Hostile Witness (Sanctuary, Inc. #1)

Chapter 34

34

T hey chose a cozy bayside bistro with renowned crab cakes, a reggae band, and a panoramic view of the upcoming sunset over the shimmering water. Tia took a sip of her salt-rimmed margarita. It fizzled, exploding tequila and lime on her taste buds. Yum. She leaned back and sighed with satisfaction.

This was the first time she’d been out socially without Mo in two years, and she wasn’t even nervous. What exactly did that mean? Flynn lay down on the cool tile and rested his snout on his paws. Poor dog had to be exhausted after getting stuck for God knew how many hours. Ethan perused the menu across the booth while her foot tapped a Caribbean beat under the table.

She’d used to love this place before her life had turned into a series of horrors. Judging by the great music, the tiki bar, and the scent of savory seafood wafting from the kitchen, there was still a lot to love. Not to mention the very interesting man with stellar bedroom skills seated with her. What was the rest of his story?

Why had he decided to bring her here of all places? This resort town had dozens of fast-food options and quick-serve ethnic eateries vying to tickle their palates. But he’d chosen a restaurant with ambiance and music and a front-row seat to what promised to be a glorious sunset.

How odd. She’d stopped protesting his presence in her life and longed to run her hands up and down his massive chest.

The waitress sidled over to their table, batting her eyes at Ethan.

Nice try, honey.

Ethan glanced up from his menu, seemingly unaware of his effect on the present female company.

The server pulled out her pad and glanced at Tia. “You ready to order?”

Tia nodded. “The crab-cake platter, please, side salad in place of the fries, and a double cheeseburger for our dog.”

Ethan flipped through the menu pages one last time. “I’ll have the same but with a large side of fries.” He handed the waitress their menus and leaned toward Tia. “You look delicious tonight, Miss O’Rourke.”

The waitress offered the faintest mewl as she left.

Tia bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. “I would’ve taken you for a soft-shell crab or raw oysters with hot sauce guy.”

He snickered and waved an index finger. “No and no. I’m very discriminating about body parts that enter my mouth.”

An image of him with her lady bits in his mouth flashed through her mind. She sat bolt upright and squirmed. It had to be the tequila—her face was hot. For goodness’ sake, they were discussing seafood here.

Concern flitted across his expression. “You all right, T?”

She gave his hand a pat. “I’m fine; it’s been a while since I had a mixed drink.”

He gave her an appraising look and got up. “I’ll be right back.” He strode to the tiki bar, said something to the bartender, and returned with a basket of pretzels and peanuts. “Here, nibble on these. I don’t want you going down on me.”

Down on him? The sip she’d just taken caught in her throat. She gasped on the laughter trying to escape. After a few clearing coughs, she peered across the table and burst into laughter again. “Don’t worry. I won’t go down on you.”

Understanding dawned in his eyes, and they morphed to playful and sparkling.

He raised an eyebrow. “A definite double meaning there. How Freudian of me—and you.”

Their waitress walked by. “Would you like another round?”

“Yes, please.” Ethan smiled. “No beer, just two margaritas.”

Tia gulped. “I hope those margaritas aren’t both for me.”

“No, I want one of what you’re drinking, and you need a refill.” He gave her a teasing glance. “You mentioned having questions for me?”

Questions? Oh yeah. “What languages do you speak? Mac mentioned four.”

He took the last draft of his beer and set it aside. “French, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Next question?”

Tia sat back while the waitress placed their fresh drinks. “How did you learn so many languages?”

He shrugged a shoulder. “My parents both spoke Spanish and Italian, and I learned to join in on the conversation. They’d speak a different language when discussing something they didn’t want me to know, but that didn’t last long. Once they realized I understood them, they taught me more and hired tutors.”

“Forgive me for bringing this up, but I’d like to know. How did you lose your parents? You don’t talk about them.”

