here? I thought this was just a routine visit, and that you wouldn’t be back.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.”
For the first time she noticed the notepad in his other hand. Her voice lowered. “If this isn’t merely a routine check, does this mean something is wrong?”
He kept his features deliberately unreadable. “Sorry, Miss McGrath. I’m not at liberty to discuss my business with anyone except your uncle.”
“Of course.” She felt the sting of censure and wondered how it was that this man could make her feel so damnably awkward. In any other man his attitude would come across as pure arrogance, but she had the feeling that in Thad Law, it was simply the way he conducted business. No doubt he put up a wall between himself and every civilian he came in contact with.
“Well.” She took a step back, needing to put some distance between them so she could catch her breath. “Don’t let me stop you, Detective.”
Instead of giving her the space she so obviously wanted, he leaned close and watched the way her eyes narrowed. “I told you. It’s Thad. Why don’t you try it?”
“Why don’t you—” She drew in a breath when she saw the hint of humor in his eyes. She counted to ten, then tried again. “Okay. Why not? I guess I’ll be seeing you around, Thad.”
“You can count on it, Miss McGrath.”
“My name is Heather.”
He seemed to consider that a moment, as though fitting the name to the woman. “You can count on seeing me around, Heather.” He stood there a moment longer, feeling the tension hum between them. Then he turned on his heel.
She watched him walk away. It occurred to her that he didn’t so much walk as stalk. Like a panther on the trail of some poor, unsuspecting prey.
She shivered at the thought.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she waited until her breathing had returned to normal and her legs felt steady enough to carry her without stumbling. Then she headed in the opposite direction. She didn’t want to bump into Thaddeus Law again. There was something far too dark and dangerous about him.
Like a man who’d seen too much. And knew too many secrets. Secrets he had no intention of sharing with anyone.
But then, why should he? A man like that probably didn’t need anyone or anything. He gave every impression of being a law unto himself.
Thad headed toward Joe’s office. But though he mechanically noted the security sensors positioned overhead, his mind was still on Heather McGrath. When she’d first stepped into Joe Colton’s office, he’d felt like some sort of awestruck schoolboy. She was almost too perfect. Like every man’s ideal woman. Tall, willowy, with soft blue eyes and a turned-up nose. She even had perfect dimples when she smiled. And to top it off, all that smooth blond hair flowing like silk.
He’d had to touch it. Just to assure himself it was as soft as it looked. The jolt he’d been forced to endure had been worth it. It was the kind of hair a man wanted to sink his hands into.
And then there were those lips. So perfectly formed. The lower lip full and inviting. He’d been shocked by the urge to kiss her, to touch his mouth to hers and drink his fill.
The perfume she wore was intoxicating. Like crushed roses. When he’d breathed her in, she went straight to his head and sent it spinning.
A man could get addicted to a woman like that.
He’d been grateful for those few minutes to study her when she’d first arrived. It had given him the advantage when they’d been introduced.
Of course, that didn’t explain why he’d spent all that time studying her again when he’d come upon her just now.
He frowned. Men didn’t need a reason to look at a woman like that. It was the most natural thing in the world. And it wasn’t as if she didn’t know she was beautiful. How could she not be aware of it? She’d probably been stared at by men since she was old enough to wiggle those sexy hips.
He knew her type. In his line of work he’d come across dozens of women like her. Rich, pampered, adored. They took their beauty and their lifestyle for granted. And when things started to fall apart, so did they.
He’d be willing to bet that her idea of work was leeching off her rich uncle and talking endlessly on the phone to her friends. The first time she broke a fingernail she’d probably throw a tantrum.
Still, when they shook hands, he’d felt the heat clear to his toes. There was no denying she was one hot little female.
And, he figured, as long as he was going to be here conducting an investigation, he may as well enjoy the view. Even though he’d have to remember not to touch.
Heather McGrath was too rich for his blood.
He knocked, then opened the door when he heard Joe Colton’s voice summon him to enter.
“What’d you find, Thad?”
“It’s a good security system, as far as it goes. But I’d recommend that you add some refinements.”
Joe nodded. “Okay. That’s why I asked for your help. How soon can you have it done to your satisfaction?”
Thad shrugged. “A day or two. I can order the parts you need. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hire the workmen myself. No sense having strangers on the premises that haven’t passed a security check.”
Joe smiled. “Whatever you say, Thad. Can you stay for lunch?”
“No, thanks.” Thad turned away. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”
When the door closed behind him, Peter McGrath gave Joe a long, measuring look. “Seems to me you’re going to a lot of trouble for a man who doesn’t think anything’s wrong.”
Joe clapped a hand on his foster brother’s shoulder. “After what’s happened lately, I’ve decided to wise up and take precautions. Besides, my favorite niece plans on living and working here now. I’d like to think that all these security measures will give you and Andie some peace of mind.”
Peter nodded, thinking of the way his wife, Andie, had reacted when she’d heard what Heather planned to do. She liked having her daughter close. “You’re right, of course. I’m grateful that you’re finally ready to put your safety in the hands of an expert.”
At the appearance of the housekeeper, Inez, announcing that lunch was ready, the two men made their way to the beautiful dining room, overlooking the courtyard. They met Heather just coming from the other direction.
“Will Aunt Meredith be joining us?” she called cheerfully.
Joe shook his head. “Meredith never eats lunch here. In fact, she’s rarely at home. That’s just one more reason why I’m so glad you’re here, sweetheart. You’ll be great company. Besides, your father assures me that you’re an expert at whipping an office into shape.”
As the three were seated they could see, through the floor-to-ceiling windows,
