Page 94 of Caught in the Crossfire

Nicole shook her head. “We’ve got this.”

“I’ll be in the security room.” Linc saluted them.

Dawn and Nicole worked fast to gather ingredients, and dice onions and garlic. “Open the cans, Dawn, and we’ll start cooking. Mason should be here in a few minutes.”

“Wow. He must have worked like a demon today. I overheard him talking to Linc about the inspections scheduled every day this week.”

“He has something to tell me.”

Dawn slid her a glance. “I hope it’s good news. I’ve had enough bad news to last a lifetime.”

Within fifteen minutes, their burritos baked in the oven. They set up the taco and nacho bar on the kitchen counter, then laid out plates, utensils, and glasses.

Linc walked into the kitchen. “Mason’s here. You need to talk to him, Nic.”

“I’m not hitting him with this as soon as he walks in the door.” She lifted her chin, daring Linc to challenge her decision. Mason needed time to clean up and relax a little first.

“What did I miss?” Dawn looked from Linc to Nicole.

“Something happened in the alley behind the salon.” Nicole nailed Linc with a glare. “I’ll tell Mason. We don’t keep secrets from each other, but I’m not starting his evening with this.”

The man held up one hand. “Fair warning. If you don’t tell him tonight, I will.”

“I wish someone would tell me,” Dawn muttered.

“I’ll give you details later.” Linc dropped a quick kiss to her pouting mouth. “I’d love iced tea to go with dinner. You and I can make that while Nicole lets Mason inside.”

Guess that was clear enough. Nicole sighed. Maybe she should talk to Mason sooner rather than later. She went to the living room and unlocked the door. She smiled and brushed her lips over his. “Hi.”

“Hello, sweetheart.” Mason closed and locked the door. “How’s my best girl?”

Her heart turned to mush. “I’d better be your only girl, Kincaid.”

“No one holds a candle to you, Copeland. There’s only you for me.”

“Sweet talker.”

“Nope. Just honest.” He drew her in close for a longer, deeper kiss. A long time later he eased back. “Mmm. That’s much better. How was your day?”

“Crazy busy. We took care of 30 dogs today along with a handful of cats, a new salon record.”

“Wow. Did you have time for lunch?”

“We managed. Dawn and I took turns.”

He breathed deep and turned toward the kitchen. “What smells so good?”

“Tacos, nachos, and burritos. Dinner will be ready in 30 minutes if you want to clean up first.”

Mason cupped her cheek. “Something happened today.”

How did he do that? “A couple of things. They’ll wait while you unwind.”

He studied her face, then kissed her with a gentleness that stole her breath. “I’ll return soon.”

Relieved that he agreed to wait, she retraced her steps to the kitchen.

Linc scowled. “You chickened out?”

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