The Hero Sandwich by Karyn Gerrard, Gayl Taylor Page B

some walls, plant some shrubs, wash the damned cars, and barbecue on the deck. You’ll never be lonely again Nicci, I promise you—and neither will I. I’ve fallen in love with you.”
    The words spoken were from his heart, his voice trembled with emotion. Love? Really? Nicci sat up, leaned on her elbow, and gazed at the man who just splayed open his soul. She knew what love was, Brad showed her. Did she need time to think this over? Heartache and pain, they were not strangers. In this cold life she lead, why not let love shine once again? Everything Barrett described—the mundane chores, the shared memories, and the nights of passion—were everything she desired. Things she never thought she could have again. Things she dared not look for.
    His eyes held hers in a potent gaze. Barrett’s face hid nothing. He was in love with her. She recognized the emotion and her heart stirred to life. Warmth from the touch of his hand cloaked her in a loving security. He would never hurt her, she knew this. A man she met in a bar this very night. How was it possible?
    Nicci leaned down and kissed Barrett gently on the lips. He opened for her—trusting, loving, and passionate. Her tongue dove deep and she tasted hot desire, virile male, and a gentle and honorable heart. Yes, this was love. Barrett groaned huskily and returned her kiss with enthusiasm.
    Nicci pulled back and framed his face with her hands. “I’ve fallen in love with you too, Barrett. I don’t understand how it happened this fast, I only know I don’t want to live without you. Stay with me tonight? All night?”
    Barrett pulled her on top of him and smiled his devastatingly sexy smile. “All my life, baby.”
    ***
    The neon snapped and buzzed outside the all-night coffee shop where Nathan agreed to meet Connie. Nathan Campbell. Detective First Class Burglary. When Connie called him from her office at ten minutes past twelve, she was sure he would refuse, or at the very least, ask for a rain check. “No problem,” he said, and his deep, masculine voice assured her. He’d just got off shift and needed to unwind. After freshening up and adding a few subtle touches of makeup, Connie wasted no time arriving at the Night Owl Coffee Shop.
    What an evening this turned out to be. Her nerves sparked under her skin. She hadn’t been this anxious since prom night in high school. On the table sat a torn up paper napkin. Yep, nervous. Just when she began to doubt if he would show up, the door opened and Nathan Campbell walked though. He was right on time.
    Connie’s gaze drank in the vision heading toward her. The trench coat he’d worn the first time they met did not do him any favors. The man striding confidently toward her wore tight black jeans and a dark brown sweater with a cowl neck. No beer gut that she could ascertain. Just masculine perfection and a lean musculature, which showed he took care in his appearance. Damn, the man was handsome. How did she miss out on that revelation? His dark brown hair with the sexy gray wisps at the temple was tousled from the wind. His jaw line was sturdy and firm and his lips full and sensual. Even his glasses added to the sexy aura he exuded. Oh Jesus, she was glad she called him.
    Nathan slid into the booth opposite her, took her hand, and kissed it. The brief contact sent a jolt of electricity shivering up her arm. The man had charm and charisma to spare. Oh yes, a revelation indeed. He signaled to the waitress to bring a couple of menus and returned his attention to her. His eyes could melt butter they were so warm. And yet, she could still see that steely, hardened edge she first noticed.
    “I’m very pleased you called, Connie. Frankly, I was giving you until the end of the month before coming up with some lame excuse to stop by your office. I’ve been thinking about you day and night since the moment I met you.”
    He’d been thinking about me. The thought made her heart rate increase. This truly was a surprise. “I