Her Dangerous Promise - Part 4: (Romantic Suspense Serial) by Ashley Stryker Page B

It’s starting to get dark.” He’d changed out of his police uniform into black jeans and sweatshirt. With his heavy duty gun belt, he looked like a cat burglar. “I’ll be out back, in the narrow space between the garage and the fence. He won’t be able to get in the back door without me seeing him.”
    “Thank you, Brad.” Mary squeezed his muscular arm. “You’ve been great today.”
    “Just doing my job,” Brad tossed off a cocky, two-finger salute. “Besides, I don’t usually get to do the fun stuff like sitting a stake out. I’m looking forward to it.”
    “Give it four or five hours,” Thom said. “The thrill wears off.”
    Brad waved and went out the back door. Mary followed him and locked it.
    “I’ll be driving the SUV a few blocks over, and then I’ll come back and hang out with your neighbor across the street.”
    Mary stifled a smile.
    “What?”
    “Mrs. Jorgenson will talk your ear off. She doesn’t get much company.”
    “I’m sure she’s perfectly pleasant.” Thom cleaned up the used paper plates and soda cans. “Besides, she can talk all she likes, as long as she doesn’t care if I’m not listening.”
    “Meanwhile, what should I be doing?”
    Thom glanced around. “Stash a few things about that you can use for weapons. Your baseball bat, a frying pan, whatever you feel comfortable wielding at the guy’s head.”
    “The blood from Mary’s face froze and drained away. I thought you said he wasn’t going to get in here.”
    “That’s the plan.” Thom drew his 9 mm pistol, popped out the clip, checked it and slapped it back in. He chambered a round and thumbed the safety before returning it to his holster. “But, you know that old saying; if you want to make God laugh, tell him you have a plan.”
    “Now I feel tons better. Thanks.”
    Thom let her sarcasm slide. The muscles in his face tightened with his serious attitude. “Keep the doors locked.”
    If a capable cop like Thom was concerned, Mary knew the situation was precarious. For a fleeting moment she considered calling off the whole operation but restrained herself. “Anything else?”
    Thom’s glance slid up Mary’s body, leaving a tingling trail as if he’d touched her. “The outfit looks good. We want to make sure he sees it. After I leave, open the curtains and turn on the lights. Keep walking around. He might not see you if you sit down. Find something to do, so you are not just pacing.”
    “Right,” Mary sighed, rubbing the chill bumps from her arms. “He’s the bull and I’m the red flag.” She flapped her arms. “Here I am, Mr. Bull. Come and get me.”
    Thom cracked a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Something like that.”
    “I can do that.”
    “Good.” Thom collected her in his arms. “We’ll be right outside. Remember, my cell phone number is on your speed dial, in case you get nervous.”

Chapter Three

    “I wish you could stay.” The twist of worry in her voice cut like a blade.
    “You can change your mind. Call it off now.”
    “No. I have to do this.”
    He stroked his thumb over her lips. “I won’t be far.”
    Mary nodded. Her golden hair spilled around her shoulders, enticing Thom to tangle his fist in it and force her to him but he didn’t. He wanted her. Badly. His heart never stopped yarning for her. His hands never stopped wanting to touch her. If it wasn’t her life on the line, he would chuck the whole plan, scoop her up and carry her off to the bedroom. But it was her life on the line. “I have to go. With any luck, this will be over tonight.”
    Mary walked him to the door, with her arm looped through his. “What if he doesn’t show? How late will you stay out there?”
    “All night if necessary.”
    “With Mrs. Jorgenson?” She raised an eyebrow playfully.
    “I promise no hanky-panky.”
    Mary smiled up at him. “That’s good to know.”
    Mary kissed him a quick goodbye and slipped out of his grasp, leaving his body chilled without her pressed