“A boating accident when I was ten. I was spending the weekend at a friend’s house, and my grandmother came to pick me up. It was a long time ago. I remember them, but my memories have faded a little.”

Tia slid her hand on top of his. “I’m sorry. That’s a tough loss to bear as a child.”

He slipped his fingers through hers and sipped at his margarita. “My family lived in the Hampden area in Baltimore. After my folks passed, Nan raised me and started clearing out their house. But she’d already retired at the beach and wanted to live here. A year and a half later, she sold my parents’ Baltimore home, and we moved back. After college, I became a police officer in Baltimore, but Nan is older now, and I wanted to be there for her during her later years. I’d no sooner moved back down here than she announced she was moving to assisted living, primarily for the social aspect, although she loves having meals cooked for her. She gave me the house in Fenwick Island near the Painted Ladies on the water.” He stirred his margarita thoughtfully. “Losing my folks really defined me.”

“How so?” Many questions had been whirling through her head.

“When I lost them, I knew I’d spend my life helping people, especially when it came to reuniting families. After the Mayday call, they located the sailboat but not my parents. It used to upset me terribly as a kid. But now, as an adult, I’ve made their loss one of my strengths and get a real kick out of helping people through sticky situations.”

“And you get to do that as a detective?”

A muscle ticked at his jaw. “Sometimes.”

“What do you actually do at your second job?”

“I work for a privately funded outfit named Sanctuary, Inc. They are separate from but work in conjunction with the government. We rescue people from human trafficking situations and return them to their families, if they have them and want to go home.”

Stunned, she remained absolutely motionless for a second. “Rescuing people is risky business, Ethan.”

“Tell me about it.” His gaze was as soft as a caress.

“Does that mean I’ll read about you and this Sanctuary organization in the news?”

“No. We operate under the radar. If we close down a trafficking ring, we let the Feds take credit for it.”

“So you’re vigilantes?”

“No, we’re sanctioned by the powers that be. But we get in, do the rescue, and get out. We don’t brag about it. Everyone in Sanctuary has a day job and a life in their community.”

“But how do you do both demanding jobs?”

“My Sanctuary unit is on call eight days a month. It isn’t full-time.”

“Does my uncle . . . ”

Ethan raised his palm. “He knows. So does Earl. And now, you know.”

Awkwardly, Tia cleared her throat. “I won’t say a word.” She stroked Flynn’s head. He must’ve felt the tension during their conversation and had placed his head in her lap. “Let’s go back to those rescued people. What if they don’t want to go home?”

“Then we help them resettle in another part of the country.”

She considered him a moment. “I’m still bothered that the Feds watched my house and installed cameras on my property. How did that happen?”

“My Sanctuary team had an op that night, and I told Mac I couldn’t go, because you needed protection. The Feds needed me as part of the op, so they sent a couple of agents over to watch the house while I was away. I asked them to install the cameras.”

She pretended to scribble on a pad. “I should write you up for that.” Although it hadn’t escaped her that he would’ve skipped the op that night to protect her.

He cocked his head. “Well, you’ve already kicked my ass, and something happened that night, because your house was blazing with lights at three thirty a.m.”

Ohhh. He knew about that? “I had a bad dream; that’s all. Is that why you showed up with doughnuts so early?”

“Sort of. I’d planned on relieving the Feds anyway, and instead of waiting outside, I wanted to share my doughnuts with you. It was a last-minute thing, and I knew you were awake.”

“So that’s why you shaved your beard off... for the op?” She’d never forget the smooth feel of his freshly shaven face against her lips for the first time, and oddly enough, he hadn’t let it grow back.

Ethan leaned back in his chair. “Exactly. I’m also very motivated these days to keep shaving.” He punctuated the statement with a subtle wink.

Their waitress arrived with a tray and set their food in front of them. “I brought tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, extra Old Bay seasoning, and lemon wedges.” She tucked the tray under one arm and set her free hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Can I bring you anything else?”

