on and, yes, still insulted as he opened the door and got out. The wind blew back his hair and his step wasn’t as sure as usual thanks to the snow and ice.
Such a gorgeous man. So...scrumptious.
Such a dick.
And he thought she’d thrown herself at him for a distraction.
The truth was that she couldn’t help herself. Early on he’d intrigued her. Meeting him in person had affected her dreams.
She wanted him. Terribly.
Maybe it was better he didn’t know that. Sighing, Madison hit the wipers while also turning up the defroster. As soon as the windshield cleared, she spotted Crosby.
Waiting for her to leave. Concerned for her?
Or maybe he planned to follow her? Ha, let him try.
He stayed behind her to the entrance of the park, then they each turned in different directions. Had he just been playing the gentleman?
Such a confusing man.
She didn’t need him to protect her. No, she just needed him. Eventually she’d get her way. After all, she was a McKenzie through and through.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
KENNEDY WOKE FEELING warm and comfortable in Madison’s T-shirt and pajama pants. Beside her, Reyes sat against the headboard and perused his phone, the home screen reflecting in his hazel eyes.
She was snuggled against his side, part of the reason the chills had finally left her. A slight headache remained, but she could deal with that.
Loving him wouldn’t be easy, not with the work he did. Valuable work, she realized, because without him Jodi wouldn’t stand a chance. The police could only do so much when the law forced them to abide by a certain standard.
A standard Golly and his sick brother didn’t deserve.
Suddenly Reyes looked down at her, said, “Hey,” and set his phone aside. He smoothed back her hair, tipped up her chin and studied her face. “Your eyes aren’t dilated anymore. That’s a good sign.”
“My headache is better, too.” She struggled to sit up. “What time is it?”
“Almost seven.”
“What?” She’d slept that long? She’d only meant to take a brief nap, not conk out for hours.