Hearts & Diamonds (4 page)

“I think I will have another cup.”

“Coming up.” She went into the kitchen, poured the coffee as her heart thumped in her chest.

He was looking at her family photos on the wall when she returned. “Here you go.” She handed him the mug, her gaze falling to his mouth as he took a sip. “So, you can give me a ride to Fletcher’s? If not, I’ll call a cab.”

“No need. I’d be happy to take you.”

His innocent, kind words warmed every part of her. “Thanks.” She averted her eyes from his intense gaze to look at the clock on her bookshelf. “Give me about twenty minutes and I’ll be ready to go. I’m sorry to inconvenience you like this.”

Quin waved his hand. “No problem. I have to go there anyway and I’m the reason you don’t have your own car. It’s only fair I take you to get it.”

“Fair enough.” She handed him the remote. “Make yourself comfortable, I won’t be long.”

It was hard enough to pick out something to wear every single day, let alone with a hot federal agent only a few feet away. In the end she decided on a black skirt with matching tights, high-heeled boots and an emerald green sweater. She pulled her thick hair back into a ponytail pouf, applied a little more eyeliner and lip gloss before dabbing on her fave jasmine vanilla-toned oil to all pulse points.

“Not bad,” she whispered to her reflection in the full-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door. A quick glance at the clock told her she had taken twenty-five minutes to get ready. That wasn’t so bad.

“Quin, I’m sorry it too—” She halted mid-sentence upon seeing him asleep on her couch. His large body didn’t look comfortable in the seated position with his head leaning backwards at an odd angle. Nia’s gaze ran over the length of his long frame and a pang of empathy raced through her. He was obviously exhausted and she hated to disturb him.

She tiptoed closer on the balls of her feet to avoid her heels hitting the wood floor until she was inches away from him. Her eyes fell to the dark shadow of stubble along his jaw line and up to his lips. Full, sexy lips, especially when he smiled. He was so kissable. She wondered if he
was
a good kisser.

“Quin?” she whispered as she reached out to touch his shoulder. She screamed when his hand snaked up to grab hers in a vice-like grip lightening fast.

“Oh, sorry,” he said, releasing her as he stood.

Nia stared at him as she rubbed her wrist. The man had the reflexes of a panther. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Looks like I startled you.” Quin ran a hand through his hair. “Ready?”

She nodded. “Didn’t get much sleep last night?” She reached for her coat and walked to the front door as she put it on.

“Something like that.” He opened the door and waited for her to lock up.

The sun shone brightly but offered little warmth as they walked to his car.

“This baby will be warm in a few minutes,” he said, flipping on the heat before manoeuvring the car out of the tight parking space.

Nia stole a glance at him as he entered into highway traffic. “How long have you been on this case?”

“Almost a year. We’ve taken out some minor players, but this kind of criminal operation takes months, sometimes years to shut down.” He flicked her a sidelong glance. “How long have you been in the jewellery business?”

“For about seven years.” She gestured towards the radio. “Do you mind?”

“Not all.”

She turned the stereo on and smiled as the rhythmic sounds of Latin Jazz filled the car. “Gotta love Tito Puente.”

“I’d have to put you out of the car if you didn’t.”

Nia laughed. “Well, it’s a damn good thing I’m a fan.” She tapped her hand against her knee as he navigated through multiple lanes of traffic. “I love how music can take my mind off of everything else.”

“Everything else like what?”

Nia stopped tapping to the beat of the song. “Oh, let’s see, finding out a close friend is actually involved in fencing jewellery.” She tugged on her seatbelt. “Knowing all of the work waiting for me at Fletcher’s, almost being shot at yesterday evening…”

And discovering I’m seriously attracted to you.

“I get it.” Quin turned the music down. “The best advice I can give you is to take all of those things you mentioned at face value and figure out the best way to handle them.”

“Sage advice, Agent Rios.” Nia stared out the window. If only it were that easy. She would handle her job responsibilities. It was the other stuff that would take some time to work through in her head.

