Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 Karen Whiddon (best fiction books to read TXT) 📖

she’s caught up in this mess.” He wasn’t sure how far she’d go to help the FBI, but if they asked her to do something in the name of helping them catch the bastards, she’d do it.

“You have to give her some credit, man,” Maxwell said, as if reading his mind. “She might be tiny, but she’s tough. She’ll be all right.”

Maxwell had known her longer than Trace. If he said she was tough enough, Trace would have to believe him. That didn’t mean that he wouldn’t be right there to step in if she needed him.

“Well, let me get back to work. Take care of our girl and holler if you need anything.”

“Will do,” Trace said, giving him a fist bump before Maxwell headed down the hallway.

When Trace turned back to Connie, she was walking toward him, her posture rigid, as if she was carrying the world on her shoulders. He watched her carefully, needing to see with his own eyes that she was all right. Physically, she appeared fine, but Trace didn’t miss the way her gaze bounced around. She was running her hands up and down her bare arms, as if cold. The closer she got to him, the more agitated she seemed.

His heart rate kicked up when their gazes finally collided. He had never seen her look so vulnerable and so worn out as she did in that moment. The worst part was that he wasn’t sure what to do for her.

“You all right?” he asked, knowing it was a dumb question, but it was all he could think to say.

Instead of speaking, Connie nodded and swallowed. Folding her bottom lip between her teeth, she gnawed on it as her features contorted into a mask of anguish. Tears suddenly filled her eyes. The sight was like taking a punch to the stomach. Trace could practically feel the mental and emotional battles taking place within her.

Ah, hell.

“Come here,” he said, trying to keep his own warring emotions in check.

He opened his arms, and Connie practically fell into his embrace. Tightening his hold around her, Trace held her close as her shoulders shook and she silently cried against his chest.

He could only imagine what it had been like, being present during a bank robbery. What had she seen? Had the man who’d been shot been nearby? Then to have to recount the details, reliving the moments over and over, had probably taken a toll. He hated seeing her like this. Watching any woman cry was hard, but when that woman was Connie, his pint-size dynamo, it was even tougher. The thought of something or someone putting a dent in her strong, vibrant personality broke his heart.

So many thoughts and questions jockeyed inside his head—questions he wanted answers to, but not yet. Right now, Connie just needed to know that he was there for her.

“It’s going to be all right,” he said close to her ear.

Minutes ticked by as they stood on the side of the hallway. He ignored the sidelong glances they were getting from officers and employees milling about. All that mattered at that moment was the woman in his arms.

Trace placed a kiss on top of her head, her mass of curls tickling his nose. Of course, he had dreamed of having her in his arms again, but not like this. Not when she was so upset.

As her sobs quieted, Connie slowly loosened her arms from around his waist. When she pulled back, she blotted her face with the heel of her hand and didn’t meet his eyes right away.

“Sorry for crying all over you.” She waved her hands around. “I just couldn’t hold it in any longer.”

Trace cupped her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. He stared into her beautiful, but sad, hazel eyes. “What can I do?” he asked, brushing the pads of his thumbs over her wet cheeks.

Tears hung on her long lashes, and a wobbly smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “You being here is enough. Thank you for coming.”

Trace nodded. He believed in fate, and being pulled from his assignment early had been perfect timing. He and Connie might not be a couple yet, but he already knew he wanted to be the man who came to her rescue.

“Always. I’ll always come when you need me.” His hands slid over her shoulders and down her arms as he took a good look at her. She looked okay, but he needed to know for sure. “Were you hurt?”

“No.” She shook her head, still wiping her face. “It was just the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

“I’m sure it was. Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Trace draped his arm over her shoulder and guided her out of the building.

“Thanks for picking me up,” Connie said when they were outside.

“No problem. I’m glad I was available.”

He removed his arm from around her shoulder and grabbed hold of Connie’s small hand. He half expected her to pull out of his grasp, but was glad when she gave him a little squeeze instead.

“I’m over here.” He guided her across the parking lot and stopped at the black Camaro. “So what do you think?”

Her eyes grew large. “I didn’t know you bought a new car. It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah, it was way past time for me to retire the Jeep.” This new vehicle had been a gift to himself after the bonus he had received for his last assignment.

He helped her into the passenger side before climbing into the driver’s seat.

“I knew you’d been talking about needing a new ride, but I didn’t peg you as the sports-car type.” She ran her hand over the dashboard as her gaze swept over the interior. “I think I’m in love with your car.”

Trace laughed, wishing she was referring to him with the same awe in her voice. Instead of starting the vehicle, he glanced at her. “Are you sure you’re all right? I know I keep asking, but—”

“I’m sure. I know I got a little