Lasting Pride (Pride Series Romance Novels) (7 page)

When he opened the refrigerator and pulled out a beer, she said. “I’ll take one of those.”

Two hours later, the stack of files were spread out all over his coffee table and some were even sitting on the floor. Financial papers in one pile, buyer history in another. There didn’t seem to be any connection with the pieces. At least none that they could tell.

She sat back and rubbed the back of her neck. He could see the tension in her face when he’d arrived at her desk. She looked annoyed at his arrival. He’d enjoyed riling her, but knew that he would cross the line if he did it when she was actually hurting.

They sat side by side on the couch and when he started to pull her towards him, she tensed.

“I’m just going to help you out, trust me.” She looked at him for a minute, gauging him. Then, he could see the decision in her eyes. She allowed him to pull her closer, and when he turned her around he started massaging her shoulders. He could feel the tension dissolving under his fingers. She moaned a little and leaned her head forward, giving him full access to her neck and shoulders. Gently he moved her french braid over her shoulder and continued moving his hands over her slender form.

“I can’t quite figure you out.”

“What’s there to figure out? You pretty much know more about me, than I do. I bet you have a file, twice as thick on me somewhere.”

“Hmm, yes,” she admitted, “But, it didn’t cover this.”

“What?” He was completely focused on the skin just under her ear. He bet it was soft and tasted of honey. Would she moan if he kissed her there?

She turned around and looked at him. He’d removed his tie and jacket, had unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up. He looked and felt at home.

“You’re quite the charmer. I get that you have a stake in finding your missing art. But, why are you helping me out tonight? I mean, most people would cringe at the thought of getting their hands dirty in a stack of paperwork like this.” She waved her hand to the disarray of papers laying all over his living room.

“Well, my intentions, when I walked into your office, weren’t to do paperwork.” He tried for casual.

“Then, what were they?”

“To see you, and by helping you out with this paperwork it allowed us to go on our first date.” He smiled.

“
This is not a first date,” she looked taken back.

He thought about it a minute, “You know, you’re absolutely right,” he leaned forward and brushed his lips gently over hers before she could move away.

Her lips were soft and warm, and he could taste the pizza sauce, beer, and her. He ran a hand up her neck and gently cupped the back of her head to hold her to him, his hand resting just on her neck. She’d leaned into him and he felt her hand on his leg holding herself upright.

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. They reminded him of the color of his morning cappuccino. He could see that they were unfocused and confused.

“There, now we can call it a date.” He went to lean closer and kiss her again. She held up a hand to his chest.

“I – I can’t get involved. You’re part of an ongoing investigation, and…” he took her mouth again, this time with a little more pressure.

Her hand was trapped between them, she held onto his shirt front, holding him close. He ran his fingers into her loose braid and enjoyed the softness of her hair. She had an intoxicating taste and he marveled at the differences he was now feeling in her.

Gone, was the tough cop who had a hard exterior shell. Instead she was replaced by a soft, very sexual woman who was melting under his light touch.

Her tongue darted out to play across his lips and he took that moment to enjoy, exploring her soft mouth. The zesty mixture of beer and pizza was on her tongue and he enjoyed the taste.

Pulling her closer, he realizing she was almost in his lap. He ran his hands over her, enjoying the softness of her curves, the length of her legs and arms. She wrapped herself around him as he pulled her up, onto his lap so that she was straddling him. She rubbed herself against his pants, where it was obvious what she was doing to him.

This only caused him to get harder as she rubbed lightly against him. His eyes almost crossed when her hips started moving, riding him faster. He enjoyed the feel of the clothes between them and wondered if she enjoyed it as much as he did.

As he grabbed her hips, he held on when he felt her melt against him. Her hands were fisted in his hair, she’d taken complete control and he was enjoying every minute.

He ran his hands up under her shirt and cupped her. She was warm and soft and he played with the silk she wore until he could feel her nipples pushing against his fingers. Then, he leaned back and flipped open a couple buttons to expose the black, silky bra.

She rolled her head back and moaned holding his head to her.

Leaning in, he ran his mouth over the column of her neck. Enjoying the spicy taste and smell of her. Until finally, he pulled the silk aside and took her nipple into his mouth, sucking lightly.

