It's A Crime by C.E. Hansen Read Free Book Online Page B

if it came down to me or her, he was taking me home.
    He held my coat up I shrugged it on as we walked outside Luke’s. He turned me around and wrapped my scarf around my neck then handed me my cell phone, which of course I hadn’t realized I’d left on the table. I thanked him with a smile and a roll of my eyes.
    “You should text Michelle and let her know where you will be.”
    “She is just really overprotective of me ,” I defended Michelle.
    “I see that. I also understand her concern.” He bent close to my ear and my breath caught. The heat in his breath brushed my face as he whispered, “But nothing is going to happen to you that you don’t want to happen. That is a promise, and I don’t break promises.”
    I was melting at a rapid pace .
    “Well , Ace, I want a lot of things to happen to me and I’m hoping you’re the man for the job.”
    He smiled at my boldness and putting his hand on the small of my back led me to the luxury Black BMW SUV, which had just pulled up curbside. He stuck his head in the window.
    “Ray, take us home.”
    Ray, a tall, large gray-haired man, dressed impeccably in a black suit and black tie, jumped out with the agility of a much younger man and walked quickly around the car. He opened the door and tapped the brim of his hat by way of greeting. I caught a peek at a firearm holstered inside his jacket. What the hell? Cole had a bodyguard. Who was this handsome stranger and why would he need a bodyguard?
    “Miss.” Ray nodded and held his hand up, indicating I should get in.
    “Hi , Ray, nice to meet you.” I climbed in.
    “Sir.” Ray nodded to Cole. Cole got into the back seat next to me. Ray softly closed the door and went around to the drivers’ side. He pulled away from the curb and as he did, Cole slipped his arm around my shoulders. The sensation of his touch rippled through me and I leaned into him.
    We arrived at the hotel in what seemed like just a few minutes, but as I had more than a drink or two, I couldn’t be sure. Ray pulled into the circular driveway in front of the hotel, and as he had done earlier, got out and opened the car door for me. Holding my hand, he helped me to my feet. Cole had already gotten out on his side and was by my side in a flash. Ray tapped his hat again and got into the car and pulled it out of the circular drive, I watched him drive off until my attention was drawn to the doorman, who opened the door for us to enter.
    “Mr. Grayson, sir.” He turned to me. “Miss.”
    “Jason ,” Cole answered nodding.
    Cole placed his arm around me and we entered the hotel. As we stepped into the beautifully adorned lobby, he took my hand in his and led me past the front desk. The pretty brunette clerk nodded respectfully. Cole nodded in return. My eyes scanned the lobby. It was tastefully done in cream and burgundy with gold accents. The sofas and wing chairs covered in floral brocade in the same hues with little sky blue flowers was not only gorgeous, but tasteful and conveyed class. He led me toward the elevator bank, down to the last elevator, and we stepped inside.
    My attention turned to the beautiful man at my side. The doors closed and Cole took a key from his jeans pocket, inserted it into the panel and punched in his code. The elevator climbed smoothly until it slowly came to a halt on the top floor. He placed his arm around my waist and once again the electric current flowed into me. I shivered momentarily in anticipation.
    When the elevator doors finally opened, we stepped into a tastefully decorated foyer . Marble floors and columns, tall dark thick wooden doors. Fresh flowers on the large round table stood in the center of the large round vestibule furnished with cream-colored settees and rosewood lacquered tables off to the side, also adorned with fresh flowers.
    T hree separate doors lined the room along with a wide arch that led to the living room area. The perimeter lights were lit low. A stunning center light with long