Page 39 of His Gift
"I guess you wanted to talk with me."
"Yes, Harper. I delayed giving my report because I need to know more."
I'm in the rehab center bathroom, officially taking a quick break, but I knew I had to call Irene, sooner rather than later.
"It's complicated. We had a relationship. A new one. A difficult one. And when it all happened, I didn't want to get him involved. He got hurt when he was a Marine. And at the same time, it felt like a sign from above. I didn't know what to do with him and then I had to run and it would…"
"Save you an explanation."
"Yes. But I thought that… maybe we should reconnect, and…"
"Don't lie to me, Harper. Whatever you do, don't lie to me. I looked into him. He sold his company soon after you were attacked. Or better, soon after the journalists started to leak the story. And ever since, he has been a ghost. No credit cards payments, no public appearances, no travel or rental records. He was searching for you, and he found you. So now, are you happy he did? Do I have to send a couple agents to save you? Just say it."
"No, I don't need to be rescued. He's pissed I disappeared like that. Hurt. But I'm happy he found me. We might break up again, but I shouldn't have vanished."
"Okay, so from now on and until further notice, I should consider him part of your life, right?"
"Yes. Thank you, Irene. I didn't mean to make your job even more difficult."
"Nonsense. I'm happy you have someone. I know what it means to be alone, even when you're the one who chose it."
My heart squeezes for her. She told me her partner was caught leaking information during a big bust a few months before she met me, and her superiors are allowing her to ride solo most of the time because she still can't trust anyone.
thirty
Harper
"Iam a mess."
"You're wearing a nice dress, and a shower would make you perfect. But if I brought you home to take that shower, the only way I could get you out again would be slung over my shoulder. And as much as that annoys me, I can't do that right now."
I bite back a smile and turn to the window. Can't let him see I find his craziness amusing.
"Plus, there are tacos," he says casually, as if he didn't know I love tacos. I mean, really love them.
I shrug, and he pats my thigh. When I turn around, his eyebrows are raised high.
"Fine. Thank you. Maybe going out for dinner isn't such a bad idea after all."
"You know, cruel girl, no one would look at you and guess such a sassy little thing hides inside that sweet-looking package. Sometimes I fear it's my fault."
I smirk. "Or your merit."
Another pat, then he parks the car and turns to me, running his thumb over my lips, his face coming a mere inch from mine. Our eyes clash, and I can't look away.I like him. I've missed him.All of him.My gaze falls on his lips, and he licks them subtly.
"Time to go. Take the crutches."
Conrad takes the keys, leaving me to watch him walk around the car and unlock the passenger side. "Did I miss something, cruel girl?" I smirk, grabbing his tie and pulling him closer. After ditching the all-black gear I saw the first night, he's back to wearing suits. They fit him perfectly and soften his rough edges.
"Thank you. Seriously." Then I kiss him. A low moan rumbles in his throat, but he doesn't prolong the kiss, and when I let go of his tie, he picks up my crutches and helps me inside the restaurant.
It takes until we're seated, and we've ordered drinks, before I get out of my head about his uncharacteristic lack of response to my kiss.
"So, tacos?"
"Yes. Any kind you want: carnitas, seafood, vegetarian and so on. You can try them all. They have a mixed plate."
"I can't possibly eat all that myself."
