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  Duncan whistled. “Wow, our own private jacuzzi hot tub, babe.”

  “Would you stop that? We are only on a case and don’t you forget it. You can sleep downstairs on the sofa.”

  “Say what?”

  “You heard me. We aren’t sharing the same bed.”

  “What are our children going to say?”

  “Our children?” Melanie shook her head. “Duncan, please get serious. You’re carrying this a bit too far. This is all make believe.”

  Duncan held his hand high displaying his wedding band then pointed to hers. “We’ve got a marriage license, babe.”

  “Would you stop calling me, babe? I’m not a Baywatch girl.”

  “Nope, you’re prettier.”

  Melanie opened her mouth to reject his words, then shut it. He had given her a compliment.

  “Knock knock,” Tiffany said. “Matthew and I are ready for bed. Now it’s your turn. We don’t want to wake up and find out that Uncle Duncan had to sleep on the sofa, Aunt Melanie. The bed is big enough for the both of you. And you are married. We have the case to begin working on in the morning. Don’t forget.”

  Forget? She had to go view her sister’s body in the morning. How was she going to behave with the children after that?

  Melanie thought for a moment. “You’re right. I think I could use a hot bath.”

  “Come on, Uncle Duncan. Matthew and I will play Old Maid with you, while Aunt Melanie prepares for bed.” Tiffany grabbed hold of Duncan’s hand and dragged him into the other room. “Trust me, it’s a game we have always enjoyed.”

  Melanie unzipped the suitcase and pulled out a long blue nightshirt. If he thought she was sleeping in sexy lingerie, he had another think coming.

  The bath was refreshing and hot, and just what she needed to help her sleep. She was brushing her hair when Duncan returned.

  “Those two are sound asleep. They nodded off while we were finishing another hand of cards. I carried Matt up to the loft. Cute kid. Tiffany, too. But Matt…” Duncan smiled and Melanie saw it.

  “Makes you wish you had a son of your own or reminds you of yourself?”

  “Perhaps a little of both.” Duncan drew in a breath. “You smell nice. What is that—Jasmine?”

  “Yes.”

  “And your hair.” He reached out and cupped a handful.

  “I was thinking of getting it cut. I’ve had it this length for the longest time, and with the long hot summers…”

  “Don’t cut it, please.”

  “What?”

  “It’s so pretty, Melanie. It looks nice on you. Even the other detectives said how beautiful you were.”

  “They did?”

  “Listen to you. Acting like you never get compliments.”

  “Not to my face by any man.”

  “Then they’re all blind as bats.” Duncan looked around the room. “Guess you and I can share the jacuzzi tomorrow night with lighted candles?”

  “No. Maybe you can have it to yourself.” Melanie removed his hand from her hair and turned down the bedcovers. “If we have to share this bed, be aware it’s a double. So try to stay on your side. Mom and Dad liked coziness. A queen or a king bed was always out of the question for them.”

  “Bravo for them.”

  “I’ll sleep near the wall. That way if you hear anything, you can jump up and protect the children first.”

  He started undressing.

  “Duncan?”

  “We’re married, love.”

  “Fine.” Melanie slung herself onto the squeaky mattress. “Whoops, I forgot.”

  “Wow, a noisemaker. Guess your parents were cozy.”

  “Would you stop that!”

  Melanie took a magazine from the bedside table and skimmed through it, trying not to allow her gaze to stray Duncan’s way. He wore a dark blue jacket over his shirt so he could holster his gun, keeping it out of sight. Removing the jacket, he laid it on the chair near the desk, then he placed the gun on the nightstand by his side of the bed. Next came the unveiling of his blue shirt followed by his T-shirt, prompting her eyes to almost jump from their sockets.

  Did this man work out or what? It was muscle city right in front of her eyes. And he had a deep tan that would make any woman swoon. Strong arms that … oh, yes, she remembered how those arms had felt when he’d wrapped them about her and carried her over the threshold. Stop it Melanie. What has gotten into you?

