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  But Belle doesn’t get to enjoy herself.

  Kelley frowned at the thought. Guilt caused her gut to clench.

  “What’s wrong, Petrova?” Reese asked as he glanced at her. “I’d bet you’re thinking about the case.”

  She sighed. “Like I said, you know me well.”

  He reached over the console and squeezed her hand. “You need a day to relax. You don’t do that often enough.”

  She was going to argue with him that she’d done all the relaxing she wanted to do since she’d been on leave, but she decided she wouldn’t argue and ruin the day. It was going to be hard enough to set aside thoughts of the case.

  He let out his breath. “I’m just as guilty of not taking time off, but this is our two year anniversary as partners, and we’re going to have a good time. Got it?”

  She managed a smile. “Got it.”

  “Open the glove box.” He nodded toward it.

  She opened it and on top of the heap in the glove compartment sat a blue paper-wrapped package with a glittery blue bow. She glanced at him.

  “Happy Anniversary.” He gave a nod to the box. “Now open the package.”

  She picked up the box and put it into her lap as she looked at him. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

  “Just open it,” he repeated.

  Never one to be patient with unwrapping a package, she tore off the bow and ripped off the paper. “You’re kidding,” she said as she looked at a black plastic case. “You bought me a gun.”

  “You haven’t even looked inside,” he said with amusement.

  She opened the case and her eyes widened. “A Glock.”

  He looked back at the road as he steered. “Latest model for women and I think the size and weight will work well for you.”

  “It’s too much.” She looked up from the case. “This cost a bundle.”

  “Nothing’s too much for my favorite partner,” he said.

  She took the weapon out of the case and weighed it in her hand. “Feels nice. Different than my other Glock, but I like it.”

  He smiled. “Ammo is in the glove box.”

  She peered into the compartment and fished out the box of ammo then loaded the magazine before inserting it into the weapon. “It’s great.” She glanced at Reese. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He pulled the truck off of the highway and onto the rough road that led to the arena.

  As they arrived at the paintball arena, she tucked the weapon back in its case and into the glove box again. She dug into her purse and pulled out a package wrapped in gold paper with a gold bow.

  After Reese parked, she handed him the gold package. He raised an eyebrow.

  “Happy Anniversary,” she said with a grin.

  With a smile curving his lips, he tore open the package. It was a finely crafted pocketknife she’d picked up some time ago and had planned to give him for their anniversary since it had been coming up.

  “This is great.” He put his hand over hers and squeezed it. “Thank you.”

  She smiled and put her purse with her Glock into the center console where he left his own service weapon and the new pocketknife. He locked the glove compartment as well as the console and then they climbed out of the truck.

  She had a feeling it was all he could do not to open up the truck door for her and help her out. He was giving her a different kind of respect as a cop because they were in public. He opened the back door to the cab on the driver’s side and she joined him. He drew out two paintball guns, along with facemasks and paintballs. He also brought out two camouflage shirts with long sleeves, one small enough to fit her.

  It was a beautiful day with a clear sky and a soft breeze. The air smelled sweet and clean.

  When they were ready, Reese and Kelley headed up to the cabin where they checked in and were assigned to a team. Reese had made reservations earlier in the week.

  “Oh, so not fair,” came a female voice from behind them when they were putting on their red armbands to show they were on the red team.

  Kelley and Reese turned to face Reese’s cousin, Clint, who was with his new wife, Ella. It was Ella who’d spoken.

  “Two detectives on the same team?” Ella shook her head. “Definitely not fair.”

  Reese grinned. “I seem to remember hearing you’re a pretty damned good shot.”

  Ella shrugged and Clint put his arm around her shoulders. “She shoots almost as well as she sculpts.”

  “Then that’s pretty damned good,” Reese said as Ella gave him a hug.

  “How are you two?” Kelley asked. “Enjoying wedded bliss?”

  “We’re doing great,” Ella said with a stunning smile.

  Reese nodded. “Ella made one hell of a beautiful bride.”

  Clint gave a proud smile. “She certainly did.”

  They chatted a little more as they stood in the dead zone. Their teams were called—Clint and Ella were on the blue team while Kelley and Reese were on the red team. Today’s objective was to capture the flag at the center of a maze in the arena.

  Adrenaline pumped through Kelley’s body as she and Reese joined their team. It wasn’t long before they were in the arena.

  Kelley was determined to get the flag. She and Reese covered each other as they worked their way through the maze made up of bunkers and other structures. They picked off one opposing team member at a time. Kelley moved with smooth precision, her heart beating from the thrill of the hunt.

  She had one near miss when a paintball splattered a foot from her arm. Her aim was true as she nailed her attacker in the chest.

  As she rounded a structure, adrenaline kicked higher into gear. “There it is.” She looked through her scope and saw a blue team member approaching the flag. She took aim and hit the player in the shoulder, above his heart.

  When he turned his head, she saw that the player was Clint. He’d come close to taking the flag.

  Reese and Kelley took out two more players who tried to capture the flag. When Kelley felt the coast was clear, she looked at Reese. “Cover me.”

