He called Reid from the kitchen phone. His boss answered his home line on the first ring. “Meeting’s on,” Kane told him. “Noon today.” Kane didn’t like it, but he had no choice.

He’d given up all leverage where Kayla was concerned. She’d cut him loose and he hadn’t argued. Even if the phone call hadn’t interrupted them last night, he wouldn’t have fought the point. She’d given him his freedom, something he’d had anyway, but for some reason, she thought he needed her permission to walk away.

She’d been clear on that point. She didn’t want anything from him. Though it was exactly what he needed to rid himself of any unwanted guilt, the thought rankled. Why the hell didn’t she want more? And why the hell did he care?

“Hey, McDermott. You wake me up to breathe into the phone or you want to discuss backup?”

Focus. A little after noon today, he’d have that ability back in spades. “Yeah, boss.” Kane gave details about Kayla’s phone conversation. “The meeting is at the same place the department sprung for dinner the other night. It’s crowded at lunchtime, so I’d just have some well-dressed undercover cops drop in for a meal and make sure I’m in the booth behind them.”

“No deal. If he followed her the night you two did the town, he’ll spot you in a second.”

The captain was right, but damned if he could just send Kayla off on her own. “Either I’m there, or the meeting’s off.”

Reid should have come down hard on him for asserting authority. He didn’t. His harsh laugh echoed across the phone lines. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were after my job, McDermott.”

“I’d rather rot than sit behind a desk,” Kane muttered.

Reid laughed again. “Okay, just keep out of sight. Make sure she hands over the books and opts out of the partnership. He takes them, we move in. That’s it.”

“I’ll coach her. She won’t even breathe at the wrong time.”

“Yeah, I trust you to be on top of things. Are you ready to end this?” Reid asked.

Kane knew the older man meant more than the case. He’d switched into paternal mode. Reid didn’t do it often, but Kane appreciated the attempt. Too bad he didn’t have an answer that would satisfy either one of them right now.

KAYLA FISHED THROUGH HER closet for the third time. Silk blouses, linen slacks and sensible pumps. Had she really expected the contents to change just because she had? Even during the days she’d worked nine-to-five as an accountant, wearing corporate suits and stuffy blouses, she hadn’t altered her wardrobe on weekends or days off. She was lucky she owned even one pair of jeans, considering she’d had no desire to wear them.

Until now.

Until Kane.

There was no way she wanted to walk out of this house looking like the woman he’d met three days earlier. Not when she felt so different inside. Raiding Catherine’s closet was the only solution. A few trips to her sister’s room and she’d made her decision. She pulled a pair of black cowboy boots over her jeans, then eased another of Cat’s V-necked tops, this one a buttercup cotton, over her head.

Glancing in the mirror, she ran some styling gel through her hair, when she caught site of Kane standing guard in the doorway.

“Ready for action. How do I look?” She turned toward him.

His scowl spoke for him. “This isn’t a date. What the hell do you think you’re doing, dressing like that?”

She recognized his roar. She’d gotten to him on some level that made him uncomfortable. Mission accomplished, she thought and smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment. So you like it?” She smoothed the oversize top down over her hips.

“Damn right I like it. You look great.” His smoky gaze lit on hers.

Her grin widened. “Thank you, Kane,” she said with a deliberate lilt to her voice.

The tension eased and he smiled back. “So the files were right. You are a quick learner.”

“I’m the best.”

“I know that,” he muttered. “Now take it off.”

“Excuse me?”

“You don’t want to arouse the guy, you want him in and out as fast as possible. You want to convince him you want out of the business, not that you’re looking to be hooked up with his next client.”

“Jeans and a cotton top, Kane. It’s standard dress for most women.”

“You’re not most women,” he muttered. “Now do this one thing for me. You don’t want that kind of reaction from the guy.”

“I didn’t think.” Not about anyone’s reaction to her outfit but Kane’s and she’d already gotten that.

“That’s the point. You’re taking this whole meeting too damn lightly.”

“If you’re talking about the clothes, I’ll change.”

Kayla wasn’t one to argue with reason, no matter how bossy the command sounded. Besides, this was her golden opportunity. Her one chance to have Kane see he could be emotionally involved without harmful or, worse, fatal repercussions. Everything rode on this meeting turning out as planned. She would follow his advice, but she would also show him that she could stand on her own.

