I stiffened at the repeated question, then frowned. “Why does everyone think I can’t do this? I know I’m small, but I’m not lifting the car onto the tow truck.”

“You should be safe in bed, not out here. Where’s Roy?”

He wasn’t going to settle until he got his answer.

“He didn’t answer his cell, I guess. Graham called me.”

“Graham has your number?” If Huck had fur, he’d have a stripe raised up his back based on the way he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Graham and I are having a wild fling. He calls me to meet him. At car accidents. It’s pretty hot.”

“Talk like that gets you over my knee, baby girl.”

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to punch him in the throat or climb him like a tree for that. The one time we’d had sex, it had been hot. A little frantic, but I’d been a virgin and had had no clue what I was doing. It had hurt like hell, too, even though Huck had been gentle.

But I’d learned I didn’t want gentle. He’d been holding back with me, and for my first time I was thankful. But I wasn’t a virgin any longer, and my needs weren’t tame. Or at least they weren’t tame with Huck.

I wanted him to take me over his knee. Then fuck me hard.

That wasn’t what I needed to think about right now. Or ever. I stepped back from his hold. Remembered where I was. That it was Huck standing in front of me. I shouldn’t be seeking comfort from him. I hated him. Right?

“Then stop asking stupid questions,” I snapped.

His lips thinned, and his gaze shifted between mine. I felt as if I was a suspect and he was waiting for me to admit my guilt to a crime.

“Head back to your truck. It’s going to take a little time. The preschool downtown, Claire’s preschool, was set on fire earlier. An eyewitness put this car”—he tipped his head toward the flipped vehicle—“at the scene. There’s a gas can and other evidence that has to be gone through.”

“God, was anyone hurt?”

He shook his head, but his jaw clenched tight. I was sure he was thinking about his daughter and the other children being caught in a fire. Some of my fight left me then, realizing all that Huck had stacked on his shoulders.

“Someone will get you when it’s time to load the car.” He turned, then shifted back. Lowered his head before I could even blink, and kissed me hard and fast. His mouth was firm, intent. His tongue plundered for one delicious lick. Then he stalked off.

“That’s it?” I called, setting my fingers on my lips. “Wait?”

He stopped, looked over his shoulder at me. “You need to talk to your daddy.”

10

HUCK

Sunday, 11 a.m.

I pulled my police SUV up in front of the main house. Kelsey climbed out and didn’t look back, meeting Alice on the front porch. The older woman put her arms around Kelsey’s shoulders and led her inside. Kelsey hated me because I’d arrested her so she’d be forced to talk to Sawyer. It was complicated and their own story, but yeah, she wasn’t happy with me. That was fine. What was important was that she loved Sawyer, even when he was hotheaded.