Page 18 of The One for Forever

I nod, in no mood to argue. I don’t feel like calling a Lyft and facing some stranger. I’ve had more than enough of strangers tonight.

We get into the truck, and now that we’re separated, I realize Rex and I were touching the entire walk back. Either his hand had been on my shoulder, my arm, or my waist. It had felt nice.

And when he’d swept me into his arms to carry me to safety?

I shift in my seat. I’m going to be thinking about that moment for many nights to come. I guarantee it.

I have never in my life touched Rex Easton as much as I have tonight. And I’d better not make a habit of it, because I’m already getting hooked.

Rex locks the doors and starts the engine, but he doesn’t put the truck in gear. Instead, he’s doing something on his phone. Then he taps his fingers against the gear shifter. “How you doing?” he asks.

“Aside from annoyed at myself for losing my purse and beyond sick of Amber Printz’s groupies? I’m actually pretty good. Thanks for everything tonight. I’m ready to crawl into bed and sleep this off.”

He drums his fingers on the gear shifter. “Quinn, I don’t think it’s wise to take you back to your place.”

I sit forward in my seat. “What? You don’t think my apartment is safe?”

“Hear me out. I just texted Max and Chief Holt about what happened. Holt is going to send a unit to your place, just in case. But I don’t think that’s enough. You’re being targeted, and we don’t understand yet who’s doing it, or why.” He holds up his hand. “Wethinkit’s Amber Printz, but that’s just it. I can’t develop a plan for your safety if I have no idea what’s going on and how serious a threat we could be facing. Max agrees.”

I bite my lip, considering. “Then where am I supposed to go?”

“For tonight, I could take you back to my place. I’ve got plenty of room.”

“No.”

I spit out the word so quickly that we’re both taken aback. But Ican’t. I cannot go back to Rex’s house and spend the night in Cliff’s old room and act like it’s no big deal. After all the touching and the saving and the general amazingness Rex has been displaying all night?

Not happening. My mental health, my sanity, demands otherwise.

“I’ll stay with Danny and Lark,” I say breezily, taking my phone from my clutch. “I’m sure they won’t mind. They’re great friends.” Danny is my ex-roommate, a West Oaks firefighter, and Lark is his girlfriend. They’re some of my favorite people. And Lark in particular will understand the predicament I’m in.

Rex pauses a beat, then nods. He puts the truck in gear. “Sounds good. Just give me their address, and I’ll take you there. Then I could swing by your apartment to pick up a few?—”

“Nope, no need. I can borrow what I need from Lark and figure out the rest tomorrow.”

“If you’re sure?”

I study the view outside the windshield. “Absolutely.”

On the way, I confirm with Lark that I can crash on their couch. When we reach their row house, I go to unbuckle my seatbelt, but Rex stops me with a hand on my wrist.

“If anything comes up, let me know. I’ll stop by tomorrow, and we can start putting a security plan in place.”

“Got it.” I grab my purse. “Thanks again.”

I feel his eyes on me as I rush to Lark and Danny’s front door. Lark opens it before I can knock, her expression tight with concern. But Rex doesn’t drive away until I’m inside.

I can still feel the warmth of his fingers on my wrist.

5

Iblink and sit up. Morning sun shines through the blinds. Botanical prints decorate the walls, and I’ve got a chunky hand-knit blanket slipping off my shoulders.

For a moment, I can’t remember why I’m in Lark and Danny’s living room. Then it comes to me.

Right.

The strangest night ever. With Rex.

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