Page 79 of The Two Last Moments

I meet his eyes, and we smile at each other until Quinn snorts. “The two of you could turn anybody into a hopeless romantic. Keep your distance in case that’s contagious.” I give Quinn a knowing smile, and she adds, “Don’t even say it.”

What?I mouth silently.

“Wait until we’re alone. If your man can spare you for five minutes?”

“Five minutes. I’m setting a timer.” Danny gives me another kiss, then lets me go. I still have a warm glow all over my body as I walk over to the beer cooler with Quinn. The way Danny claims me in front of all his friends, no hesitation… I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of that.

We grab a couple of pale ales and pop the tabs. “You two look obnoxiously happy,” Quinn says. “I’ve never seen Danny like this. So lovey-dovey and over the moon for someone.”

“You think so?”

“Face it, you’re made for each other.” She nudges me with her elbow. “Expect everyone who’s not in love to complain about you guys all day long.”

I panic a little at those words.In love. Is that how we seem? I’ve suspected that my heart might be headed in that direction, but it’s way too soon. Nope, not gonna think about that.

I’m not going to start thinking about how I’d break into a million pieces if this all goes away.

I take a sip of my beer. “I heard a certain older, distinguished bodyguard would be here today.”

Quinn shrugs, schooling her expression. “Rex tries to come by a few times a month for father-son moments with Cliff.”

“Are he and Cliff close?”

“Sort of. There’s a complicated history there, but isn’t that true for everyone?” She drops her voice. “The only thing that’s clear is that Rex barely notices me. You haven’t said anything to Danny about my ridiculous crush, have you?”

“Of course not. What kind of girl do you think I am? These lips are locked tight.”

I’m amazed at how easily I’ve fallen into a close friendship with Quinn, despite her past with Danny. But I’m not jealous. If anything, I want to ask her more about him. But there are several subjects I haven’t touched with Quinn. We don’t talk about her history with Danny, and I haven’t shared what I learned in Solvang about myownhistory. I’ve just wanted to have a friendship that wasn’t tainted by the darker sides of my past.

“Danny’s waving like he needs you for something,” Quinn says. “And he’s standing with Rex. What’s that about?”

I glance over. Danny and Rex are waiting by the back door to the house.

Anxiety floods my stomach and rises in my throat. Crap, it must be time. I insisted that we speak to Rex about the investigation, yet I’m not eager for it to actually happen.

“Bennett Security has been investigating some things. Rex has news. They must be ready for me.”

Quinn gives me another quick hug. “Good luck, then. Hope you like what you hear.”

That isn’t likely, I think.

But Nina wants to see Travis again while she still has the chance. No matter how much the truth scares me, I have to remember why I’m doing this.

* * *

“It’sgood to meet you, Lark.” Rex Easton takes both of my hands in his, focusing on me with a dark gray gaze.

Rex is just as tall and handsome as he looked in the photo Quinn showed me, though his hair and beard are threaded with more silver. He’s got the deep, sexy tones of a voiceover actor, combined with the same kind of calming presence that Danny possesses. But while Danny is all easygoing charm, Rex is more contained. I imagine he’s the type of guy who’s difficult to read, which is perfect for a bodyguard.

And he’s got that enigmatic, older-man mystique. No wonder Quinn can’t get over him.

We head to the living room at the front of the house, where it’s quiet. Danny and I sit on the couch by the window, while Rex sinks into the chair across from us. “You’re familiar with the company I work for? Bennett Security?”

My knees are bouncing. I can’t keep still. “Just what Danny’s told me.” And Quinn, but I leave her out of it. “You’re usually a bodyguard?”

“I am. Investigations aren’t my typical gig. But most of the guys on our team are ex-military, and a lot of us are ex-special ops. We’re creative problem solvers. Because I know Danny personally through my son, I’ve been acting as point on the search for your missing identity, as well as the search for Danny’s uncle, Travis Bradley.”

“You found something new about Travis?” Danny asks.

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