Page 43 of Last Resort

Chance knew Luke was right, he just didn’t know how to tell her.

There was something fragile about Maci, despite her prickly exterior. She could argue and fight with him all day, but something still made him want to protect her even from herself.

“You’re probably right,” Chance admitted. “But for now, I’ve got dinner to pick up.”

He headed out of the office, already looking forward to getting home to his girl, whether she knew she was his or not.

Chapter Thirteen

Maci lasted three days cooped up in Chance’s house.

And while she loved the closeness the two of them had shared, she was ready to get back to work.

“Be reasonable,” Chance said, snatching the sweater out of her hand and throwing it back onto the bed. “You just got out of the hospital.”

She picked up another sweater and pulled it on, only to realize it was Chance’s. She debated taking it off, but it was too comfortable. Dressed, she faced him again. “Three days ago. I’m fine, Chance. I’m not an invalid.”

“You need more rest. So does the baby.” He crossed his arms over his way-too-sexy chest.

But if he thought bringing up the baby—or crossing his arms over his chest like some supermodel—would help his case, he was wrong.

“The baby needs a mother who isn’t bored out of her skull, especially since I’m not planning on being homebound for the entirety of my pregnancy. Besides, I have things to do at the office.”

“One more day. Relax here for just one more day.”

Maci had done nothing but relax for days. She was done. She looked him over with narrowed eyes. His casual work clothes weren’t the suits he wore when bodyguarding, so she knew he was likely doing desk work. “Are you doing anything dangerous in the field today?”

He frowned. “No.”

“You guys scoping out another hostage situation?”

“No.” His jaw clenched and she smiled. He already knew he was on the losing side of this argument.

“So, why can’t I go into the office?”

Petulant silence. It was almost enough to make Maci laugh.

“That’s what I thought. I heard you talking to your brothers about going over the party footage today. That’s desk work. I can help with that.”

“Maci...”

“I’m not made to sit around and eat bonbons. I need something to occupy my time or I’m going to go nuts and start redecorating this house to look like a ninety-year-old cat lady threw up everywhere. I’m talking doilies and lace on every possible surface. Pink walls. The works.”

He stared at her and Maci could tell he wanted to argue, so she went for broke.

“Please, Chance. I don’t want to fight. I just need to get out of the house. Plus, I was there at those parties. My insight might be useful.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine, but only for a few hours, and if I see even a single wince, you’re leaving and you’ll stay home tomorrow.”

Maci didn’t bother to hide her giddy smile. She hopped across the room and popped a kiss to his cheek. “Deal!”

STEPPINGINTOTHEoffice after so long away was like coming home for Maci. She’d missed the soft gray walls and warm wood. Even the sticky note reminders everywhere put her at ease.

Seeing the mess the brothers had left in the kitchen was far less enjoyable.

“Did we get rid of the dishwasher while I was gone?” She raised an eyebrow at Luke, who was in the process of leaving his dirty cup in the almost-full sink. He froze, eyes wide when he saw her hovering in the doorway.

“I forgot?”

---