Ethan scanned the table and raised an eyebrow at Tia.

She shook her head.

He peered up at the waitress, glanced at her hand on his shoulder, and smiled. “My lady here says we’re good, so we’re all set. Thank you.”

The waitress nodded and sauntered away.

Tia chuckled. “She’s been gunning for you ever since we arrived.”

“I know. This place can be a meat market, but I’m not on the prowl. I have exactly who I want sitting across the table from me.”

Oh. Thank goodness she hadn’t fixed him up with Susan at school. Her heartbeat ticked up with a giddy sense of pleasure as she broke Flynn’s huge hamburger into pieces.

Ethan placed his hand over hers after she took a bite. “How’s your crab cake?”

Her eyes lifted to his. “It’s delicious. Thanks for choosing this place. I haven’t gone out much in the past couple of years, and it’s refreshing to be out—especially with you.”

There was something warmly seductive in his look.

She quickly leaned over and set the burger plate in front of Flynn, then touched Ethan’s hand. “What are you thinking?”

“I think I want you in my life. Are you willing to give us a try?”

She grabbed one of his french fries and traced it against his lips. “Yes.” Elation filled her heart for the first time in months, or maybe years. “How long have you been thinking about this?”

He leaned closer. “Since the day you wore those cartoon pajamas and slippers to school.”

Interesting . “For me, it was when you made those suggestive comments in the school office.”

His eyebrows raised in surprise. “Really? So you weren’t actually pissed at me?”

Tia waved a finger. “I was upset because the office staff heard you. But deep down, I liked you even though I didn’t want to. But be forewarned—I still have a lot to work through.”

Ethan waited for her to finish, then pushed their plates to the side. “Would you like to dance?”

“Yes, I’d love to. But we can’t just leave Flynn here to take care of himself.”

He jerked his head toward the bar. “Earl’s sitting over there. He’ll watch him for us.”

Tia took a sip of her margarita and wrinkled her nose. “Did you plan this?”

He crossed his heart with two fingers. “No. Tina must have a meeting tonight. He’s been known to eat out when she’s working late.”

“Let me go with you and say hi to Earl.” She grasped Ethan’s offered hand, and they sidestepped the crowd around the bar.

Tia placed a hand on Earl’s forearm. “Sergeant?”

He spun around and grinned. “Hey, Tia. Give an old man a hug.”

His embrace resembled a hard squeeze, and he still smelled like Old Spice. Aw, how she’d missed Earl the past couple of years. He’d always been a dear friend to her family and a trusted confidant to her uncle. Tia basked in the embrace and held it a few seconds longer.

Earl raised his eyebrows. “What are you kids doing here?”

“Crab cakes, margaritas, and a sunset,” Ethan quipped. “I take it Tina’s working late tonight?”

Earl nodded. “Figured I’d get a salad and watch the sunset. I guess great minds think alike.”

Two guitar players on the stage broke into a country song while the drummer tapped his cymbals in a syncopated rhythm. Anticipation welled up in Tia’s chest as her right foot moved to the beat. She hadn’t danced since a friend’s wedding a few years ago, and this band had a great reputation.

Earl smiled knowingly. “Give me the dog. You two go dance.”

Ethan grinned. “You sure?”

“Of course. Where’s your table? I’ll sit over there with him.” Earl grabbed his beer and took the leash from Ethan. “Have fun, Son. I looked at your upcoming schedule, and you’re on duty a lot.”

The words were barely out of Earl’s mouth when Ethan tugged her forward, nudging them toward the outside deck where the band was playing. Most of the men she’d dated weren’t into dancing unless they were smashed at a wedding. Nothing was further from the truth with Ethan. The smile on his face conveyed pure joy from the second their feet hit the dance floor.

He swung her into his arms and moved like a pro, spinning and gently dipping her as if testing how their bodies worked together. Or maybe he was seeing how agile she was on her feet. Whatever—at the exact moment she couldn’t keep up with him, he’d tug her to his chest and sway so she could catch her breath.