“Nia, I don’t mean to sound insensitive. I just find stressing over stuff very unproductive.”

“So you’re never stressed?”

“I didn’t say that. I said it’s unproductive.” He cursed as the driver in front of him suddenly pumped the brakes. Seconds later he pushed past the clueless driver in another lane. “There’s always a solution.”

“Like changing lanes,” Nia said with a chuckle.

“Exactly.”

“Do you like your job?”

Quin shrugged. “I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

She studied him, trying to imagine him in the corporate world. Nope, definitely didn’t fit. “You’re an only child?”

“I am. Where the hell did that question come from?” he asked, turning his head to look at her as they waited for another green light.

“You just seem like a loner. Someone used to being alone, maybe more comfortable that way.” She looked away from his intense stare. “Green light.”

“
Red
light with the twenty questions,” Quin said as he drove on.

Nia remained silent, happy to see the store come into view as he pulled into the parking lot. Why had she asked him those personal questions? She’d tried to practically psychoanalyse him on the way into work.

Because you want to know everything about him.

She shifted uneasily in her seat and cast a sidelong glance at Quin’s profile when the more disturbing need to feel his arms around her again shocked her. “Ridiculous,” she whispered.

“Excuse me?” Quin asked as he parked the car.

His eyes were hard again like when he had warned her not to go over and talk to the jewellery thieves last night.

“No, I was talking to myself, about myself.” Heat filled her cheeks as he stared at her. “Thanks for the lift.” Her heart fluttered under his intense scrutiny. Hardened criminals surely cracked under the laser sharp gaze she was being subjected to.

“No need to thank me, Nia.” He turned off the car just as his cell rang.

Nia used the interruption to escape. She opened the car door, stepped out as fast as she could in her heeled black boots and hurried into the store.

The store was abuzz with activity and she pushed Quin out of her mind, wishing she were unaware of him entering the store, as her boss greeted her. She forced herself to focus as she discussed the ongoing investigation with Donovan and a plan of action for cleaning up the store. Donovan was talking about possible new security firms when her gaze locked with Quin’s for a moment across the showroom floor. Her heart raced as she sucked in a breath and turned away.

What was it about him that made her weak in the knees?

“Nia…are you all right?”

“Of course, I’m sorry.”

“It’s quite all right. I think we’re all a little shaken up after last night.”

Nia nodded, grateful to see a few other employees coming in. She delegated tasks before beginning inspection on the remaining diamond pieces in the store which was the only way to be sure Tess hadn’t stolen or swapped other jewellery for fakes.

If…she was indeed involved
, she reminded herself.

She was three quarters of the way through the diamond bracelets when her stomach started to growl.

“I may have been a little abrupt with you in the car.”

Nia lifted her head from the tray of jewellery to meet Quin’s eyes. “No problem. I’m sorry too.”

Quin lifted one eyebrow. “Sorry?”

“I offended you with what I said and my questions.” Her gaze fell to his large hands on top of the glass. He had long fingers, neatly trimmed nails…she always appreciated a man who took care of his hands.

“I wasn’t offended.”

“Really?” She squeezed the peridot and diamond bracelet in her hand as his eyes dipped to her green sweater.

“Really. I’m about to leave now, but I just wanted to make sure you didn’t think I was
¼
“

“Offended,” Nia finished with a smile.

“Exactly.”

The corners of his mouth almost gave up the fight and returned her grin. Nia was disappointed to see the moment pass. She loved his smile. “Would you like to have dinner with me?” Had she really just uttered those words? The hard edges of the bracelet cut into the palm of her hand as Quin stared at her. “You know…a thank-you-for-saving-my-life dinner.”

This time he did smile. “There’s really no need—”

“Oh, okay, right.” She stood up and wished she hadn’t as the sinking feeling in her stomach tripled. He had to see her blushing.

