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wanted her too. She drew a slow, determined breath—whatever happened between them tonight was going to be on her terms.
    “I’m so sorry, Peaches…”
    “Shut up, Charlie.” She slipped her hand under his T-shirt, and the muscles in his abdomen bunched beneath her touch. His skin was hot and slick beneath her palms as she explored his chest, testing herself, unsure how far she wanted to take this.
    He groaned, clearly wanting more. She crossed her legs to ease the pressure building between her thighs. She wanted more too. Grasping the hem of his shirt, she yanked it over his head, tossed it aside and let her eyes linger on the cut muscles of his chest, then drift to his jeans where his burgeoning arousal was evident.
    “I’ve waited so long to feel your touch.” He breathed the heated words into her ear.
    Drawing back, she watched his face darken with need. She teased his nipples, then slid her hands lower, sketching the long hard shape of him.
    “That’s so nice, Anna.” He half spoke, half groaned, before capturing her hands in his and pushing her back on the couch.
    She caught his salty male scent as he came over her, the weight of his body pressing her into the cushions. He brushed rough, wet lips over the nape of her neck, and thick pleasure poured through her like honey through a comb, filling her hollow places, replacing what was empty with what was sweet.
    She was too lost in that heavy sweetness to hear the door open, or the footsteps that must have followed. Charlie heard though, because he bolted upright and threw his hand protectively across her. On her back, she opened her eyes and found herself staring into the dilated pupils of her brother-in-law.
    Sweat poured from Nate’s hairline, and his face was red and puffy. His breath stank of whiskey. It looked as though he’d run the distance from his place to Charlie’s—but of course that was unlikely.
    “I tried your house first, Anna. I thought I might find you here.” Panting, Nate doubled over. “Have you…have you heard from Simone?”
    She jerked to a sitting position and forced her breathing to slow. Charlie tried to wrap his arm around her. Instinctively she pulled away. Every muscle in her body went taut and battle ready. “No. I haven’t seen Simone. Not since yesterday. What is it, Nate? What’s wrong?”
    “S-something terrible. Simone never came home last night.” His hands were shaking and his voice tore open in a sob. “Simone and Bobby are missing.”

Chapter Four

    Tangleheart: Monday, 9:00 P.M.
    S HERIFF H AWKINS HAD called a meeting at Nate’s place and assembled all the guests in the family room. Hawkins instructed everyone to take a seat in a semicircle around the coffee table. As the sheriff paraded around the circle, raising an eyebrow here, shooting a distrustful glance there, Charlie couldn’t help but think the only thing necessary to complete the whole mystery-movie atmosphere was Colonel Mustard brandishing a candlestick. Hands were nervously stuffed into pockets, feet were shuffled, and brows were wiped. Tea was even served—by Jenny Jacoby.
    Jenny, a student at the Tangleheart culinary school, boarded with Nate’s parents, Caleb and Lila Carlisle, in exchange for cooking and cleaning. Sheriff Hawkins insisted Jenny attend the meeting because she was the last known person to see Simone and Bobby. Caleb Carlisle insisted, despite the sheriff’s protests, that the young woman be put to use. So Jenny had made tea, and while Hawkins paced, she cheerfully poured fragrant liquid into flowery cups whose handles were far too small for Charlie’s thumbs.
    At last, Jenny sat on the couch next to Anna. Anna had seated herself next to Charlie—he considered that a good sign.
    “Everyone got their tea?” The sheriff tossed a daggered glare at Caleb Carlisle, clearly displeased the older man had usurped his authority. “Good.” He answered his own question, thwarting any further delay. “Then I’d like to