It wasn’t like her. The urge to close her eyes and let him catch her after too many spins was overwhelming. With his hands on her hips, he guided her from one move to the next. The few times they didn’t sync on a move, they laughed. Thank goodness she’d worn low heels and not sneakers.

At the end of the second song, Tia pulled the scrunchie from her hair and let the strands fall, cascading free in the cool bay breeze. Something inside had begun to unfurl, and it had nothing to do with the margaritas.

The third song was an old hip-hop tune from her college years, and they danced apart, seeing which of them could perform the coolest moves. Laughing at their attempts, they fell into each other’s arms when the song ended. The band announced a short break so the crowd could enjoy the sunset.

Ethan guided her to the railing with the best view of the bay. “Stay here.” He headed for the tiki bar.

The evening’s fireball hovered above the horizon as if daring the pink-and-lavender sky to become more stunning. Sunsets always took her breath away, but this one she’d remember forever as the night she broke free of an internal chain that had bound her to the past. The memories weren’t worth the angst anymore. They were like tumbleweed bouncing away.

Something deep inside had been set free. Her therapist would have a good time with that one at her monthly check-in.

Ethan returned and slid in next to her, accompanied by two huge cups of ice water, and a tempting array of citrus fruit. They toasted and drank the cool and invigorating liquid like parched travelers.

Tia held up the cup. “Thank you, for this. And for the evening, too.”

He slipped his free arm around her waist. “I hope you’re having as much fun as I am. I haven’t danced like this in a very long time.”

Tia glanced up at him. His eyes sparkled with gentleness and humor and were the feature that enamored her the most. His physical demeanor virtually screamed sexy hot to the extreme, but his eyes held stories she couldn’t wait to hear. She pulled the band from her wrist and started smoothing her hair back into a ponytail.

He touched her hand. “No, don’t. Please. You have no idea how beautiful it is when your hair swings free.”

“Really?” She plopped the scrunchie into his waiting palm, and he shoved it into his pocket.

The emcee grabbed the microphone. “Are you ready for more?”

“Hell, yeah,” Ethan shouted. He bent down and spoke into her ear. “They’re going to play a salsa set.”

“How do you know?”

His eyes glinted in amusement. “Because I requested it.”

“Ooh. Hmm,” Tia murmured. She only knew the basic salsa steps and had never danced it except in front of her computer while trying to learn. This ought to be interesting.

Ethan grabbed her hand as the rhythmic music began. Two spins later, she was swiveling her hips and moving in unison with him as if they hadn’t taken a break. She closed her eyes, threw her head back, and let him spin her over and again. Tossing her hands in the air, she let him catch her—never doubting that he would.

Reality might kick in tomorrow, but tonight was all she could count on. And tonight she was flawless and beautiful and desirable. Her face hurt from smiling as they swiveled to the music in perfect harmony for several songs in a row. She turned and looped her arms around his neck. “Can we go home?”

He planted a soft kiss on her temple. “If you want.”

Ethan grabbed their dinner bill and found Earl while Tia visited the restroom. “Thank you for watching him. We really appreciate it.”

Earl handed over the leash and stroked Flynn’s bulky coat. “This dog wore himself out trying to keep up with you two on the dance floor. He never took his eyes off Tia. For that matter, neither did you.”

Ethan ran a hand through his hair. “She’s a beauty. That’s for sure.”

Earl leaned back in his chair. “I haven’t seen her smile like that in years. And I’ve never seen you cut loose and have fun.” The older man held up his hand. “Not my story to tell, Son, but after watching you two out there tonight, I think you may be writing a story you tell your grandbabies.” One side of his mouth lifted into a rare grin. “Glad you had fun. I’m out of here. Tina should be home by now.”

Ethan shook his friend’s hand. “Thanks again.”

“Happy to help.” Earl spotted Tia on the way out and gave her a quick hug.