Page 37 of Falling

“Hmmm. I bet we can think of something to heat it back up,” she purrs.

“Behave.” I smile. It’s nice to see Geneva feeling her oats again. “How’s the head?”

“As hard as ever.” She holds up two fingers to a passing waitress. A steaming cup of coffee is placed in front of me. I order breakfast before she hurries back toward the kitchen.

“No headache?”

“Only the one sitting across from me.” She winks at me over the rim of her cup. “What are we doing today?”

“What would you like to do?” I ask.

“Honestly?”

“Always.”

“I think I’d like to leave.”

“Do you feel good enough?” I study her face. Do I see the effects of a concussion? I should argue that we need another day to recover.

“I just think the nightmares won’t leave until I move on,” she says. “I love it here, but I’m ready to go.”

“Okay.” I can’t argue with that. The nightmare she had in the hospital almost undid me. By the time I realized what was happening, she was terrified. All she’ll tell me is they involve drowning. “I wish I hadn’t booked rafting.”

“I don’t. It was beautiful and freeing and something I wouldn’t have passed up regardless of what happened. Accidents are going to happen no matter what we do.” She stares out the window again. “I wouldn’t take back one second of this trip.”

“Not even the couple’s message?”

“Especially not that,” she says with a laugh. “It was worth every second listening to him scold you when you squealed over your glutes. Even a drunk, topless kiss was worth it. I just wish I could remember it.”

“I’ll draw you a picture when I have time,” I tease.

“Would you? Be sure it’s suitable for framing. I’ll put it in my new office.”

“I’m sure your brother will appreciate that.”

“We can only hope he’s brutally scandalized,” she drawls.

We finish our breakfast and head back upstairs to pack. I was able to slide our room in Santa Fe a day early. It’ll be dinnertime by the time we arrive, but at least we have a place to stay. I carry our bags downstairs. Geneva disappears in the gift shop while I check out. She meets me by the SUV with a sack.

“Guess what they had?” she asks, pulling more magazines out of the bag.

“Seriously?”

“Yes, we have a long drive.” She opens the first one as I pull away from the hotel. “Let’s see, what do we want to start with? We already know you don’t have a type and you’re good in bed. Though you admitted that the first time wasn’t so great.” She flips several more pages. “Here we go. Is he marriage material?”

I groan. When I planned this trip, I envisioned her spending hours reading in the car. Or at least working on a crossword puzzle. Never would I have thought we would play twenty questions about my love life. I should have bought that license plate game I saw in the toy section for her.

“Question one. What’s his job situation and income?” She raises an eyebrow at me.

“You know exactly what my income was. Now it’s nonexistent, and the job prospects are iffy at best. I’m just hoping my two partners can pull their weight this time.”

“Not nice,” she says, hitting me on the arm with the magazine. “You know you’re going to be just as wildly successful as always. Rand said he’s already getting contacted by several prospects wanting you to work on their projects.”

“They’re probably just after my sexy business partner,” I tease. “You’re not too bad either.”

“Question two,” she continues, glaring at me. “What does he do when you take him to a family event? Lord, that’s a loaded question.”

“I’ve always behaved around your family. Well, for the most part. There was that time I convinced your brother to streak across campus with the rest of the team. Oh, and that time I called your dad an asshole to his face. Hey, but your mother likes me.”

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