Page 81 of Built of Second Chances

“Sounds like one hell of a plan.” Then he kissed her again with enough intensity, she wondered that her body didn’t start to glow.

When they broke apart to breathe, he grinned. “I’m never going to get enough of you. You’re stuck with me.”

She laughed. “No place I’d rather be.”

Bonus Scene (Christmas Day): Nico

Late on Christmas, Nico leaned against the railing on the deck and watched the night. Midnight Lake was peaceful and quiet. It was a good place. A place of hope and possibilities.

His friends were making it their home.

Tansy and Sam had started something amazing. A mix of science and safety. A place to learn and to teach.

Everyone who’d joined in had brought something special with them. And found something special at the same time.

Graham and Aisling had worked through their past. Graham was an integral part of Midnight Security and Aisling was doing amazing things with the old lodge. Mitch and Bella were starting a new firehall in town. Now his buddy Flynn had found the girl he’d thought was dead. And they’d found their peace and their future.

In some ways, Midnight Lake reminded him of the home he’d grown up in. His folks had created a place that was also full of peace and possibilities. How many kids had they fostered? Kids who’d arrived scared and wary.

Every single one of those kids had learned that thereweresafe places in the world. Havens where people actually gave a shit. Places they could be safe, filled with people they could trust.

All those kids had learned that the world truly was filled with possibilities, not just fear and anger.

His parents loved what his buddies were creating here at Midnight Lake. They just wished it was closer to Sacramento. When he’d video chatted with them earlier, they’d planned a visit for later in January. They would never leave their foster kids for Christmas because many of those kids had never experienced the wonders that came with this time of year. The Rivera house dripped Christmas and love from every corner. His folks made sure their kids always had at least one Christmas memory they could treasure. Nico would fly out in the morning to see them for a few days.

Could he do peaceful full time? Sam was pestering both him and Joe to put down roots here. Nico didn’t know if he could do it. He wasn’t sure he was made for this kind of life.

He turned to lean back on the railing and study the lodge.

Windows were dark in most of the rooms. A low light shone through a window on the third floor. As he counted, he realized it was the room Josie had chosen.

She’d dropped everything in her life to come north with them to help out, without knowing Tessa at all. She’d initially given Nico a hard time about coming, but then she’d not only come, but she’d added on a couple of days to celebrate Christmas with them.

Where was her family? Why wasn’t she with them? Nico didn’t have much trouble reading people, but Josie Ellis was a puzzle. Brash and bold. Dressed like a sexy hippie half the time. What was her story?

Not that he needed to know. It was simply a byproduct of being a profiler. He wanted to know everyone’s story.

The ring of his phone surprised him. Roman Delgado’s name showed on the screen and Nico’s heart sank. “Roman.”

His partner’s voice was grim when he spoke. “He’s killed another one.”

Nico turned his back on the peace of the lodge. “Where?”

“Vegas.”

“You’re sure?” Which was a stupid question because Roman wouldn’t have called if he wasn’t sure. “Sorry. You’re sure. She fits the type?”

“To every sexy curve and each long black curl. They’re holding the scene for us.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can. Text me the info.”

He shoved off the railing and moved to pack. Christmas break was over.

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