Crossing the Line: Without a Trace series, a contemporary erotic romance novel by Ally Bishop Page B

sister. This is Aunt Ray, my mom’s sister.”
    And when we pull up to a large Victorian home, a couple of streets back from South Beach Avenue, my breath catches. Though winter’s barren landscape washes out the massive white facade, the beauty of the old architecture shines through.
    “Holy buckets, this place is incredible.”
    He nods as he pulls into the small lot. “I thought you might like it.”
    When he opens my door, I step into his arms, enjoying the warmth of his mouth against the dire chill of the air. Then he retrieves our overnight bags from the trunk and takes my hand.
    The interior is both quaint and luxurious, with period furniture that has been reupholstered with modern fabric and prints. I say as much to Ian.
    “Aunt Rheanna wouldn’t accept less. She’s always had an eye for antiques, but to the annoyance of collectors, she likes to change things up and make them her own. My mother was thrilled when she finally decided to follow her dream and open this place. It’s the perfect fit for her skills.”
    “Did Jesus finally send a good-looking man into my hotel?” A tall brunette glides towards us, her loose-fitting clothes and green, horn-rimmed glasses clue me in that it might be Rheanna. On a lesser woman, she might look a bit like a caricature. But his aunt has a way about her that is both elegant and confident.
    “Hey, Aunt Ray.” Ian hugs the woman, and she kisses his cheek, leaving behind lipstick.
    “It’s about time you got around to stopping in here.” She steps back and sweeps her gaze over me. “And who is this lovely girl beside you?”
    My cheeks heat with her compliment.
    “Aunt Ray, this is Ella Storm,” Ian introduces, slipping his arm around my waist.
    She narrows her eyes at Ian. “Does your mama know about her, or are you keeping her a secret?” Her glance quickly moves to me. “I haven’t heard about you meeting anyone, and this gorgeous woman I should have heard about.”
    I find it entertaining to watch Ian squirm. “Erm, well, not exactly. I haven’t gotten around to—”
    “We’re still figuring things out for ourselves,” I say smoothly, surprised at my ease. “But Ian’s told me so much about his family. I feel like I know everyone already.”
    Rheanna seems mollified, but she’s a sharp woman. I wonder how long before she has us confessing that we’ve only been…can you call this dating?…for a couple of days.
    “You need some meat on your bones, my dear.” She eyes her nephew’s lithe form. “Let’s get you to your room, and then you’ll come join me for brunch.” She gives Ian a look that brooks no argument, and I chuckle softly as we wait for our keys.
    “Your aunt is something,” I whisper when she’s out of sight.
    He shakes his head with a wry smile. “You have no idea. Growing up, whenever my parents were out of town, she took care of me. She’s the best when it comes to creating pillow forts and coming up with unusual entertainment, but you don’t want to cross her. She makes my mom look timid in comparison—and my mom’s anything but.”
    Rheanna shows us to a stunning suite, resplendent with a four-poster bed and lush sitting area before a hearth, a fire already crackling and popping behind the grate.
    “Make yourselves comfortable—food’ll be out in about fifteen minutes.” She fixes a ruffle on a curtain before making her way to the door. “And you better be prepared for a full update, Ian Crane. Don’t think I’ve forgotten how long it’s been since you called me.”
    He looks appropriately chastised, and she nods approvingly before snapping the door shut.
    “Wow. What did you do?” I ask as I sink beside him on the king-size bed.
    “Mom is vocal about her worry, and she’ll call me nine times a day if she thinks something’s wrong. But Aunt Ray is a bit more circumspect about her concern. And I had strict orders to keep in touch with her after…” He trails off, suddenly uncomfortable. “I was dating