  He gave a nod and she tore out into the open. She felt a paintball whiz by her ear but kept going. She heard a shout of “Damn,” and thought that Reese must have nailed whoever had shot at her.

  Another paintball hit the ground by Kelley’s boot, splattering a little on the leather.

  The flag was almost within her grasp. A blue team member charged out, trying to beat Kelley to the flag.

  She was inches ahead, but she was shorter than her opponent. But she was also fast. She put on a burst of speed and dove for the flag.

  With a triumphant shout, she clenched the yellow cloth in her hand as she surged to her feet and raised the flag.

  The remaining red team members gave her high-fives and slaps on her back and she had to dodge a couple so that they didn’t hit her shoulder.

  Reese gave her a one-armed hug as they walked to the dead zone. “That’s my girl.”

  She looked up at him and smiled. “Forget diamonds. This and the Glock are the best anniversary gifts a girl could get.”

  He laughed and released her. “Ready for another game?”

  She gave an enthusiastic nod. “Absolutely.”

  They played two more games before quitting for the day. She and Reese hadn’t captured the flag again, but they’d both made it through to the end of the games. Kelley’s shoulder was sore, but she’d had more fun that she’d had in a long time.

  “Thank you,” she said as they walked back to the truck.

  Reese stowed their gear. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”

  “That I did.” She stretched her arms over her head, easing out the kinks. “Best day ever.”

  He took the camouflage shirt from her after she stripped out of it. “Hungry?” he asked.

  She held her hand to her belly. “Starving.”

  “I’ll make dinner.” He braced one hand on the truck. “My place isn’t far from here.”

  “Okay.�
� She nodded. After all this time being partners, she’d never been to his home. They’d worked together professionally and the only time they’d socialized had been when other officers were around, such as the Highlander, where a lot of firefighters and police officers preferred to hang out.

  It was early evening when they pulled up to Reese’s ranch home. A dog bounded away from the house and rushed up to the truck when Reese had parked. He’d already unlocked the center console and she took out her purse after he removed his own Glock. “We can leave your new Glock in the glove compartment. It’s locked so it’ll be safe,” he said.

  When Reese and Kelley were out of the truck, she slung on her cross body purse and he locked the truck.

  He gave Ruff an affectionate pat. “Kelley, meet Ruff. Ruff, meet Kelley.”

  Ruff gave a doggy grin and bounced around as Reese introduced Kelley.

  She held her hand out for Ruff to sniff and he pushed his nose beneath her palm so that she would pet him. “I see how you are,” Kelley said to the dog whose one ear perked up while the other was flopped down. “You’re a lover, aren’t you?”

  “He is,” Reese said. “But he also makes a great watchdog as well as a good herder.”

  “What breed is he?” She looked at Ruff who had one green eye and one blue. “He looks like a mix breed.”

  “He’s a mutt.” Reese walked with Kelley to the front door of the house. “Best guess is he’s got Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, and probably Lab, too.”

  “He’s a cutie, whatever he is,” Kelley said.

  “Don’t let him fool you.” Reese looked at the dog fondly even as he spoke. “He can be a big pain in the ass.”

  “Like some partners,” she said with a grin.

  Reese swatted her on the butt and she jumped and gave a little yelp of surprise. He winked and held the front door open for her.

  Not sure what to make of her partner and his playfulness, she walked into the coolness of his home. She suddenly felt like she could use a good shower after their hours of play.

  She looked around at the masculine décor and found that she liked what she saw. It had a comfortable lived-in feel to it. He told her she could leave her purse on the hall table. She set it down and then followed him into a kitchen with black appliances and dark green granite with black and gold flecks in it.

  “You made dinner for me last time,” she said. “Hardly seems fair if I don’t do it this time.” She hesitated, “Although that’s only if you don’t mind your food extra crispy or well-charred.”

  He grinned. “I’ve got it under control.”

  “I want to help.” She leaned her hip against a counter as he opened the fridge. “What can I do?”

  He rummaged around in the fridge and she watched as he pulled out a package of fresh salmon he’d obviously purchased from the grocery store, along with a lime and veggies.

  Her stomach rumbled. “What are you making this time?”

  “Grilled chili-lime salmon.” He headed for a pair of arcadia doors off of the kitchen. “I’ll fire up the grill.”

  She followed him and watched as he started a wood fire in an old-fashioned grill, including mesquite wood. Outside the weather was nice and she looked over his back yard. He had mostly desert landscaping with a few trees that towered above them, shading the porch and part of the backyard.

  When they went back inside, Reese set to work. He looked so comfortable in the kitchen and she felt entirely inadequate as she offered to help again.

  “I’ve got this.” He nodded to the fridge. “Why don’t you grab a couple bottles of beer?”

  “That I can do.” She opened the fridge and grabbed two bottles of Samuel Adams, then shut the door behind her with her hip.

  He pointed her to the opener and she cracked open both bottles then handed one to him. “Happy Anniversary,” he said and she repeated it as they clinked their bottles together. They both took a swallow.

  Their eyes met and she thought for a moment that she wasn’t going to be able to breathe. The way he was looking at her…

  He turned back to preparing the salmon and she let her breath out in a rush. Having dinner with Reese in his home might not be such a great idea.

