The Obsession

by Nora Roberts

“You put something behind you, Nome, it’s got its eyes on your back. I’d rather keep it in front of me, so I can see where it’s going.”

If it was, she didn’t want any part of it.

You’re my girl, Naomi. Same as if we were blood. I mean that.”

“Nobody’s going to hurt my baby girl.”

“Good. I’ll change it for you.”

But it didn’t hold a candle to the leggy blonde with suspicious eyes.

She’d come for peace, quiet, solitude.

She was always, always aware of moods and moves.

He glanced up at Naomi. “You always look good.”

“I like solitude.”

the dog seemed content to doze in the sun as long as she stayed in sight.

Our girl needs a bed, and one that gives her sweet dreams. We knew it was for you the minute we saw it. We love you, Seth and Harry.

No. I hate to cry. So useless.

He watched her cook.

He liked watching her—quick, sure movement. Liked listening to her—a voice that held just the right amount of smoke.

“People don’t always know people close to them the way they think they do.”

He leaned over and took her face in his hand. Her mouth with his.

“He’s got books everywhere,” Macie told her.

She got down, stroked his ears inside the cone. “You’re okay.”

I do like the look of her—but

I like that she’s smart.

For some reason he found himself willing to take those extra steps with Naomi. He didn’t really mind them; in fact, he enjoyed them, all the stops and starts, the detours.

He never had a first read on the nightstand, not if he wanted to sleep, so he settled in with the familiar and fascinating.

But he couldn’t get Naomi off his mind.

He raced halfway up the back stairs, stopped, looked back to make sure she was coming, and then raced the rest of the way.

Why would she take one of her two days of quiet and solitude a week and spend it with people? Nice people, certainly, but people who wanted to talk and interact.

He ran a hand down her arm,

But he walked around, opened the door for her.

“Two social outings inside one week? I don’t know if I can handle it.”

“Definitely no camping for you. A teacup poodle might come along and try to rip you to pieces.”

To her shock, Kevin stepped straight up and started running his hands over her head. “You’ve got a little bump. I can run you to the ER.”

And Naomi stared, with wonder and delight, at the living room wall of books.

He cupped her chin, but not like Kevin had, and took her mouth.

“I can get you a pillow to sit on.”

“I’m supposed to keep an eye on you, which I’d planned to do anyway.”

“Want me to check it out for you?”

True enough, she thought—but she preferred being by herself as much as working for herself.

“Sometimes the brilliant think they’re entitled to tantrums.”

Amusement faded. “He hit you?”

“If you’re actually going to punch somebody in the face, it’s stupid to pull it.”

Had he thought her interesting? No, not interesting, he corrected. Fascinating.

“It’s truth. Let’s eat.” He took her hand again, this time tugging her inside.

“I’ve got my eye on a tall, complicated blonde.”

You’ve got my interest, Naomi.”

“Nine times out of ten I’d rather be alone than with anyone.”

“I don’t know how you manage life with that sunny, optimistic nature of yours.”

“I don’t fall in love, and I like living alone.”

“Naomi?” Xander tossed the dishcloth aside and started for her. “What’s wrong?”

For some, love could last.

Some but not me.

Xander’s gaze locked on hers.