“But, how can I turn down a
thank-you-for-saving-my-life
dinner?” A hint of humour crept into Quin’s hypnotic brown eyes. “When?”

“Tomorrow night?” Nia was surprised the bracelet clenched in her hand didn’t disintegrate.

“Where?” He lifted his head to nod at Agent Tan coming out of the back office.

“My place, seven sharp.”

She forgot to breathe when he looked at her and smiled…a real, honest-to-goodness sexy smile.

“See you then.”

He turned around and she watched him exit the store with his partner.

“You’re outta your mind,” Nia said under her breath. She shook her head to scramble the image of Quin’s lips on her body.

Get a grip, it’s only dinner.

She had never asked a man out on a date. Never would’ve believed she had the guts, but this wasn’t about guts. No, this was about desire.

At exactly seven sharp the following evening, Quin parked in a spot across the street from Nia’s house. He glanced at his reflection in the rear view mirror. What was he doing? Why hadn’t he declined her dinner invitation?

Because you want to hear her laugh again and
…

It was the rest of what he wanted that was the problem. He should’ve definitely called and cancelled. Instead, he got out of the car, walked the few steps it took to get to her door and pushed the doorbell.

The door swung open and Quin couldn’t stop the smile curving his lips as the smell of garlic and pasta hit his nose.

“Hey, come on in.”

“Those look great on you,” he said, pointing to the fuzzy antlers sticking out of her hair as he stepped inside.

“I’ve got another pair if you’d like,” Nia teased, taking his coat.

Quin waved his hands. “No, I’m good.” He tried not to notice the womanly curves greeting his eyes as she sauntered over to the hall closet. She looked amazing in a grey sweater dress that complimented her skin and drew attention to her sexy bare legs and…
mouse
slippers?

Nia laughed when she saw his attention on her feet. “There’re only four more days until Christmas. With all the madness going on, I needed some help getting back into the holiday spirit.” She took off the antler headband and tossed it on the couch.

“Ah, I see. Cute.”

“Thanks.”

More than cute. According to his cock, she was fine as hell, utterly kissable and completely lickable.

Keep thinking like this and you’ll have a hard-on to sport for dinner…classy.

Quin cleared his throat and shifted his growing erection in his dark jeans as Nia turned. “Something smells good.” He watched her disappear back into the kitchen and return with two wine glasses.

“I’m thanking you with Parmesan chicken, my special feta and tomato tossed salad and garlic bread.”

Quin grinned. “What no dessert?”

“Will apple pie do?” She sat the glasses down and put her hands on her hips.

“My favourite.”

Gorgeous, sweet and funny? He was in big trouble.

Nia beamed. “Good.” She handed him the bottle and opener. “I’ll let you do this.”

“My pleasure.” He was sure he saw a flame of desire in her eyes before she turned away again. His eyes followed the curve of her ass down the length of her legs to the shapely calves. How he wished she were thanking him with her legs wrapped tight around his waist as he…

“Quin?”

“Yes?” He shifted his attention from her legs to her face. Damn, he needed to get his head on straight. The only problem was the other
head
confined in his pants.

“Have a seat. Dinner is ready to be served.” Her gaze drifted over his dark navy sweater and did he imagine her checking out his crotch?

No, he was trained to read people’s intentions and there was no mistaking the fact that Nia was suffering from the same lustful affliction he was trying to push back.

Looked like they were both in trouble.

Nia watched Quin take a few bites, happy to see him enjoying her food. She took a sip of white wine and wondered if it was a good idea to drink something that would warm her up in the inside when she was already melting. Her breasts felt heavy and her nipples were rock hard. Could he see them through the thin sweater fabric of her dress? She should have worn a padded bra. Hell, she should have worn a regular pair of panties instead of the thong to hide any visible lines. The miniscule strap of fabric between her legs was drenched. Each time he looked at her the core temperature of her body shot up another degree.

“You’re a great cook, Nia.”

