Lying Eyes by Toni Noel Page B

pressed her thighs together, prolonging her ecstasy.
    Carlo— bless him— licked the sensitive bare spot behind her ear and kissed her neck with tender care.
    "Hot damn," he murmured, pressing against her as he again tightened his hold.
    Her passion gradually faded, her good sense returned, and she squirmed to free herself from his grasp.
    "Sorry," Carlo said, chuckling as he rolled off her and sat, peering around.
    I'm not the least bit sorry, just too embarrassed to look you in the eye.
    "See anyone?" she asked, sitting, too, and straightening her shorts.
    "No, last I saw of the perp he was heading for the east elevator."
    "Good."
    "I guess you know it's your fault we were in danger."
    " How did you arrive at that unbelievable conclusion?"
    "It's your fault I didn't grab my radio before we left my room."
    "You're blaming me for your memory lapse?" she asked, spoiling for a fight.
    "If you hadn't strolled into my room dressed like the centerfold in some fitness magazine I wouldn't have almost dropped my teeth and forgotten my radio. That failure could have gotten you killed."
    "Stop beating yourself up. You kept me safe."
    "But if I'd had my radio I could have called for backup the minute you warned me the perp was closing in on us. I'd not only have saved your life, the perp would be under arrest. Where is your radio?"
    Ignoring his question, she smiled sweetly at him. "Next time I'll put my tunic on before knocking on your door."
    A muscle in his tight jaw twitched. "There isn't going to be a next time."
    Don't count on it, Buster. Unless you get lucky and catch the perp, we're going to spend two more days in close quarters. It will be a tossup to see who gets lucky first.
    She grinned smugly. I can't wait.
    Carlo grabbed her hand. "Let's get the hell out of here. I've had enough excitement for one day."
    "Really?"
    I haven't had nearly enough.

Chapter Eleven
    ––––––––
    "W ell?"
    "Not yet."
    "Why not? I've given you plenty of time."
    "I almost cornered them on the fourth floor, but there must have been a back door. She and the uniform gave me the slip."
    "Damn. Have you thought about what will happen if you aren't given another chance?"
    "Sure. I'm not feeble minded. I worry about it all the time."
    "Good. Stay awake tonight. This might be your last chance to sneak into the girl's room while she's asleep."
    *****
    A llison knocked on the door connecting their hotel rooms.
    "Carlo? Ready to eat?"
    "Yes, but not another dumb banquet," he said, opening the door and quickly closing it half-way.
    "Hey!"
    "I'm not sure I can spend the evening with you without ripping off your skimpy dress."
    She laughed. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."
    "Perhaps, but I've had even nicer thoughts. What color is that?"
    "Roughish purple, the sales lady said."
    "Humph. Nothing roughish about you. You're the most straightforward woman I've ever met. Sit a minute. I need to notify the team."
    She sat.
    He dialed.
    She adjusted her mini skirt.
    His gaze locked on the swatch of bare skin above her knees.
    She stood and tried sitting again.
    His ears turned red and his voice cracked as he said, "Captain?"
    Grinning, she checked the depth of her plunging neckline in Carlo's mirror.
    His half-closed eyes met hers is the silvered glass.
    Her grin turned smug.
    His eyes bugged. "Yes, we're leaving for the banquet now."
    Carlo gulped. "Right."
    He disconnected and radioed the team. "Allison is leaving her room."
    Following her to her door, he stuck his head out and checked the hall. "All clear."
    She stepped outside, smiling widely at his disgruntled sigh.
    He soon came out his door, greeted Marsha and Susan, and stalked to the elevator in silence.
    "What's eating him?" Marsha whispered.
    "I'm not sure," Allison said.
    "Sexual frustration, if you ask me," Susan said with far too much certainty. "I had three brothers, so I recognize the symptoms."
    The women laughed.
    Carlo scowled. "Wonder what they'll do to the chicken