In Zach's Arms (Once a Marine, Always a Marine Book 1) Read Free

in.”

    ***

    Elizabeth sipped the hot coffee he’d poured for her. The wooden chair she’d claimed was comfortable and the fresh air helped her recount the details. They went over it twice. “There’s a detective assigned to the case. Detective Wolfe. He’s seems young, but competent and extremely thorough. I felt like I was a part of the Inquisition earlier.”
    “He truly believes this isn’t random?”
    “Correct. He says it’s personal, but I don’t know who might want to hurt me. I just don’t come into contact with that many people.”
    “Could be anyone. Some clerk at a store that you frequent. You smile and he thinks it means more than it does. Anyone in your building seem strange?”
    Mr. McCreedy gave her the willies, but he’d never said much to her that was weird. Still, something must have shown on her face because Zach’s eyes narrowed.
    “Who are you thinking of?”
    Elizabeth shrugged and sighed. McCreedy rarely spoke, but he watched her.  
    “It might be important,” he prodded.
    “It’s just this one neighbor…,” she shook her head. “It’s probably my imagination, but I feel like he watches me. More than the usual nosy neighbor would. His window faces my parking space and, no matter what time I come and go, he’s there. Staring.”
    “What’s his name?”
    “McCreedy is his last name. I don’t know his first name.”
    “That’s a good start. Did you tell Wolfe about him?”
    “I didn’t even think about it until now. He’s lived in the building for years. Bea would have said something if she thought he was a problem.”
    “Maybe he never had a reason to be a problem until you.”
    “Nice. So I’m a problem now?”
    “Yeah, you are. How many other desirable young women live in that building?”
    Trying to ignore the warm tingle his words caused, she said, “It’s true, I’m one of the youngest tenants. Bea doesn’t usually rent to anyone younger than thirty. She says twenty-somethings are flighty and don’t pay the rent on time. But I remind her of her niece in Chicago, so she took a chance on me.”
    “This guy ever invite you to his place? Or try to touch you?”
    “No, and he barely even speaks to me, or anyone else for that matter. I’m sure he’s harmless. Probably just lonely.”
    “Or he’s a freak who’s planning on taking more from you than just your panties.”
    “Okay, I was feeling better until you said that.”
    “I won’t sugar-coat this because you’re scared. You need to be. Someone out there wants to hurt you and I’m not about to let that happen.”
    Elizabeth pulled her knees up to her chest. “This is all so ridiculous.”  
    “Give me your keys. I’ll move your SUV and get your bags.”
    “I don’t have much with me, just a purse, laptop, and a small bag of clothes.”
    “Got it,” he said, palming the keys. “Go on into the house. The only room made up is the biggest room at the end. Crawl in and get some rest. You look ready to drop.”
    “’kay.”
    It wouldn’t hurt to close her eyes for a few minutes and catch a nap. Lethargy settled into her body and made her arms and legs feel as if they weighed a thousand pounds. She didn’t really sleep these days, but a nap sounded so good.
    A nap curled up with Zach sounded even better.

Chapter 3

    Zach watched Beth sleep on the leather couch. She hadn’t even made it to the bedroom. Squatting down to stare into her face, his breath caught. Even as an awkward teen, Beth had been lovely, but she’d grown even more beautiful.  
    He reached out to brush a strand of hair out of her face. It caressed his rough fingers like silk. It was hard to believe so much time had passed since she was a freshman and he was a trouble-making sophomore from foster care.
      The snore made him smile. Beth’s full lips were slightly parted. It was good that she was finally getting some rest. The puffiness under her eyes concerned him. Knowing Beth, she probably hadn’t slept a full night