Precious Embrace (Embrace Series) by Dana Mason

door.
    She cracked it open to find Johnny leaning against the doorframe, stress lines digging into his young face.
    “Call me when you’re ready to reset the alarm,” Seth said.
    “I will, thanks, Seth.” She hung up and pulled the door all the way open. “Was someone in the house?”
    He nodded. “Yeah.”
    “I’m glad you were here,” she said, her voice broken from the relief.
    His glare softened before he took her hand and pulled her closer. Johnny cradled her head to his chest and took a deep breath. “Me too.”
    “Here,” he handed her the gun, “Put this back, but keep it accessible.” Ali took the gun and carried it back to her closet then followed Johnny down the stairs.
    Police officers were examining the front and back doors. Ali went to the kitchen and grabbed another bottle of water and drank almost the entire thing.
    When she went into the living room, Johnny and the two officers were talking. Right…he’s a cop too. She’d forgotten until she heard that tone…that cold static cop’s voice she’d heard so many times from other men.
    God, Ali, you just had sex with a cop . She plopped down onto the sofa and sipped her water. What was she doing with him? As much as she liked him, she hated his profession. Being married to Mark when he was on the force was always so stressful. The nonstop worrying, the late nights, she could never justify it in her mind. The job didn’t seem worth it.
    “How you doing, sunshine?” Johnny said, stroking her hair from behind the couch.
    She looked up at him and tried to smile. “I’m fine. What’s going on?” She turned and at the same time, Shane entered the front door. “Shane—what are you doing here?” She stood and rounded the couch.
    Shane pulled her into a bear hug. “I came to check on you,” he said. “Where’s the baby, is he all right?”
    “He’s with Mother,” she stuttered, fighting to hide her surprise.
    He pulled out of the hug, his eyes traveling her face and neck. He grinned and nodded. “Hum…nice.”
    Ali frowned not sure what he meant, but said, “You didn’t have to come over. I’m fine.”
    “I’m going to change the locks. Were there any broken windows?” he asked, looking at Johnny.
    “No. And I can change the locks,” Johnny said not able to hide the irritation in his voice.
    “Um…Johnny, this is Shane. He’s an old friend…from school.”
    Johnny nodded and said, “Yeah, and Mark’s number one security agent. We’ve met.”
    “I got the locks covered,” Shane said, holding his hand out to shake Johnny’s. “Already got what I need in the truck. No worries.”
    When the phone rang Ali snatched it up. “Hello.”
    “Ali? You okay?” Mark asked.
    “I’m fine. Oh hell, did Seth call you too?”
    “Of course he did. I’m sending Shane over to change the locks.”
    “Yeah, he’s already here. Mark it’s the middle of the night, they didn’t have to bother you on your vacation.”
    “Ah, yeah they did. Don’t be stupid. I’d kill Seth if he didn’t call me. I can have Shane stay until Brian can figure out who’s trying to break into your house.”
    “Mark! No! I don’t need Shane to stay with me.”
    “It’s no big deal. He’s not working a job right now and he’s worried about you too.”
    “Mark—damn it! I’m not alone.” She rubbed her forehead trying to push away the headache coming on. The line went quiet and they sat in silence for a full minute before he said anything.
    “You’re not alone now or you weren’t alone when someone tried to break into your house?”
    “—both,” she said frustrated.
    “Oh, okay…” His voice went cold. “Please tell me you’re not there with Carl.”
    “Uh—no!” She rolled her eyes. “Johnny Bennett is here.”
    “Did you say Johnny Bennett?”
    “Yes,” she whispered.
    “So…Johnny huh—wait.” He chuckled and she heard the smile in his voice when he asked, “Did you two get together at the wedding?”
    Ali had to