Page 20 of The One for Forever

“Hey, watch it.”

Lark snickers. “I’m just saying you shouldn’t give up entirely. I saw him watching you walk up to our door, and I swear there was longing in those dark eyes. And if you’re worried about Cliff’s reaction, I bet he’d roll with it. That’s the kind of guy he is.”

I groan. “Lark. Stop. Don’t do this to me.”

“Why? I’m as cynical as they come, but love finds a way.” She shrugs. “Danny showed me that. He turned me mushier than an overripe peach.”

There’s a twinge in my chest. I know Lark isn’t trying to be hurtful. She’s trying to do the exact opposite. Be a good friend. But I can’t let myself get all misty-eyed and dreamy over Rex. Not again. I can’t bear it.

I want what Lark and Danny have. Someone to go home to at night. Who can’t wait to see me as much as I can’t wait to see him. To ever have that, Ihaveto move on.

Danny emerges from the bedroom soon after, bleary-eyed and eager for coffee. He’s shirtless, showing off his many tattoos, even more than Lark has. I glance away at their good morning kisses, as if they didn’t wake up beside one another a little while ago.

I catch Danny up on what happened the night before. The threats related to the Amber Printz trial.

“Stay as long as you need,” Danny says. “I’m sure Lark would love the company when I’m on my twenty-four-hour shifts.”

She nods. “I’ll teach you to knit!”

I sputter, almost spitting out my coffee. “That’s a tempting offer. I just might take you up on that, Lark.” She winks at me, likely already knowing I willnotbe doing that. “But I’m hoping to go home today. I’ll have to see what the security expert says.”

Danny grins. “Either way, it’s no trouble at all. Once a roomie, always a roomie.”

I’m about ready to get myself cleaned up when there’s a knock at the door. Lark makes it there first and peers through the peephole. Then she spins and smirks. “Quinn, someone’s here for you.”

Before I can react, she opens the door, revealing Rex on the doorstep. He’s dressed in jeans and an olive-green tee. His short hair is styled, scruff trimmed. He has a messenger bag over his shoulder, and a brown paper bag in his hand. “Brought breakfast. If anyone’s hungry?”

Danny waves him in. “Hell, yes. Anyone bringing food has a permanent invite. How are you, Rex?” He ushers the older man into the kitchen.

Never mind that I’m standing here in PJs with no bra, my hair a mess.

“Better this morning. Last night had more surprises than I usually prefer. I like being prepared.” Rex smiles at me. “Had to run by the dry cleaner that’s open on Sundays, and they have a great bakery next door, so I picked up some pastries. Oh, and Quinn. This is for you.” He holds out the messenger bag. “I thought you might need some of your things. Cliff told me he had your spare key, so I had Lia run by your place.”

“Oh. Thank you.” I accept the bag, checking inside. It’s got my favorite jeans, fresh underwear, a bra, a sweatshirt, and a few toiletries. I’ll have to thank Lia. I told Rex I could get by with borrowing from Lark, but I’ll admit this is better. I love the woman, but I don’t need to share her undies.

“Very thoughtful.” Lark gives me one of her patented knowing looks.

Shut it, Lark, I try to telegraph silently back.

“It was no trouble,” Rex says. “I’ll take you by your place later, if that sounds good. We can discuss your security plan.”

We have more coffee and enjoy the chocolate croissants Rex brought. Half an hour later, I’m dressed in my own clothing, and I’ve carefully stowed my gown, clutch, and heels in the messenger bag. The gown needs to be cleaned anyway.

I thank Danny and Lark, telling them I’ll see them later. We go out to Rex’s truck, and I climb into the passenger seat. “I already conferenced with Max this morning,” Rex says as we drive toward my apartment.

“Never a day off for a bodyguard, huh?”

“Not when I’m on duty. Especially when it’s family we’re talking about. Max has been on a tear since this involves Lana, and you’re…” He gestures. “You.”

Whatever that means. It doesn’t mean what I wish it did.

“Did something else happen with Lana?” I would check my messages on my phone, but I haven’t heard anything. Aside from a million texts from Cliff checking on me. I’ve already writtenhim back that I’m fine. And it sounds like Rex was in touch with Cliff anyway, given that he saw Lia earlier.

“No, nothing with Lana,” Rex says. “But we want to make sure nothing does happen. We conferenced in Chief Holt this morning, and Holt told us they interrogated the intruder from the gala last night. The guy with the perfume bottle? The perp said he was acting alone and had wanted to impress Amber Printz. But he swears he’s had no direct contact with her.”

“Figures.” That’s what I expected.

“Since there was no damage, and it was a misdemeanor trespassing charge, the perp had to be released. But we’ll be keeping tabs on the guy. Lana has given Max the official go-ahead to handle all security for your trial team, and we’ll have two-man teams working in shifts outside the DA building, as well as on call for the other deputy district attorneys as needed. But for you and Lana, we’re adding another layer of protection.”

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