Page 53 of The One for Forever

Makes me wonder if the timing is a coincidence. Or if Amber—or someone else entirely—is pulling the strings.

The doctor has just givenme clearance to discharge when Lana arrives. My boss sweeps into my hospital room, herpresence equal parts nurturing and commanding. She knows how to mother-hen like nobody else. The pregnant belly only adds to the effect.

“Sorry I couldn’t make it here sooner,” she says breathlessly. “I’ve been so worried about you, not to mention furious, and I’ve been making calls nonstop. I just finished with an emergency phone conference with the judge and defense counsel for the Printz case. Plus my back iskillingme.”

Rex pulls up a chair beside my bed so she can sit down. “Is Max here?” Rex asks.

“You think he’s letting me go anywhere by myself after what happened to Quinn? He’s in the waiting room.” She turns back to me. “Has Rex been taking good care of you?”

“Um, yep.”Don’t look at him, I tell myself. Lana is too smart, and I already gave myself away to Angela.

“Derek Keller was adamant that his client had nothing to do with last night’s ‘unfortunate incident,’ as he kept calling it. Derek vigorously opposed my request to continue the trial. But the judge agreed to push our start date by two weeks.”

“Twoweeks? That’s not necessary. I can get back on my feet and do my job. I’ll be fine by tomorrow. Maybe the day after.”

Lana eyes me skeptically, and Rex looks ready to jump in and start issuing orders. I keep arguing.

“A two-week continuance means we’ll be that much closer to your due date. That’s more stress on you.”

“I appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m sure this baby will hold out. I’m far more concerned about you. If by the time the trial starts, you’re not feeling up to it?—”

“Please don’t say you’ll pull me from the trial team.” It would be giving Amber exactly what she wants. “I can handle this.”

“Hey, let’s not jump to conclusions.” Lana scoots her chair closer to place her hand over mine. “You’re a key part of our team, and I’m not letting you go so easily. But your health isimportant. Concussions are no joke. We need that brain of yours functioning at full capacity. Your job is to rest. I mean complete downtime. Even though I know that’s hard for a workaholic like you.”

“Okay,” I say reluctantly. “I’ll try.”

“Do better than that. This is an order from your superior, soldier,” Lana jokes. “Take this time to heal. No work for at least several days. Preferably a week.”

“But what about the investigation into the secret witness? The new evidence we’re trying to find against Amber?”

“The evidence that may not exist? Bennett Security can keep working on that. But not you. You, my dear, are out of commission for the moment.” She glances at Rex. “What about Quinn’s security?”

“I’m arranging a safe house,” he says. “I assume Max is setting you up somewhere as well?”

“Oh, yes. We’re moving back into his old apartment at Bennett headquarters. There’s no place that’s more secure. Quinn, I’d ask you to stay with us, but it’ll be crowded and noisy with Joy running around.”

Joy is the little girl Lana and Max adopted. While I’d love to spend time with her, because she’s adorable, I’m counting on lots of privacy. I won’t get that at Bennett headquarters. “It’s all right. I trust Rex to handle my arrangements.”

“Then I’m sure you’re in good hands.”

That’s what I’m hoping for. Rex’sgood handsall over me. As soon as the headache and dizziness go away, at least.

Finally, Lana says goodbye. All I need is the paperwork for my hospital discharge. The doctor said I need rest, just as Lana advised, and I’ll need to come back if my headache worsens. I’ll also have to be careful in the future to avoid another concussion, which could be even more serious.

As soon as the coast is clear, Rex stands by my bedside and brushes a few strands of hair from my face.

“You’re tired,” he says. Not a question.

“Exhausted.” I appreciate the concern and love that my visitors have shown, but I’m ready for quiet time. “Are we going to the safe house after this?”

“That’s my plan. We have a few options. Max has several safe houses in the region, as Angela said. A few the police are aware of, and more that they have no idea about. But my preference is to take you to my beach house. It’s outside of town. Secluded. Just as secure as Max’s places, but I think it’ll be more comfortable for you.”

“Absolutely.” I remember Rex bought a cabin by the water a few years back. I’ve never seen it. “I just want to be alone with you. I want to be able to touch you.”

He glances left and right. “We’re alone right now.”

My breath hitches. I reach up and stroke his stubbled jaw. It’s such a simple gesture, but so intimate.

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