“Why do you want me to go with you?”
There was silence for a moment but when she spoke it was with confidence. “It w
ould look less obvious if I show up there with someone,” she explained. “I’m pretty sure it’s league night and if my ex is there he won’t be suspicious if I’m not alone.”
“Exactly.” He didn’t miss a beat. “And if you’ve got a date it’s only right that he brings you to the bowling alley. Guys check that sort of thing out. Your ex will see what I’m driving when we leave. Mark my word.”
She sighed, and again he smiled, knowing she couldn’t argue against riding with him. “Fine,” she grunted. “Be here in an hour. I need time to get ready.”
“Take all the time you need, darling,” he growled.
Ash snorted, but didn’t argue. “See you in an hour.”
He doubted she’d needed an hour when he picked her up an hour later. Her hair wasn’t wet, and although she looked hot as hell in hip-hugging blue jeans and a tube top that showed off her firm, flat belly, something told him she had put him off an hour simply to try and maintain the upper hand. She wasn’t wearing makeup but her dark, forest-green eyes were bright and attentive when she greeted him at the door and then closed it behind her, turning the knob to insure it was locked.
She slung a sweater over her shoulder. “I haven’t been to the bowling alley in ages, so if we’re asked, you like bowling.”
“Can you bowl?” he asked, opening his passenger door for her and managing not to touch her when she slid into his SUV.
Her blond hair looked exceptionally soft and wavy tonight. “I used to be able to, but it’s been over four years since I’ve bowled.”
“Since your divorce?”
She shot him a pensive look. “Yes,” she said, and then reached to close her door.
The bowling alley was crowded and noisy, not too different from how he remembered it when he used to come here in his early twenties. Slipping his arm around Ashley’s bare shoulders, he paused just inside the entrance, noting immediately there weren’t any free lanes.
Ashley stiffened when he pulled her against him. Chase lowered his mouth to her ear, breathing in the soft smell of lavender. “You want to make it look like we’re together, darling,” he reminded her.
She looked at him, her face inches from his and her eyes dark as she blinked and continued watching him through thick, long lashes. “What would you tell someone you do for a living?” she whispered, her lips moist and full as she searched his face.
“Keep a very close eye on you,” he growled, and enjoyed the hell out of her surprised expression.
“Do you date often?” he asked.
“Not at all.”
“So your ex isn’t accustomed to seeing you with another man.” He didn’t make it a question, wondering how possessive her ex-husband might be.
“No. We were together since high school.”
“Why did you divorce?”
“He didn’t want a career wife,” she said matter-of-factly, not giving him any indication she regretted the fact that she was one.
“His loss,” he muttered, continuing to whisper so those around them wouldn’t overhear their conversation. But he was overly aware that people moved around them as they stood several feet from the door in the main walkway behind the lanes.
“Men want a woman waiting at home for them when they come home.”
“Some men enjoy their woman at their side when trying to nail a killer.” It didn’t bother him when her mouth parted, surprised that he might consider pursuing her for more than she probably thought he wanted from her.
Before she could think of a response, he took advantage of her being off guard and pulled her closer to him. Then gripping her neck with his free hand, he tipped her head back slightly by pushing his thumb under her chin. When he kissed her, she didn’t fight him. If anything, as she sighed into his mouth, and touched his arm with her warm hand, it was all he could do not to devour her right there in front of everyone.
Chase ran his hand down her back, loving how smooth and warm her skin was. She was trim, with perfect angles and curves. He gripped her ass, pushing her into him and then moved his other hand through her soft, silky hair.
“Are you ready to look around?” he asked, his voice rough as he gazed down at her.
Ashley’s lashes fluttered over her eyes when she licked her full, wet lips. “Yes,” she whispered.