CHAPTER SEVEN

Angel drove her back to the Alamo Motor Lodge as the sun was setting. Teri had to admit that he had been charming and she had been able to relax a little. He made her feel safe.

Suddenly shy, she ducked her chin. “Am I going to sleep here tonight?”

“Don’t worry, Teri,” he said. “I’m not one for making unwanted advances.” He got out and unlocked the door.

Teri sat in the car for a moment before joining him. When she entered the room he was taking off his jacket and slipping the knot on his tie.

“You need to go shopping for some warm weather clothes,” she said. “Only a few stodgy old lawyers in air conditioned offices wear suits and ties in San Antonio in the summertime.

“Duly noted.”

They sat on opposite sides of the king-sized bed and watched television until the news came on.

“I’ll let you take the first shower,” he said.

Without a word she took the carry-on bag with her and went into the bathroom. She locked the door behind her, imagining Angel grinning on the other side.

Teri turned on the shower and watched as the mirror immediately fogged up. She dropped her clothes and stepped into the warm water. Leaning her head against the glossy white tile, she allowed the water to flow over her. The pressure was high and the water felt like needles on her shoulders.

She lathered her hair with shampoo and massaged her scalp before stepping back into the stream. Unwrapping the small bar of soap provided by the motel, she washed her body with the rough white washcloth.

All the time she bathed, she thought about the mess she’d made of things. If she’d gone straight to the police in New York she might have avoided the ensuing problems. Perhaps the police could have protected her and she might have been able to identify the man who killed Colin. She wouldn’t have brought Bernie into it and her sister would be safe. Most of all, she wouldn’t be here in San Antonio, in a motel room with the disturbing Detective Angel Garcia.

Or, it was possible that her first instincts were right and that she’d be dead if she’d stayed in New York City. The police might not have believed her if she’d told them there was a cop involved in Colin’s death. She hadn’t seen his face, only his badge and the scar on his hand. She had the impression that he was tall, but it could have been in comparison to the other man who was so short and stocky. But she would remember his raspy voice as long as she lived.

Teri dried off and wrapped a towel around her head. She dabbed moisture lotion on her face and body and used the hair dryer attached to the bathroom wall. When she stepped out she was wearing her cotton nightgown and terry cloth robe with the belt tied firmly around her waist.

#

Angel had turned off the television and was scanning through a batch of papers. He glanced up when she entered the room and felt his jaw fall as he lost whatever composure he may have had. Staring, he was uncomfortably aware of what was under the white cotton gown and robe.

He hoped it was armor.

“What’s the matter?” she asked.

“Nothing at all.” He managed to drop some of his papers and used the act of retrieving them to recover. “You take the bed.” He shuffled the papers and stuffed them back into his briefcase. “I’ll sleep here.”

“In the chair?”

“There are two of them. I’ll push them together.”

“If you’re sure you can sleep like that.” Teri looked at him doubtfully. “There’s plenty of hot water and I didn’t use all the towels.”

“Okay. Right.” He edged his way toward the bathroom. “I’ll just be a few minutes.”

“Take your time,” she said.

Angel did take his time, letting the steamy water clear his head. He gave himself a pep-talk about the proper procedure for guarding a witness in a homicide investigation.

By the time he emerged he had resumed his professionally detached demeanor. The lamp on the desk was the only illumination in the room and Teri was curled up under the covers with her eyes closed.

He smiled when he noticed that she had pushed the two armchairs together and arranged a pillow and blanket for him. He turned to her and she opened her eyes.

“Thanks,” he said. “That was very thoughtful.”

“No problem. I’ve been enough trouble for you.”

He had never had a conversation with a woman in bed when he hadn’t been beside her. “Well, goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Teri closed her eyes.

Angel climbed into the makeshift bed and tried to find a comfortable way to sleep. After writhing around for a while he fell into a half-sleep, still aware of his surroundings but too exhausted to stay awake. He turned over and the chairs slid apart, dumping him on the floor with a loud thud.

“Oh, for heavens sake!” Teri sat up and turned on the light. “Just come on and get in the bed.”

He stood up and looked at her, still in a fog.

“Come on,” she instructed, pulling the covers down on the side of the bed closest to him. “Bring your pillow and go to sleep.”

He nodded and complied with her orders.

“And stay on your side.”

“No problem,” he said. He closed his eyes and was immediately asleep.

#

She was in bed with a great looking partially-clad man. Not a first for Teri Slaughter but the first time with a veritable stranger.

Of course, he was ignoring her. She heard his regular breathing and relaxed a little.

Angel was only wearing boxer shorts. He had a great body. She could still see it even though her eyes were tightly clamped shut. He must work out or indulge in some active sport. Nice pecs. Nice abs. Nice butt and nice legs. Whatever Angel Garcia did to exercise his hunky body, it involved the whole enchilada. Teri turned to face the bathroom door.

Teri grinned in the dark. She shouldn’t have worried about Angel. He was a perfect gentleman.

#

The next morning, Angel awoke feeling warm. He opened his eyes and found that he had Teri Slaughter in his embrace. He raised his head slightly and saw her pretty face nestled on his shoulder. She was curled on her side with all her luscious female parts pressed up against him. Only a thin cotton gown separated her warm skin from his. Her arm was flung over him and one leg was curled across him in a very intimate place.

So this is what heaven is like.

He remained motionless as he watched Teri sleep. Her translucent skin resembled the inside of a shell. She smelled good like lilac and vanilla and clean woman. It was probably some lotion or whatever she used on her hair.

