“Oh, there’ll always be a next time. The world’s full of creeps like that.”

Debbie hugged him, purposely resting her cheek on the bulge of his holster just to prove that it didn’t shock her by its presence. “And the world’s just as full of nice guys…like you.”

His arms tightened, and then he quickly released them, remembering her injuries.

“I’ve got to get back. I just wanted to make sure—”

“I’m fine. However, I can’t promise what condition I’ll be in by bedtime.”

He frowned. “Why?”

“Buddy wants to cook dinner.”

Cole leaned his head back and laughed. He looked down at her face, saw the barely concealed distress, and laughed again.

“I’ll try not to be late,” he chuckled. “However, if I am, don’t feel obligated to hold dinner for me. I’ll just grab a bite somewhere else.”

“You’re lying and you know it.” She sighed. “For two cents, I’d go with you. I don’t know if my stomach can stand four courses of sweets.”

Cole’s voice was gentle as he leaned down and swept a quick kiss across her forehead.

“For less than that, I’d take you with me.” His dark eyes raked the slender curves beneath her floppy shirt. And then he shrugged. “But duty calls, at least it will, if I don’t get myself back in gear. Take care, girl.”

Debbie’s tone was light, but the shadows in her eyes told him that she dreaded to see him go. “You, too,” she said, and absently patted the holster beneath his jacket.

He grabbed her hand, holding it gently but firmly as he made her look at him. He needed to see that the fear wasn’t there. He had to assure himself that she wasn’t about to fly to pieces over where he was going.

She pulled her hand away and gave the jacket one more pat.

“Just checking,” she said. “Wouldn’t want you to leave without all your…bulges in place.” She made a theatrical leer at the one behind his zipper and then grinned as he blushed.

“I’m already gone,” Cole muttered. “Hell, it’s safer out on the streets than it is here with you.”

“Maybe,” Debbie said. “But here, you wouldn’t need a gun. I’d go easy.”

God almighty! Cole made a beeline for the door. He didn’t have time to pursue this interesting line of questioning. And, he had no desire to return to work in any kind of shape that would require explanations. He ignored the ache behind his zipper and focused on the one in his heart. When he got back, Deborah Jean Randall owed him more than answers. He’d been teased and tortured past his limit.

Chapter 6

That laugh! Cole pivoted, nearly dropping his hot dog and cola as he stared at the woman across the street.

It was Debbie!