Just then her cell phone rang from across the room and they jumped away from each other, as if they were teenagers caught making out on the couch.

Standing up quickly, she walked over to her jacket and pulled the phone out. Answering it while she tried to buttoned and tuck in her shirt.

“
Detective Stanton,” she paused, “How long ago?” She looked over at Ric, he continued to sit there with the proof of his desire tenting the front of his pants. “Yeah, I’ll be there in twenty.” She hung up as she finished tucking in her shirt, then she threw her jacket on and started piling the papers back in the box.

“Well, this was…” She finished putting all the files back in the box and looked up at him.

“Don’t,” he stood and crossed the room to take her shoulders in his hands. “Don’t belittle it by saying it’s been fun, see you around.” He bent and kissed her again, sparking the flames he knew she felt as well.

“Go,” he pushed her lightly towards the door, “be a cop. But, remember that I want you, you want this. Until next time.”

She walked out, carrying the boxes under her arms. Her hair was a mess, her shirt was untucked in the back and he knew she was as impacted as he was.

R
ic couldn’t sit still any longer. He shoved his chair back and paced the room. It had taken over an hour to track Dante Cardone’s art down, and all he’d hit was a brick wall. The art had been delivered to the man’s business, according to Jordan Shipping, which had faxed him a signed copy of the delivery order. But, it had been signed by, none other than, Mark Walker. What had his assistant been doing across town at Mr. Cardone’s business? Why had he signed for the piece?

He was now on his fifth call to Mr. Cardone’s offices and was still on hold waiting for the man to answer his phone.

Ric knew that he was a busy man himself, but it usually took someone only a few minutes if you wanted to get in touch with him.

What did Dante Cardone do, that he couldn’t answer a simple phone call? Especially one he was waiting for.

Just then he looked up and noticed the detective standing in his doorway. He motioned her in just as Mr. Cardone’ secretary came back on the line.

“Mr. Cardone will take your call now.” There was a click.

“Dante Cardone,”

Ric watched Roberta step in and sit comfortably in one of his chairs.

“Mr Cardone, Ric Derby here. I’ve got some more information about your delivery. Will you be available for a meeting with me and the Police in say,” he looked at Rob, whose face showed signs of questioning, “an hour?”

“Yes, Mr. Derby, I can clear my schedule. Do you know where we’re located?”

“Yes, we can find your building. We’ll see you then. Goodbye.” He hung up quickly.

“What was that all about?” She said crossing her legs. He noted how good they looked in the tight fitting dark khaki pants.

Walking over, he handed her the file. “What do you make of this?”

She looked over the paperwork he’d been staring at the last half an hour, while waiting to have his brief conversation with Dante Cardone.

“Hmm.” She said, with her head downwards. He noticed her hair and the way the lights shined off the rich darkness. She’d worn it loose today, it hung straight down her back with a slight curl. “I’d say, it’s worth talking to your,” she looked down at the file again, “Mr. Cardone. And since you’ve efficiently made plans for us through my lunch break, you can buy me lunch.” Rob said, standing up and handed the file back to him.

He smiled at her and they walked out of the room together.

This wasn’t the kind of place Rob thought he’d take her to eat at. The greasy burger place was one that she’d frequented and was actually one of her favorite places to eat. It was also run by two of her favorite people.

Kenny, the owner and head cook, stood just behind the counter. His red hair tied back with a net, his face matched the color of his hair.

“Well, lookie what we got here. Ric, what’re you doing with my Rob?” The three hundred pound man said pointing his spatula at the pair.

“
Your Rob?” Ric asked the man and leaned against the countertop. “Kenny, I wasn’t aware you owned another woman. Does Barbara know about this?” He asked joking about the man’s wife, who stood a few tables away helping other customers.

The larger chocolate woman walked up and bumped him on the hip, smiling at him. “If he gets to own her,” she said, nodding towards Rob, who had seated herself on the stool next to Ric, “then I get dibs on you sweetie.” She reached up and pinched his cheek then smiled at the pair.

“What’ll you two have?” She asked, walking around the counter.

“I’ll take my usual,” he looked at Rob for her to order.

“Me too. This time Kenny, can you add some extra fries on it since I’ve got class tonight. I’ve been trying to beat Tommy. I swear that kid of yours has packed on a few pounds since last month.” She smiled at the mixed couple and leaned over the counter to grab herself a bottled water, then leaned over again and tossed one to Ric.

