Page 23 of The One for Forever

She winks at him. “Thanks. I’ll let you know when I need you.”

Max and Rex head downstairs. And just like that, she kicks the CEO out of his own office.

See why she’s my idol?

“Max is right,” Lana says. “The possibility of a secret, last-minute witness is probably too good to be true. But it’s too juicy to pass up. Which means we have no choice but to follow up on it.” She frowns. “I don’t like that this person played games with you, though. Stealing your purse? It’s way too cute. And frankly, rude. They could’ve just called our main phone line. I’m sorry this case is causing you so much unwanted attention.”

“I can handle it,” I rush to say.

“Clearly. You’re not afraid to work hard, and you give any case you’re involved in your all. That’s why I wanted you on this team. You’re passionate and ambitious. Some people don’t like those traits in a woman, but that’s not the case in my office. You remind me of myself at your age.”

“Wow. Thank you.”

“That makes me sound ancient, and I’m notthatmuch older than you. But I think it’s less about age, and more about stages of life, you know? Not that long ago, I was single and in love with Max, who I thought would never love me back. And here I am, our second child on the way and more crazy about our family every day. I can’t believe I’m so lucky.” Lana has fierce energy when it comes to work, but right now, her smile is soft and glowing. “Listen to me, so sappy. I blame pregnancy hormones.”

It seems we have more in common than I even knew. It’s a trippy thought. “No, that’s amazing. I hope to have the same someday.” Not with Rex, because I’m done hoping where he’s concerned. But there must be someone else out there for me. “For the moment, I am extremely single.”

“You’ll find the right one when you’re ready. Now, who do you think this anonymous witness could be? I want to know your theories.”

I sit down on the couch beside her. As we talk, brainstorming about the case and these latest developments, Lana rubs her belly.

“Is he kicking?” I ask.

Lana nods. “He’s been a tiny little acrobat late—” She grimaces suddenly, and I shoot up to standing.

“Are you okay?”

“Just Braxton Hicks contractions. They stink.”

“Should I get Max?”

“No, sweetie,” she says tightly. “I’m fine. Could you grab me a glass of water?”

I get up to pour a glass from the carafe near Max’s desk. I pass it over to her, and she takes several swallows.

“Thanks. It’s passing. But I need a few minutes.”

“Of course. No problem.”

“You can head home if you have things to do.”

Lana doesn’t like overworking us on weekends. But I’m not going anywhere. “We’ve got a mystery to solve, and maybe some new evidence to dig up. You think I’d miss that?”

“Woman after my own heart. Give me half an hour. We’ll gather some of Max’s best people. See what we can find out. We’ve got Bennett Security at our disposal, and I intend to make use of them.”

“Sounds good. Should I hang out downstairs? Or…”

“Try the basement. That’s where the bodyguards work out if they’re not on assignment.” She winks. “Best view in the house, if you ask me.”

Laughing, I head to the door. If Rex is getting all sweaty, I should probably steer clear.

But…a girl needssomethingto occupy herself.

I’ve usually been good at keeping myself out of trouble. But the last couple of days, trouble keeps on findingme.

6

“Come on, old man,” Devon Whitestone says. “You can do better than that.”

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