She smiled as he took a bite of garlic bread. “Thanks.” No need to tell him this was probably her best meal. “You’re haven’t touched your wine.”

Quin glanced at his glass. “I don’t usually drink when I’m working a case.”

“Oh. Do you want something else to drink?” Nia held her breath as his eyes flitted across the minimal cleavage showing in the wrap style dress. Her nipples pebbled even more and this time, she was sure he noticed.

“Water’s fine.”

She got up, walked the short distance from the dining room to the kitchen and took a deep breath once out of his viewing range. One thing had been confirmed for her tonight. She wanted him…
bad.

The water sloshed over the top of the overfilled glass and she poured some out into the sink.

Dammit, keep it together, girl.

“So you’re the baby of the family?”

Nia jumped at the sound of his deep voice carrying from the dining room and more water spilled. With a frustrated curse, she threw paper towels over the mess and walked towards him with the water. “Yep, I’ve got two older brothers. One lives in Indy and the oldest lives in DC.”

“Parents?” He turned in his chair and extended his hand for the glass.

“Don’t you have all of this in a file about me somewh—” Nia gasped as her mouse slipper slipped beneath her and she stumbled towards Quin. The water hit him seconds before she fell to her knees in front of him. “I am so sorry.” She blinked in sheer mortification as the liquid seeped into the dark fabric on his thighs. Her gaze drifted further up his leg to see the unmistakable bulge inches away from her.

“It’s okay.”

Nia dragged her eyes up from his pants to meet his heated gaze. “No, it’s not.”

Quin ran his finger down the tip of her nose. “It is. I needed to cool off anyway.”

A ribbon of desire coursed along every nerve ending in her body as he stood up and offered both hands. “Let me help you up.”

She took them, visualising an actual spark of electricity from his touch as he yanked her up from the ground. “Thanks, Quin.” She lifted her chin, saw the same longing in his eyes and something twisted in her stomach as they stared at one another. She laced her fingers with his as time stood still. “Kiss me.”

The whispered request shocked her. She waited with baited breath for him to move, her words, her heart lay before him. Just when she would’ve pulled away, he groaned and pulled her against his chest.

His hands skimmed up her arms, into her hair as he kissed her. She melted into him, wrapped her arms around his neck and welcomed his fierce kiss. He took over and she wanted him to. Her moan of pleasure only encouraged him to delve deeper, tasting and stroking her tongue as he backed her up against the dining room wall. She could barely breathe, lost in the rhythm of his masterful kisses. One hand left her hair to cup her ass, kneading the soft curve beneath her dress. She ran her hands through his hair, loving the feel of the thick texture between her fingers as he pressed his hard cock against her belly.

“You’re so sexy,” Quin said, breaking away to look down at her.

“Ditto.” She closed her eyes as he claimed her lips again, this time in a soft, sensual caress that left her boneless. He ended the kiss and her body craved more. “Quin…” She sighed as his lips brushed her temple.

“Nia—”

The shrill sound of her phone ringing broke the moment, stopped her from making another brazen request of his body. She pulled away from his embrace to reach for the handheld laying on the dining room table. “Hello?”

“I needed those diamonds.”

Nia froze.

The cold voice on the other end of the line was unmistakable.

“Tess?” She whipped around to look at Quin already on alert as he tapped his watch and indicated for her to keep on talking. “Where are you?”

“Closer than you think.”

The line went dead as Nia stared at Quin. She handed him the phone in a daze.

“What did she say?”

“She said she ‘
needed
’ those diamonds. I think she threatened me.”

“Tell me exactly what she said.” He took out his cell as she repeated the conversation.

She watched him for a second, noting how easy it was for him to shift gears. Could he really have just given her the best damn kisses of her life? One wouldn’t think it’d happened now as he relayed what had happened and gave out orders to whoever was on the other line.

She walked to the window overlooking her porch from the dining room and suppressed the urge to shiver in the warm room.

“You okay?”

