Page 69 of Secret Triplets for Christmas

“Oliver—”

“We don’t need to talk now.”

“It’s important—”

“I know we can’t move on with all this between us right now, but right now, can’t we just be together?” I kissed her again, willing her to let go of the need to talk. “I missed you,” I murmured against her cheek. I took her glass, setting it on the table as I pushed her back on the couch.

“Is this just sex?”

Her words stopped me short. “What? No.” I realized that maybe she wanted to talk to hear me say the words I hadn’t yet been brave enough to tell her. “Lindsay, I love you. God, I’ve loved you so long.”

Her lips parted on a gasp. Was her surprise an indication of something good or bad?

“Oliver, I—” A ringtone about BFFs interrupted her. She blew out a breath and pushed me away as she reached for her purse. “I’m sorry. That’s Mira. I need to get it.” Her eyes were on me as she poked her phone and brought it to her ear. “Hello.”

She stood, turning away as Mira spoke.

I sucked in a breath, wondering if I’d fucked everything up. Should I backtrack and take back what I said?

“I’m on my way.” She slipped her phone into her purse. “I’ve got to go.”

“Is everything alright?” I stood to walk her to the door. Her leaving was going to save me from trying to figure out how to salvage what I’d fucked up. “Is your dad okay?”

She looked at me in surprise and then nodded. “Flu, probably. But she wants me to pick up some things.”

I nodded. She and her father were close. “I’ll call Agent Marsden.”

“Okay.” She opened the door. “I’m sorry I have to go like this.”

The tightness in my chest loosened at her words because I felt she meant it. “I understand.”

She lifted on her toes and kissed me. “We’ll talk later.”

It occurred to me that this wasn’t the first time she’d wanted to talk. Perhaps it was time I let her. What was I afraid she’d say, anyway? “Next time we see each other. I promise.”

When she left, I finished her drink and poured another vodka. Then I pulled out my phone and called Agent Marsden. She was cautiously excited about what Lindsay had found.

“I want to finish what Liam started and put whoever killed him in jail. Can you do that?” I asked her. “I don’t want to give you this if you can’t.”

“I’ll do what I can, Oliver.”

“It’s possible someone is watching me and Lindsay. How can I get this to you?”

“I can’t meet you until Monday. Is there a place you can put the documents for safekeeping?”

I was annoyed by her answer. This was life and death. Shouldn’t she be able to get these documents now? Or send someone?

“I’m not comfortable keeping them.”

“This isn’t an official investigation right now. I’m not in a position to send someone, and I’m out of town.”

“How does it become official?”

“I hope your documents will be what I need. Is there a safe at the hotel?”

I knew I had one in my room, but I considered that the hotel safe might be a better spot. “Yes. I’ll store them until Monday.”

“Good. I’ll be in touch on Monday to get the documents.”

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