She stirred and Angel knew he was going to have a full-fledged erection by the time she woke up. But he couldn’t bear to push her away and make a run for the bathroom. Her lips opened and she stretched, settling again. Her thigh pressed against him and he resisted the urge to touch her. He concentrated on breathing in and out. Slowly he lifted his hand and pushed a strand of hair off her forehead. She slid her hand across his chest and embraced him. Unable to control his actions he pressed his lips against hers.

She responded, kissing him with amazing passion. Her hand slipped behind his neck and pulled him closer.

Angel threw away his resolve and kissed her, returning her passion with an intensity that surprised even him.

She kissed him with her eyes closed but when she opened them she didn’t pull away.

He leaned over her, gazing into the aquamarine eyes.

She closed her eyes again and arched toward him for another kiss.

Angel rolled on top of Teri, kissing her and exploring her body with his hands. She stiffened and he stopped.

They gazed into each others eyes and listened to each other breathe.

Teri glanced away and he rolled off of her. She reached for her robe and got out of bed.

Angel lay back on the pillows as she locked the bathroom door. He raked his fingers through his thick hair, replaying the previous few minutes. His heart still slammed against his ribs like a percussionist on speed.

I want to wake up with her every morning for as long as we both shall live.

#

Teri locked the bathroom door and leaned against it. She tasted Angel’s kiss and felt his hands on her body. She awoke aroused and still felt the heat of Angel’s kisses.

She had never been kissed with such passion.

She had never wanted anyone the way she wanted Angel Garcia.

She had never felt so vulnerable in her life.

After an awkward encounter when she emerged from the bathroom and Angel ducked inside, she located her clothing. She threw on her jeans and knit shirt and tied her sneakers. Teri gathered her belongings and repacked the carry-on bag while Angel was in the bathroom.

When Angel emerged, he was freshly shaven and dressed in a white shirt and navy slacks.

She tried to appear completely composed, as though she was prepared for whatever the day had to offer. She wondered if she’d imagined being in bed with Angel, kissing his lips and feeling his muscular body pressed to hers, his hands caressing her.

“Ready for a big Sunday breakfast?” he asked.

“Absolutely!”

This was the enthusiastic response she’d found effective when fielding any question from her boss, Martin Kelso. Her eagerness and personality had propelled her to the forefront of her agency. Sheer grit and determination took her to the top and kept her there. Now she had thrown away her second career by fleeing the scene of a murder.

“I’ll check out and we can eat.” Angel ushered her to the car and drove to the motel office. She watched him sign for the room charges through the windshield. When he climbed back inside the car, his scent gently caressed her.

Angel drove downtown, parking in a lot beside the freeway. He escorted her to an older Mexican restaurant, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm.

“What is this place?” she asked.

“This is El Mercado, the old market square and we’re about to enjoy a classic dining experience.” He steered her into Mi Tierra Restaurant.

There was a large waiting area and a row of glass- fronted cases filled with freshly baked Mexican-style pastries. The mingled aromas were seductive, triggering an aching hunger reaction in those who entered. The serving area was contained in several huge rooms beyond the bakery.

A hostess wearing a black ruffled blouse and tiered sequined skirt greeted them and led the way to a booth. She leaned over as she placed their menus on the table, giving Angel a view of her cleavage. The hostess swept him with an appreciative glance under long lashes and sent a dimpled smile his way.

Angel met Teri’s amused expression with a shake of his head and an innocent expression.

“Do you always draw that kind of attention from females?” Teri grinned at his discomfort.

“I didn’t do anything,” he protested.

“You were breathing.” She smiled at him before opening the menu. “What do I want?”

“I’ll order for us,” he said.

When the food arrived they were served tall glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a pile of fresh flour tortillas with their breakfast. The waiter placed three small bowls on the table. They held a red sauce, a green sauce and a chunky salsa with roasted tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions and cilantro.

Teri giggled, taking a warm tortilla. “It’s a good thing I’m not still making my living as a fashion model,” Teri said. “If I ever get back to New York City, I’m going to be such a blimp they’ll fly me in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

Angel shot her a sharp glance. “I think you look fine, Teri.” His gaze warmed her insides.

“I wasn’t fishing for a compliment,” she protested. “Just commenting on my expanded state and underlying hope of returning home soon.”

We’ll get there, Teri,” Angel said. “And I’m sure you can step right back into your job at the ad agency.”

Teri pressed her lips together and sighed. “At this point, I’m not sure that’s what I actually want.”

He smiled at her across the table. “What is it that you want?”

“I wish I knew. Teaching at St. Pius made me feel truly useful for the first time in my life...Not just decorative.” She bit into her filled tortilla. “What I really want is for this to be over. I want the men who killed Colin to be caught and I want to feel safe to go back to my apartment and get my life back. I’m just not sure it will be at Kelso and Richardson.”

“You have lots of time to make career decisions.”

“I guess. I have to make up for the damage I’ve done. I want to make sure Bernie is safe and that the nuns at St. Pius aren’t in danger. I wish I could make it up to them for lying. The girls will be so disappointed in me.”

“They’ll get over it and forgive you.”

“I hope so.”

After their repast they walked around the Market Square, peering into shop windows.

“Oh, look!” Teri pointed to a store window filled with small skeletons, many involved in daily tasks. She saw an entire band of hand carved skeleton musicians.

“Día de los Muertos.” Angel smiled at her in the reflection of the store window. “Day of the Dead. We usually stretch it over November first and second and make a big deal of it.”

“What’s that about?” she asked.

“A day to honor our ancestors and loved ones who have passed on.”

“Oh.” She ducked her head. Why is he staring like that? It’s like he evaluates my every move.

“Do you have someone to honor who has passed on?”

Teri nodded and turned away from the window. “Too many to count,” she said and walked ahead of him so he couldn’t see the tears that gathered.

#