Nia turned away from the winter scene outside to look at him. “Tess had me completely fooled. How could I work with someone for almost a year and not know something was off?”

Quin pushed his cell back into his jean pocket. “This woman came to work at Fletcher’s for the sole purpose of stealing those diamonds. Her primary objective was to fit in, get you to like her, trust her, so she could do her part and when the time was right help move those stones out.”

“It makes me sick to think of the times we talked about our personal lives.” Nia sighed and sank down into her chair at the table. “I considered her a friend.” She shook her head. “You must think I’m a horrible judge of character.”

“You want to see the good in people and there’s nothing wrong with that most of the time.” Quin sat in the chair beside her. “It’s probably better than assuming the worst about everyone you meet.”

Nia looked at him. “Is that what you do?”

Quin’s brown eyes hardened. “In my line of work, you have to prepare for every possible scenario.”

“Meaning?” She wanted him to answer her question straight out.

“Meaning, I assume everyone I encounter
could
be guilty then I do my job to
prove
innocence or guilt.”

She leant forward in her chair, placing her face in her hands. Her throat felt dry, whether from lack of water or from his words, she wasn’t sure. He must have thought she was involved in the jewellery ring too. Maybe he still did. Maybe he was only here with her to gather more information. Kissing her to break her down, make her talk or share some valuable clue.

“Nia, what is it?”

She lifted her head to look at him. Apparently, he could read her emotions as easily as she could read the I-gotta-have-it expression on her coolest customer. She got up from the chair on wobbly legs. “So, you thought I was guilty of being involved in this case?”

He held her gaze, his handsome face unreadable. “I considered it a possibility, yes.”

“Your partner too, right? You both came over here to question me, see if I was telling the truth.” She wrapped her arms around her as he stood up.

“I know you’re not involved, Nia.”

“Do you?”

He took a step towards her, his large frame blocking the light from the chandelier. “Yes.”

“How?” As soon as she asked the question she knew. “You
do
have a file on me and my parents and probably my brothers too, right?”

“We have to investigate everyone involved.”

She got it, but the knowledge of him being privy to every detail of her life was hard to swallow.

“I knew you weren’t involved with this mess, the moment I looked into your eyes.”

He hadn’t moved any closer, but Nia felt as if he had touched her.

“Your eyes tell me everything I need to know.” This time he did step closer to her, his gaze riveted on hers. He touched the side of her face with the back of his hand and she closed her eyes.

Her body still thrummed with desire despite the shocking phone call from Tess. She wanted him to wrap his arms back around her and make her stop thinking about the diamonds and mounting fear.

“I should go.”

“No.” Her eyes snapped open and she grabbed his hand. “I don’t want to be here alone.” Wow, she really was going to play the damsel in distress card.

“You won’t be alone. There’s a squad car keeping tabs on your house.”

Nia lifted her chin and looked at him. “I want
you
to stay with me.” If he could read her eyes as well as he said, then her meaning was clear as crystal. She felt his hand tighten around hers and waited for him to refuse her request.

“Well, we haven’t finished dinner yet.” His lips curved in a teasing, slow smile Nia would’ve gladly given up all the diamonds in the world to see again.

“I’ll warm it up.”

“No need,” Quin said, settling back at the table.

No need, indeed. Her body was heating up on the inside as he dug into his food. She admired the slant of his nose as he talked and the motion of his strong jaw as he chewed. The cadence of his sexy voice, deepening with his subtle accent heightened her arousal like a fine wine. She could simply listen to him talk all day long. Didn’t matter what he talked ab—

“Nia?”

She blinked, heat flooding her cheeks. “What were you saying?”

He gave her the briefest of smiles. Like he knew exactly what she was thinking about.

“I asked you what you wanted Santa to bring you this Christmas.”

A tall, gorgeously bronzed, muscles-for-days, federal agent.

“Hmm…I hadn’t really thought about it, but right now, I’d ask for two tickets to anywhere sunny and warm.”