  “The article any good?” Duncan asked as he pulled off his boots then started to unfasten his jeans.

  Was he going to undress right in front of her? And did he wear underwear? Oh my! He walked toward the bed with jeans half undone, fanning a hand in front of her as he handed her a tissue from the box.

  Melanie thawed instantly. “What?”

  “I asked you if the article was any good.”

  “Oh, sorry. I hadn’t started it. Why the tissue?”

  “You’re drooling.”

  “I’m what?” Melanie pressed her lips together. “I was not.”

  “Was too.”

  She snatched the tissue then closed the magazine as she slid under the covers. “Would you hurry? I want to go to bed.”

  “Believe me, honey. I’m trying.”

  “Ohh!” She was going to have to watch her words from now on, she thought, adjusting her head on the pillow.

  “And, darling, don’t worry. I do wear underwear.” Peeling his jeans off, Duncan allowed them to pool to the floor, then climbed in under the covers. But not before Melanie caught a glimpse of his body in those white boxer briefs.

  Turning off the light, he rolled to his side facing her. “Did you enjoy what you saw, darling? I noticed your little green eyes looking in my direction.”

  “Agent McGregor, goodnight.”

  Duncan fingered the top of her shoulder. “Couldn’t I have one goodnight kiss?”

  “You took one after we said I do. Thanks to the kids urging you on.”

  “That was for the kids. I’d like to have one for myself. Would you consider it if I said please?”

  Melanie didn’t budge.

  “Fine. Be that way. Now I know why you haven’t found someone and gotten married. Cold as ice.”

  That did it! Melanie leaned over, closed her hands to the back of his neck then planted her lips on his, kissing him hard. “Are you happy now?” She asked when the kiss ended.

  “I believe I am.”

  “Good. Now maybe we can finally get some sleep.” She rolled over so her back was to him. Man, had his lips tasted wonderful. Deliciously sensual with that kiss, they’d responded as soon as hers had slanted over them. “If you hear anything during the night, you be sure to let me know.”

  “You don’t have to sleep on the edge, Melanie. I’m not going to bother you. Why don’t you move toward the center of the bed just a bit?”

  Bother her? She almost wished he would. She wondered how it would feel to be engulfed in his strong arms. The thoughts still danced in her head.

  “Melanie, did you hear me?”

  “Of course I did. I’m inches from you.”

  “Took you a long time to answer.”

  “I was thinking.”

  “Is that why you shrinks charge by the hour—so you can have time to think?”

  “No! Look, I’m fine. I’m not really on the edge. Goodnight.” Melanie punched her pillow a couple of times.

  “Night, Mrs. McGregor.”

  She sighed. Mrs. McGregor. Move over toward the middle? Yeah, right. If her body happened to run into that muscular chest of his, she’d be the one bothering him. Just let me sleep tonight, please. I’ve got a dead sister to view in the morning and a secret to keep from two precious children. And please, if there is time, keep us all safe from those evil, evil men.

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  Chapter 3

  When dawn broke, Melanie was engaged in a wonderful dream. She had found her perfect soul mate, and he was not only handsome, but just one touch of his hand i
gnited her flesh with little dancing embers of fire. Oh, he felt so good, so warm, and she was no longer going to have to spend a single night alone.

  Her hand stretched across her handsome dream man’s chest and a finger lightly feathered over it. He had a fresh scent to him. Opening one eye halfway, she saw that his hair was partially wet as he leaned against the headboard. He was sporting a wide grin.

  “Morning, little wife. Did you sleep well? You sure know how to get a man’s motor started in the morning.”

  Little wife. Both eyes flew open. Even his breath smelled wonderful this morning. Melanie quickly covered her mouth with the palm of her hand.

  Duncan handed her a mint. “I keep them by the bed for those who are insecure when they first wake up.”

  Melanie’s eyes grew wider. How many women had been by his side when he awoke each morning? Probably lots. She slid the mint into her mouth. “You make it a habit to wake up with women often?”

