Page 261 of Rival Hero

“Same. But whatever it is, we’ll handle it.”

She sighs and clasps her hands in her lap. “In other news, I talked to Tony this morning when you were in the shower.”

My grip on the steering wheel tightens, but I keep my tone calm. “Oh?”

Nicely done, pal.

“He’s back in DC, and his acting director is re-examining cases left and right to gather evidence of Lisa’s tampering. They’re cautiously optimistic they can fix some of what she destroyed. Time will tell, though.”

“That’s great news. Anything else?”

It’s great news that he’s out of the state.

And also about the case thing. But mostly the first one, according to my inner caveman.

“Yes, actually,” she begins, a touch of trepidation in her voice. “I asked him if what Lisa told me was true. About his feelings for me.”

A growl starts low in my gut, but I cut it off, determined to stop being a Neanderthal.

Mia grips my forearm. “Relax, stud.”

I tap her hand and return to death gripping the wheel. “What was his response?”

She laughs softly. “He said he did have strong feelings but promises he’s absolutely over it. He came down here for Lisa, not just me. I got the sense he really cares about her. Or did. And somewhere along the line, she got it in her deranged mind that he was in love with me. But he assures me he isn’t anymore. And I believe him.”

Relief dusts over me. My tight hold on the wheel steadily reduces, letting sensation return to my fingertips. “That’s good.”

“Cal, even if he did have feelings for me, it wouldn’t matter. You know that, right?”

I bring the SUV to a stop at the red light and spare her a quick glance. One glimpse of her earnest expression gives me all the reassurance I need.

“Yes, tiger. I do.”

She leans over the console, lips first. I eagerly accept what she’s offering. When our mouths collide, all remaining apprehension over her past vanishes.

She’s mine.

And I’m irrevocably hers.

A few minutes before we arrive at the office, she starts fidgeting.

“Nervous, baby?”

“A little. Not about work, though. I got an email this morning that I need to tell you about.”

My head cricks to the side. “Your tone is off. Should I be concerned?”

Her nervous laughter fills the cab of the SUV.

My pulse spikes a little, but I force a calming breath. “Okay, now I’m definitely worried.”

“No. I’m sorry. I’m sure it’s going to be fine. Just promise you won’t be mad.”

Now it’s my turn for a nervous chuckle. “Ah, fine. I promise. Spill it, baby.”

“You know how I did some… uh… research on everyone at Redleg before I started?”

Instead of answering with words, I toss a blank look at her and blink rapidly.

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