Page 126 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Yes, why?” Delaney asked reflexively, then saw the look of compassion in Gina’s eyes.

“I heard about your ex. I’m sorry, I know it can’t be easy.”

The familiar tension settled like a rock in Delaney’s stomach. “No, it’s not,” she said, clenching her hands. Gina didn’t know the half of it. No one did, except for Milo, Sutton Smith, and Corbin.

“If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

“Thanks.”

Gina turned to the bed, opened the latch on the metallic blue suitcase and lifted the lid. She pulled out a flat iron and blow dryer, along with a dozen or more hair products, which she placed on the table beside Delaney. She took a quick assessment of Delaney’s red blouse. Rhinestones dotted the top section. The bottom edge was cut at an angle, swooping down in a triangle on Delaney’s right side, long fringe hanging over her jeans. The final touch was the red leather cowboy boots.

Gina pursed her lips. “I think we should do your hair down tonight, but big with loose curls.” She glanced at the rhinestoneearrings on the table. “We’ll need to push the sides of your hair back to showcase those babies.”

“Sounds good to me.” Delaney spotted a narrow, silver package wrapped in a matching bow. About two feet long, it was beside Gina’s purse. “What’s that?”

Gina slapped her forehead. “I’m glad you said something. I’m such a twit. A delivery man handed it to me right as I got here. It’s for you.” She handed Delaney the box.

Delaney took it, trying to decide if she should open it or call Corbin to check it out.

Gina gave her a funny look. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”

She forced a smile. “Yeah, it’s just been rough … with Tuck’s death.”

“I know. I was surprised you didn’t cancel tonight.”

“Believe me. I thought about it, but this is such a great opportunity. I couldn’t afford to pass it up.”

Gina nodded in understanding. “That’s the nature of this business, honey. You’ve gotta pay those dues before you can take a breather.”

“Yep,” Delaney mumbled, her focus on the package. A sense of foreboding trickled over Delaney as she looked at it. She was about to say that she needed to get Corbin when Gina reached for it.

“Look at you … all shy about a secret admirer.” She rumbled out a deviant chuckle. “I’ll open it. It’s probably the closest I’ll ever come to a secret admirer. Also, we’re running out of time. I’ll need at least thirty minutes to do your hair justice.”

Delaney held her breath as Gina untied the bow. She lifted the lid, smiling. “It’s a rose,” she announced. Then her expression grew perplexed. “A black rose.” Her features tightened, her lips going down in a frown. “There’s a note, with red splotches on the edges.”

Red splotches of blood. Somehow Delaney managed to speak. “What does it say?”

Gina’s voice trembled. “Blood always remembers.”

At the sound of Delaney’s shrill cry, Corbin sprang from his seat and ran full speed into the room. His hand went to his Glock as he scoured the room. “What’s wrong?”

Terror ringed Delaney’s eyes as she pointed to the box on the bed. The hairstylist was standing beside Delaney shaking her head back and forth. She also looked petrified.

Corbin’s pulse raced as he peered into the box. A single black rose.

The stylist pointed to the square of white paper on the bed. Corbin only had to glance to discern the blood splatters. He read the note, then looked at Delaney.

“Where did this come from?” He’d done a sweep of the dressing room before Delaney entered.

“Someone gave it to Gina on her way into the mansion.”

“A delivery man,” Gina added.

“Why didn’t you come and get me?” He glared at Delaney, not trying to hide the frustration in his voice.

“I was going to?—”

“But I grabbed it and opened it,” Gina finished. She spread her hands. “I had no idea what was inside. I assumed it was from a secret admirer.” Her voice dribbled off to silence.

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