Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 by Karen Whiddon (interesting books to read for teens TXT) 📕

knows you? Or maybe you’ve seen him before, but just can’t remember where. I’m willing to bet those guys aren’t taking any chances that you recall more than his eye color. Besides that, we still don’t know if the incident from earlier is connected. They might actually know where you live.”

Anything was possible. The second her gaze had connected with the man’s, Connie had experienced déjà vu. But outside of work and hanging out with her sister or Trinity, she didn’t socialize much. Especially lately, since work consumed a lot of her time.

“I honestly don’t think he’s anyone I know. I’d remember those eyes.”

“What about his tat?”

“I only saw a little of it.”

Trace huffed out a breath and pushed away from the counter. “I’m still hoping that Max can get me a copy of the sketch. Maybe it’s a prison or gang tattoo. Actually, if that’s the case, the Feds should be able to run it through one of their databases. Have you remembered anything else?”

Connie sighed. “Are you going to ask me that every day?”

Trace studied her, and his eyes softened. “Probably.”

“Well, don’t. If anything else comes to mind, I’ll tell you. Until then, let’s pretend I was never at the scene of the robbery.”

CHAPTER 9

At midnight, Trace was sitting up in bed, his back against the upholstered headboard as he flipped through TV channels. A night owl, he rarely went to bed before one or one thirty. This night was no different, except for the fact that he had company. From his vantage point, he could keep an eye on Connie sitting on the balcony that was right off his bedroom. At first, he had thought about lounging in the family room, but with his overprotective nature, Trace didn’t want to be that far from her. This way, he could give her some time alone, while still being nearby if she needed him.

The dimmed bedroom lights cast just enough illumination for Connie to not be in the dark. But not so much that would take away from the serenity of being on the balcony, listening to the calming waterfall below.

It seemed surreal to have her at his place. How many times had he imagined Connie spending time in his space or staying the night? This wasn’t exactly what Trace had in mind, but he loved having her here. She wanted him to forget about the robbery and everything attached to it, but that wasn’t going to happen. He was unsettled, knowing that Connie might easily still be a target. Those guys wouldn’t want anyone, a witness or a teller, left behind if there was a possibility that they could be identified.

Trace had talked with Trinity before heading to Connie’s place earlier that day. He’d had questions that someone with a law-enforcement background might be able to answer, like what the chances were that the robbers would try to find Connie. She thought the possibility was very slim, but when pressed, she admitted to being concerned.

Trace’s attention went to the balcony door as it eased open, and Connie tiptoed in. His gaze traveled the length of her profile. She wore a cute pajama shorts set that wasn’t necessarily sexy, but he knew what was underneath the cotton material, and her well-toned, shapely legs were another story.

“I’m not asleep,” he said quietly, not wanting to startle her as she closed the door behind her.

“Oh, good. I mean, I didn’t want to wake you. I hadn’t planned on staying out there so long, but it was so relaxing.”

He smiled at the words on her short-sleeved top—Kiss me, I’m adorable. Trace wanted nothing more than to do that. However, he had decided that if anything ever happened between them again, she’d have to be the one to make the first move. He just hoped she wouldn’t make him wait too long.

“Like you, the balcony is one of my favorite spots in the house. Oh, and I’ll make sure there’s coffee ready when you get up. That way you can experience the morning out there with a strong cup of joe.”

Connie shook her head. “Trace, you don’t have to wait on me hand and foot. You’ve already done so much. The least I can do is fix a cup of coffee. Actually, if you have eggs, bacon or similar food items, I’ll even volunteer to make breakfast for us in the morning.”

“I wouldn’t say no to that.”

Connie glanced at the television. “What are you watching?”

Trace had just switched to Netflix and was planning to watch one of his favorite stand-up comedians. He told Connie, then added, “You’re welcome to join me if you’re not too sleepy.” He patted the spot on the bed next to him. He’d been observing her for much of the night, and her tough-guy act wasn’t working on him.

No, she was too compassionate. There was no way the incident wasn’t at the forefront of her mind. Not only had she been there, but someone she knew had also been killed. She could pretend all she wanted, but she wasn’t fooling anyone, especially not him.

“Okay, maybe for a little while,” she conceded and climbed onto the king-size bed.

Trace dimmed the lights even more. Not to the point where they couldn’t make out each other’s features, but enough to help them both relax.

“I’ve never heard of this guy before, but he’s pretty funny.”

“He is. I’ve seen his show in person a few times. I’ll let you know the next time he’s in town.”

“I’d like that. Speaking of shows, I have two tickets to a Broadway musical that’s coming to Vegas in a couple of weeks. Do you want to go with me?”

Trace glanced at her, surprised by the invite. He wasn’t big on musicals, but for her, he’d sit through one. As far as he could remember, he didn’t have anything planned for that day. Even if he had a prior commitment, he’d cancel.

“I’d love to go with you.”

Once the show finished, another one came on. Connie was quiet, only