“How long have you been eating at Barb’s?”

Ric laughed. “Well, let’s see. I met Barbara a few years back when she came in and wanted to
“fancy
up this joint.” H
er words, not mine.
Then she got me hooked on their turkey burger and I’ve been coming here ever since. You?”

She chuckled. “Turkey burger, eh? I figured you for a turkey burger kind of guy. I’ve known Kenny since I was twelve, when he caught me stealing from his register. He’s been feeding me greasy burgers ever since.”

“Why do I get the impression, you had an interesting childhood?” He watched her start to twist the paper napkin in her hand. When she noticed, she set it down and straightened her black shirt.

“Tell me about Dante Cardone.” She changed the subject so quickly he laughed.

Forty minutes later, Ric whistled as he walked into the Cardone’s business building. Rob tilted her head and looked at him.

“Nice digs,” he murmured as they walked through the large marble lobby of the building, causing her to chuckle.

They looked at the directory and found the floor they wanted which was near the top. Taking the elevator, they rode up in silence. Ric watched her as the elevator doors slid closed. He’d seen the way she had shifted gears at the diner. She’d become more open, friendly and she’d remained so on the short drive downtown. Now, however, he could see that she was starting to put on her
“cop mask”
and he
liked seeing the small changes in her. She stood up straighter and carried her back and shoulders differently. Her eyes were not as soft as they’d been when she’d been talking to her friends. Now she carried herself with an air of command.

Roberta’s mind and eyes caught everything. The way Ric had been warm and relaxed around her friends. She had actually enjoyed his company over the short lunch break. He had watched her in the elevator, she wondered why he’d stared at her so intently. It was almost as if he was trying to solve a puzzle. She was no puzzle. Sure, she had her little secrets, she liked her little secrets. But, for the most part, she was an open book. Most everyone she worked with knew her whole life story. After all, most had been there when she’d been on the other side of the law. The newbies and rookies quickly learned her history and then she’d teach them to fall in line and they’d given her the respect and space.

As they walked into the plush uptown office, the first thing Rob noticed about Dante Cardone was how much he reminded her of Ric. Oh, there were more differences than similarities, but the underlining bone structure was the same. Where Ric was blond, blue eyed, and fairer skin, Dante had jet black hair, dark chocolate eyes and his skin showed signs of a Mediterranean heritage. To her eyes though, she could see the same bone structure in the face and they were roughly the same height and build.

She also noticed the change in Dante’s face when he watched her walk in beside Ric. She could tell that he was a womanizer right from the second she laid eyes on him. When he’d seen her, the man’s whole persona changed, he became smoother and smiled a little more.

“Hello, Mr. Derby,” he shook Ric’s outstretched hand.

“Mr. Cardone, this is Detective Roberta Stanton. She’s in charge of the investigation into some missing art and the death of my assistant Mark.”

“Please,” he motioned to two chairs. When they sat, he continued. “How can I help you both today?”

“As you know, I did some research into your missing artwork, ‘
The Indian’
.” Setting the file on the desk, he pushed it towards Dante and waited for the man to open it. “The shipping receipt from Jordan Shipping shows a signature,” Ric pointed to it. “from Mark Walker. Who was employed, at least up until last week, at my gallery as my personal assistant. So, the question seems to be, why did Mark sign the receiving paperwork for your artwork?”

“This is a mystery. I’ve never heard of Mark Walker. At least not until I read what had happened down at your shop in the local news.” He looked at Rob. She could tell that he wasn’t really seeing her, but looking through her as he thought. Then, without a word he picked up his phone.

“Stacey, would you come in here please?” A few seconds later a tall, blond woman walked in. Rob didn’t know how women walked in heals like that. They had to be four inches of pain. But, the woman walked gracefully over to her boss.

“
How can I help you, Mr. Cardone?”

“Stacey, this is Mr. Derby and Detective Stanton. Can you do a employee search on a Mark Walker? Please see if he has ever been employed by either myself or my father. You can get back with me and pass on your findings to both the detective and Mr. Derby.” He handed her the file.

“Yes, of course. I’ll get this information to you soon.” When she walked out of the room, Ric stood up to leave.