  She took another drink of her beer. She wasn’t driving so maybe she’d just get good and tipsy. Maybe then she’d be relaxed instead of worrying what tonight might bring.

  What she wanted more than she was willing to admit.

  She was grateful when she and Reese started into a conversation about the paintball games and the strategy they’d used or had seen used. Clint and Ella had come close to getting the flag once each, but they’d both been shot dead-on with paintballs.

  When dinner was ready, she was on her second beer while Reese was still nursing his first. She felt a little reckless, wanting a closeness to him that only increased with every moment that passed. Dinner was wonderful but all she could think about was Reese and how much she wanted him. It was crazy and she knew better, but she couldn’t help her wild thoughts.

  After dinner, they cleaned the dishes and put everything away. Still feeling reckless, she opened up a third beer while he worked on his second. When they’d finished cleaning, she set her beer down on the counter and went to him.

  His blue eyes looked dark and smoky, and she knew that he was feeling the same as she was. She took his beer from his hand and set it on the counter next to hers.

  She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. His body felt warm and hard next to hers. He settled his hands at her waist, the heat of his touch traveling through her T-shirt. She smiled at him.

  “Happy Anniversary,” she said before rising up on her tiptoes and kissing him.

  Chapter 11

  Reese broke the kiss and Kelley found herself breathing hard as his gaze held hers. He cupped her face with one hand and brushed his thumb over her cheek. “You are something else, Kelley.”

  “What?” she asked, her voice low and breathy.

  “You’re so special to me.” He lowered his head and their lips met again.

  She could almost swear fireworks sparked behind her closed eyelids as he kissed her. It was a kiss like nothing she’d ever experienced before, a kiss she never wanted to end.

  He scooped her into his arms, catching her off guard. She clung to his neck and he swept her out of the kitchen and down a hall, his stride long and deliberate. When he reached what she guessed was the master bedroom, he pushed the door open and set her on her feet on a hunter green rug next to a rustic four-poster bed. He swept aside the pillow from the top of the plaid comforter and pulled the comforter back with one hand.

  Her insides tingled and then he was kissing her again while exploring her body with his fingertips. His touch was gentle when it came to her shoulder, but he pulled her tight up against him so that she felt the hard ridge of his erection against her belly.

  He picked her up by her waist and set her on the edge of the mattress. She watched him, hunger growing within her as he knelt in front of her and tugged off one of her leather shoes and then the other. His gaze met hers as he peeled off each of her socks.

  When her feet were bare, he caressed then before sliding his hands up her calves, over her jeans, on up to her thighs. The heat of his palms burned through the denim to her flesh. His hands continued on to the button of her jeans.

  She couldn’t take her eyes off him, her heart pounding faster with every movement he made. She braced her hands on the mattress and leaned back. Butterflies skittered through her belly as she raised her hips so that he could pull her jeans down.

  Her breath caught in her throat as he removed her jeans, leaving her in her black panties. Still on his knees, he pressed his big body between her thighs, pushing them apart.

  “Your skin is so soft.” He skimmed his palms along her legs, causing goose bumps to rise up on her flesh. “I didn’t know how much I wanted to touch you until this moment.” His blue eyes held hers. “And now I don’t think I can get enough.”r />
  She shivered as he said the words and he moved his hands over her hips, sliding over the silk of her panties to the hem of her white T-shirt.

  “Is your shoulder going to be okay if we take this off?” he said as he paused.

  She raised her arms. “My shoulder is fine now.”

  Still, he carefully eased the T-shirt over her head and arms. When the shirt was off, he set it aside, and he looked at her, taking in her black panties and matching satin and lace bra.

  She bit her lower lip as he traced the line of her bra, skimming her breasts with his callused fingers. Her entire body grew sensitized, his every touch making her want him that much more.

  He watched her as he cupped her breasts and ran his thumbs over her satin-covered nipples. They tightened and ached and she wanted nothing more than to feel the warmth of his mouth on them.

  Unable to move her gaze from his, she arched her back, pressing her breasts against his palms. His eyes seemed to burn like blue flame as he reached behind her and unfastened her bra. He slid the straps down her arms and bared her breasts.

  A low rumble rose up in his throat and he lowered his head and caught her nipple in his mouth. She gasped as he ran his tongue over the hardened nipple and then she sighed with pleasure. He slowly slid his lips from her nipple and down the mound to the valley between her breasts. He kissed the soft skin and moved his mouth up the other breast to the nipple and teased it with his tongue.

  She slid her fingers into his light brown hair. The strands were silky to her touch and she gave a low moan as he teased one nipple with his fingers and another with his tongue. He raised his head, leaving her nipples damp and cool.

  He studied her face then brought his mouth to hers, slowly kissing her as his fingers explored her body. She loved the way he kissed, the way their tongues met and he slid his into her mouth.

  She brought her hands to his face and felt the day’s stubble on his jaws beneath her palms. He kissed the corner of her mouth and kissed his way down her neck and to the hollow of her throat. He continued on, toward her injured shoulder.

  He was far more gentle than she’d ever imagined he would be in his lovemaking. His touch was firing her up even more than she’d dreamed.