“But if you’re talking about attitude, you ought to take a lesson. Will obsessing over it change the outcome? You prepped me and I’m ready. I’ll be wearing a wire and I know you’ll be as close as possible. I’ll be surrounded by protection.”

“And you don’t move from your seat. Either he wants the books or he doesn’t. You got that?”

“Considering you told me at least ten times, how could I forget? Relax, Kane. Take a lesson from me.” After her initial panic last night, she’d realized nothing would alter fate…whatever it held. Somehow, the knowledge eased her fear and helped her remain calm. “I can’t control the future,” she told him. “But I can enjoy now.”

He threaded his fingers through hers. The comfort she found in his touch amazed her, as did the strength of her feelings. She’d only known him a short time, but it was enough.

“Is that what you’re doing?” he asked. “Enjoying now?”

“What else?”

“Changing before my eyes.” He tugged on her hand and she drew closer. Their bodies aligned until she felt his weight and heat pressed intimately against her. His arms wrapped around her waist, moving her into the V of his legs. His erection hardened and grew against her stomach. A harsh groan escaped his lips, telling her he was unbearably aroused.

At that moment she knew she could have one last time with him. One last time. His hips jerked forward and she swallowed a moan. She licked her dry lips. “You tempt me, Kane.”

“Only fair since you drive me out of my mind.” His lips lowered, capturing hers. This kiss wasn’t urgent and out of control, it wasn’t slow and determined with seduction as the result. His tongue delved and played inside her mouth, devouring, arousing…remembering for the future.

Kayla had no doubt. In Kane’s mind, this was goodbye.

SHE ORDERED A DRINK from the waiter, as planned. Kane breathed a sigh of relief. He’d heard her loud and clear through the wire she wore. Now he settled in to wait.

Five after twelve and the lunch crowd had all taken their seats, fellow cops with big appetites and good instincts. He’d still rather be inside himself rather than eavesdropping from the manager’s office just outside the dining-room entrance.

“It’s time.” A male voice interrupted Kane’s train of thought.

“Actually past time. I’ve been waiting since twelve, like you said.” The edge in Kayla’s voice was unmistakable. Relax, sweetheart.

“Change of plans. I can’t stay long.”

“Too bad,” Kayla said. “I…I just ordered a drink and I was hoping you’d join me.”

Perfect, Kane thought. Keep him talking and keep him in the restaurant. Kane leaned forward in his seat.

“Not that you don’t tempt me, honey. You do. Hell, with a body like yours you’d tempt a monk, but I’m in a rush, so…maybe some other time.”

“That might be possible if I wanted to continue the business-which I don’t.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Like I told you on the phone, my mother’s sick and I want some of your aunt’s crossword books to keep her busy.”

Damn. The guy suspected a trap. Kane hoped like hell Kayla stuck to the plan. “Give him what he wants,” he muttered.

“You know, my aunt was really into these books. I’d hate to just give them to someone who didn’t appreciate them the way she did. I’m sure you understand.” Kane could practically see her batting those big green eyes for effect…at the same guy who’d wrapped his arm around her neck without a second thought.

He exhaled a groan. Though she was doing a great job of attempting to exonerate her aunt, and things seemed to be going smoothly, this whole mess couldn’t be over soon enough to suit him.

“Your aunt liked to play games,” the man muttered. “And apparently it runs in the family. My mother’s not too sick to play them herself.”

“Well, good. Just tell me how involved my aunt was in those games and you can take the books back to your sick mother…with my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

“Not here. I’ve got a car waiting outside. You walk me to it and I’ll tell you all about how much my mother and your aunt had in common.”

Remember the plan, Kane thought. Hand him the books and sit tight. Given no choice, a smart middleman would take them and run. Kane had already promised Kayla they’d lean hard on this guy and anyone else he ratted out to discover the extent of her aunt’s involvement. She didn’t have to jeopardize her life for her aunt’s reputation.

“I’m sure you can make the time for one drink.” Her voice was practically a purr by now. Only Kane recognized the hint of desperation and fear within.

“Not a chance. Let’s go.”

“Hand him the books,” Kane muttered through clenched teeth. Instead he heard the slide of a chair against the floor.