Page 43 of Dark Terror
“But cops die.”
“Yes, some do. And some lawyers die, and some pilots, and some baseball players. There are no guarantees in life, Cara. Not even for you and me. Who knows, Rafe might be the one mourning me someday.”
“Oh God, please don’t say that. You’re not allowed to die before me.”
“Okay.”
Cara laughed, surprising herself. Talking to Lisa always made her feel better. “I’m going to hold you to that. What about when I need to talk about David. Can I still call you?”
“Of course. Rafe knows David will always be my first love. He lost a woman he loved, and he gets it.”
“I’m glad.”
“Me, too. Now, enough of this sad stuff. Let’s talk about you. What’s going on with that murder you witnessed? I still can’t believe you’ve landed in the middle of something like that. I’m worried.”
“There’s nothing new. The police are still looking for the man.”
“Just stay safe. Are you taking my advice and having a little fun with your hot cop?”
“Not as much as I’d like.”
“And what would you like where he’s concerned?”
“What you said. A little fun, but that’s all.” But did she really mean that? She wasn’t sure anymore.
“Mm-hmm. I know what you’re thinking, but you’ve never been in love. And Jeremy doesn’t count. He was a jerk. I’ve been blessed to love two amazing men, so I can tell you from experience that the heart wants what it wants. Your brain can make all the conditions in the world, but your heart will just stick cotton in its ears and refuse to listen. Listen, if all it turns out to be is fun, that’s great. Go for it. But if you fall in love with him despite your determination not to, see it for the gift it is.”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” At some point her conviction that she could never love a cop had lost some of its strength. She had a lot to think about. “Send me a picture of Rafe so I can see this hot dude of yours.”
“I will when you send me one of… what is your cop’s name?”
“Gabe Calder.”
“When you send me one of him, you’ll get one of Rafe.”
“He’s going to think it’s weird that I want a picture of him, but I’ll try.”
“Just do it. Gotta go. Got a hot date tonight with a US marshal. Love you, babe.”
“Love you, too.” Cara disconnected, then stared at her phone screen.
Would she be turning her back on a chance to find love if she closed her mind to seeing where things went with Gabe? She rolled her eyes. Like he was going to fall in love with her. Maybe there was chemistry between them… Well, no maybe about it, but that didn’t mean he was about to slap a ring on her finger.
So really, there was nothing to worry about.
At hearing the lock in Harry’s front door unclick, Cricket jumped up and raced to the door. From his wagging tail and excited yelps, Cara knew it wasn’t her stalker. That was another reason to get a dog. So it could vet whoever was on the other side.
Harry walked in, followed by Gabe. Her gaze went straight to him, as if there was some kind of magic going on where her eyes were blind to all but him. And when he sought her out just as quickly and smiled, her heart went into meltdown mode. Before her conversation with Lisa, she would have thought,So not good. But the way her heart fluttered at seeing him didn’t scare her as much anymore. A little, yes. A little scared she could deal with.
“Hey,” she said to both of them but looking at him.
“Hey,” he said, looking back at her.
Harry mumbled something.
Cara forced her gaze to Harry. “Pardon?”
“She said she’s gagging, and if we don’t stop eye fu—” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “If we don’t stop doing that, she’s going to shoot us both.”
