CHAPTER FORTY-TWO. Jake was showered and dressed, pacing quietly in the living room, wondering if she should wake Nicole or just let her sleep

Jake was showered and dressed, pacing quietly in the living room, wondering if she should wake Nicole or just let her sleep. She glanced at her watch again, letting out another heavy sigh. It was nearly nine o'clock. Any minute now, Rick would be calling, asking where the hell she was. And frankly, she was surprised that Catherine hadn't called, worried about her boss.

But hell, they hadn't slept. Not really. Once they'd... well, once they started, they couldn't stop. Just like at the hot springs. It didn't matter that Jake knew it was a mistake. She was powerless to stop it. But she had to stop it now. Nicole was part of a goddamn case. What the hell had she been thinking?

" Hey."

Jake turned quickly, crumbling at the sight of Nicole. The robe they'd discarded last night was again covering her body, but her hair, her lips... evidence of their lovemaking.

" Good morning, " Jake managed. " It's nearly nine."

" I'm sorry. I couldn't wake up... last night..."

" I know. It's okay. But, we should probably get going."

Nicole frowned, crossing her arms around her waist. " What's wrong, Jake? "

" Nothing. Just... late for work."

Nicole took a step forward, then stopped. " Jake, what's on your mind? Talk to me."

Jake let her shoulders fall. Shit. " Last night... last night was a mistake."

" A mistake? "

" Nicole, you're a huge part of this case. We can't be... involved. "

" I trust you more than anyone, Jake. I don't want you off this case. Is that what you mean? "

" That's exactly what will happen. And if we do get a suspect, and if their defense has a clue, then any evidence I bring forward is going to be subject to review. We can't take that chance, Nicole."

Nicole met Jake's eyes. " And the fact that I can't be in the same room with you without wanting to..."

" Don't you think I feel the same way? " Jake whispered. " Christ, Nicole, last night, I wanted to... bury myself inside you and never come out."

" This is crazy."

Jake squared her shoulders. " No, it's not. I'm a cop. And I'm not your type, remember? It's just sex, Nicole. It's not anything we can't do without. Right? "

Nicole felt her heart squeeze painfully and she took a step back. Just sex? God, is that what Jake really thought?

" I see, " she murmured. " Well, let me get showered. Won't take but a second."

" Nicole..."

" No, it's fine, Jake. I understand completely." She shrugged. " Just sex."

She hurried from the room, nearly slamming the bathroom door behind her. Just sex? No, not for her. It hadn't been just sex.

She'd made love to Jake. And God, she'd swear that Jake had made love to her.

" Stupid, stupid, " she whispered to her reflection in the mirror.

Jake stood still, watching Nicole run from her. She felt like an ass. Last night had been fabulous, more wonderful even than the hot springs, something she'd not thought possible. But they couldn't keep this up. She would be yanked from the case and would have no say at all. And she couldn't take that chance. She didn't trust anyone else to keep Nicole safe.

" I think I hurt her, Cheyenne, " Jake whispered. " And I think she's plenty pissed."

Nicole stared out her office window, feeling guilty. But not guilty enough to change her mind. She'd had Catherine call and cancel her appointments for the day. She knew she couldn't get through them, and she wasn't about to ask Dorothy for assistance. Catherine had disapproved, of course. And why wouldn't she? There was no reasonable explanation for canceling.

It's just sex.

God, she wished she could forget Jake's words. But she couldn't. And she also wished she could agree with that statement. It would make it all so much easier. When they were at the hot springs, yes, it was just sex. She'd be the first to admit it. Fabulous sex, but still... just sex.

Last night was not. And that's what bothered her. It was the same as at the hot springs, but so different. The same in that they were insatiable for each other. Different in their actions, their touch... the whispered words.

And that's why she couldn't understand Jake this morning. She was so distant. Almost like a stranger. She'd dropped her off in front of the building and waited until Nicole was inside before driving away. And she'd not heard from her since.