  “Only when they allow me to.” Duncan’s finger curled around her hair. “So, how did you sleep?”

  “You tell me. You’re the one that probably slept with one eye open.” She started to move away, but he touched her hand and placed it back on his chest. “Don’t you think you should put on a T-shirt? What if the kids come in? Are they up?”

  “Matt was staring at that make-believe badge in the loft. Tiffany said she was going to surprise us with breakfast.”

  “You’re in for a treat. That girl can cook. I’d wager that one day she’ll have her own culinary school.” Melanie enjoyed the way his finger curled around her hair. This felt almost real. Almost right. Her hand on his darkened chest lay still when, in her mind, it was charting a course all over that muscular area. “Agent McGregor…”

  “Please, if we want this to work you must call your husband by his first name. After all, you were really enjoying my closeness when you woke.”

  “I was in a deep dream. You just happened to be the one next to me.”

  “I feel honored.”

  “Duncan, please can we get serious? The people that we’re tracking, are they aware of your identity?”

  “They suspect they’re being tracked. If someone is working on the inside against our department then they probably know that I’m an agent.”

  “But no one will find us here…”

  He stopped playing with her hair and clutched her hand as it lay on his chest.

  Melanie’s gaze shot into his.

  “Honey, there is no place that is safe. I want you to drill that into your mind. If you don’t, then you won’t be on your guard. I’m only telling you this for your own good.”

  She repressed a sigh. Why she trusted a man she only met yesterday, was beyond her, but his presence made her feel she was in a comfort zone, one she had missed since her parents’ death. “What will we do with the children while I am with Allison’s body? I probably could go in alone while you watched them.”

  “True, but it was bad when I viewed her. I’m not putting you through that. I shouldn’t even make you go in there. The dental records proved…”

  “No. If we want this to look real, I’ll need to see her, especially if you suspect we’re being watched. There is no turning back, Duncan. I want to identity her. I need to know for myself. I just hate keeping things from the kids.”

  “We have to nab them, Melanie. It’s our only chance, now. When we arrive there’s another agent that will be meeting us. I can trust her.”

  “Her?”

  “Yes. Andrea. You don’t have to worry about her with the kids. I’ve known her a good many years. She is one of the best, and you can definitely trust her.”

  Melanie wanted to ask if he and Andrea had ever … had they ever been in love, but she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. To even know if he’d been serious about anyone … A tap at the door interrupted her thoughts.

  “Tiffany wanted me to tell the two lovebirds that breakfast will be ready shortly, but that Aunt Melanie has time to take a shower,” Matthew said as he stepped through the door with his hands covering his eyes.

  “Matthew, you can remove those hands,” Duncan said.

  “Good morning, Duncan,” Matthew said, marching over to the bed. “I’ve just about got our game plan lined out. I’ll be sure to run it by you once I’m done.” He turned his head sideways, staring at Duncan’s chest. “If I work out, do you think I’ll have a chest like yours? You have muscles. I bet the girls would like muscles more than an instrument.”

  “Matthew Dunbar!” Melanie scolded.

  “Oh come on, Melanie, let the boy have some fun. Yes, Matt, one day you will grow up and have muscles. But let’s don’t grow up too fast. Once you’re grown, the years really start creeping up on you. Enjoy your youth while you can.”

  “Okay. I’ll go work on our plan. Oh, just to let you know, Tiffany is making a big breakfast. I only wanted cereal but no, she said I had to have a hot meal,” he said, waving his hands in the air. “See you downstairs soon.”

  “I love that boy,” Duncan said when Matthew left the room.

  Melanie sat up in the bed, crossing her legs Indian style. “I think that you would make a good father, Duncan.”

  “Me, father material. I don’t know.”

  “It’s never crossed your mind?”

  “I never said that.”

  “So now you’re going to up and leave me and the children just like that? You better rethink, Mister, before you haul off and dump us.” Melanie balled her fist and hit him in the stomach. Man that was one solid stomach, all muscle.

