Page 90 of This Thing of Ours

Gabby pursed her lips. He was too smart for his own good. Instead of admitting he was right, she said, “Why are we even arguing about this. You should be resting.”

He opened his other eye and raised a brow. “We’re arguing?”

No. But said, instead, “Yes.” Then with more conviction. “Yes, we are.”

If a smile came with a warning label, one would be attached to Marco’s. It was that lethal. “Then come closer so I can give you a kiss to make up.”

Thatshe could do. Bracing a hand on the bed, she leaned over not caring that the railing dug into her hip bones and gave Marco her lips. He took it from there, doing a very thorough job, as usual.

Coming up for air, feeling slightly dazed, she murmured, “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you never promised to love me forever.”

“I don’t need to promise,” he murmured back while his lips skimmed her jaw.

“And why is that?” She subtly shifted her head, giving him better access to her neck.

He took the hint, kissing his way to her ear. “Because you hold the key to my heart, and I’ll love you until you give it back.”

Goose bumps tingled down her arms and she answered in a throaty voice, “Then you’ll love me forever because I’ll never let it go.”

“Good answer.”

“True answer.”

“Even better.”

Nico opened thedoor of the guestroom. Derek sat up from a lying position on the bed when he stepped in. He didn’t look any worse for wear. A little rumpled maybe—shirt wrinkled and his hair sticking up on one side.

Nico tossed the manila envelope he carried on the bed. “Your new name is Michael Reed.” Nico watched Derek’s shoulders sag, and a look of relief crossed his face. “You were born in Flagstaff, Arizona to Robert and Silvia Reed. All your IDs, birth certificate, social security card, and even some doctored family photos are in the envelope. Along with twenty grand in cash. Spend it wisely, that’s all you’re getting. The rest is up to you. I don’t want to know where you’re going, and I never want to hear from you again. Understand?”

Derek nodded.

“Good. I’ll call you a cab.” Nico turned to go but stopped when he heard his name called. He looked back over at the bed.

“Thank you.”

Nico gave him a curt nod. “Stay safe, Michael.” He walked out of the room and didn’t look back. He had a date with his wife and daughter.

Epilogue

Two Months Later

“Marco, put thatdown this instant. You know the doctor hasn’t cleared you to lift anything heavy yet.” Gabby rushed from the kitchen where she’d dropped off the bags she’d taken in.

She’d just gotten home from her part-time job—that she hoped to turn into a full-time one once she graduated—in a trendy boutique that had just opened on a busy section of The Strip. She’d only been working there for a few weeks but already loved it, and the owner, Amy, was super sweet and easy to get along with.

On the way home from work, she stopped at the grocery store and the few items she needed to pick up for dinner had multiplied into a cartful.

Marco gave her an exasperated look. “Streghetta, a twelve-pack of soda isn’t heavy.”

“No, but the fifty pounds of groceries you’re holding in your other hand is.”

Marco stepped past her and put the bags and the soda on the counter. “It’s twenty pounds at most. I’m fine.”

“Oh, no you don’t.” She stomped back into the kitchen. “I know what fine means. Fine means you shouldn’t be lifting anything heavy yet.”

“You mean heavy like you?” Marco made a grab for her, lifting her from under the arms and plopping her on the counter next to the bags of groceries.

“Marco!”

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