  “Okay that is going to cost you, young lady.” Duncan barreled up and threw her onto her back, tickling her.

  “No, no, Duncan. Stop it. I’m ticklish.” She was laughing and kicking her feet.

  “Yeah, I sort of expected that with all this wiggling. Hit me in the stomach? Tell me that I might consider walking out on my family? Never, you sexy goddess.”

  She laughed heartily then placed her hands against his chest, trying to push him off.

  He ceased the tickling as he gazed deeply into her eyes.

  At the same time her gaze roamed to his lips. Just one kiss. That’s all they needed, just one.

  Duncan slowly lowered his face to taste those luscious lips when his pager went off.

  “Important?”

  “Someone in the Department. I better use the cellphone.”

  “Can’t they trace that line somewhere or break into the sequence?”

  “We have a little chip that scrambles.” He reached down and pecked a kiss to her cheek. “Go shower, babe.”

  When she stood to her feet he slapped her rear.

  “Hey, Mister.”

  Duncan playfully arched his brows.

  Fifteen minutes later, Melanie had showered and was dressed. Not really sure what to wear, she knew another pair of jeans would be easier for traveling. Donning a blue shirt to go with them, she pulled her hair back in a ponytail, then grimaced.

  “What’s wrong, love?” Duncan asked while bathing in her beauty.

  “Another pet name?”

  “I have a lot more. So why the frown?”

  “I need to get a haircut.”

  “Oh no,” Duncan said shaking his head. “You keep that hair long. I like the ponytail. That is my downfall when it comes to women.”

  “Oh is it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Hmm, I wonder what other downfalls you have, Agent McGregor. I know nothing about your background.”

  “I’ll leave that up to you to discover on your own.”

  “I do know you’re leery of heights. I saw that skeptical look yesterday coming around that sharp curve.”

  “That was nothing.” Duncan didn’t wish to remember that part in his life. “Let’s go eat. My stomach is screaming for food.”

  “I have a feeling you don’t wish to be profiled concerning anything in your life, detective.”

  “Nonsense, I just think we should discuss this later.�
�

  “Wait. The pager. Was that bad news?”

  “No. Just seeing what time we’d be making our appearance. Andrea had something else to take care of, but she’ll be there when we arrive.”

  “You sure you and Andrea aren’t…”

  “Married one day, and you’re already jealous?”

  Melanie crossed her arms. “Jealous? I have nothing to be jealous about, Duncan.”

  He arched a brow.

  “I don’t. This is only a game we’re playing. Nothing more. When it’s over, this marriage is null and void. You will go your way and I’ll go back to my work. Remember that.”

  “We have children. One of us will have to decide who gets them.”

  A lump caught in Melanie’s throat. That part was true. When all this was over, there would be no parent for the children. And the real father didn’t deserve them. He had never been there for them. How many times had Allison tried to track the guy down for child support and never found him? He was doing everything possible to dodge any law chasing him for back child support.

  Duncan saw the sadness in her eyes. “Melanie, I was only playing.”

  “But it’s true. They’re going to be the worst hit after all this is over.”

  “Well, I’m keeping Matt. He’s going to make a fine detective. And if Tiffany is a great cook, I’ll probably have to keep her, too.”

  Melanie threw her arms around his solid middle.

  “What’s all this about?”

  “I’m scared. It’s a word that I don’t usually put in my vocabulary as a therapist, but I’m worried about the children. I’m afraid to see the body, but I have to do this. I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t.”

  Duncan feathered a kiss to the top of her head as his strong hands caressed the middle of her back. “I’ll do everything I can to put a stop to this and to be there for you and the children. I promise, Melanie.”

  As they made their way down the stairs, the heavenly aroma drifted into the living room.

  “I bet she’s got hash browns, too,” Duncan said as he inhaled the succulent smell.

  “She’ll have a huge spread,” Melanie told him, as they made their way into the dining room.