Page 70 of The Desperate Warrior

Yesterday, Jules had to go to physical therapy after she got off work. Brock went with her. When they returned home, Trevor had video-called Brock. Much to her surprise, Brock asked her to join. She’d even exchanged a few words with Trevor, who was a bright-eyed miniature version of his dad with the same smile. It was touching to see the interaction between Brock and his son. It was obvious that Brock loved Trevor with all his being—just as a dad should.

Adrian had lurked in the background during the video call, but thankfully, she didn’t try to jump on. It was nice not to have any drama where Cruella was concerned.

Nikki poured a liberal amount of syrup into the dip and stirred. She reached for the spoon and took a bite. “Now it’s too sweet,” she lamented. “Maybe I should add some salt.” She looked at Jules. “What do you think?”

“Do it,” Jules encouraged. “But use the pink salt in the grinder. It adds more flavor.”

“Good idea.” Nikki did so and took another bite. This time, she smiled in satisfaction. “Much better.”

The doorbell rang. Nikki went into a frenzy. “Oh no! Everything’s not ready.” She looked around the kitchen with wild eyes. “I still haven’t cut the baguette bread for the bruschetta or toasted it.”

Brock and Jules exchanged a knowing smile.

“I can’t help it if I want everything to be perfect,” Nikki huffed.

“It will be,” Jules said calmly. “Just breathe.”

Luke chuckled from the kitchen doorway. “Combat Barbie, looks like you still need a little work on your culinary skills. Maybe we should keep taking those cooking classes.”

Nikki shot him a glare. “Watch it, Buster.”

He laughed like he loved getting a rise out of her.

“Quit being a critic,” Nikki snipped, “and get over here and help me finish this.”

“As you wish.” A playful sarcasm dripped from his voice.

Jules immediately picked up on the reference toThe Princess Bride.

The doorbell rang again.

“I guess I should get that.” Jules moved to get off the stool.

“I’ll get it,” Brock offered. “Just relax.”

“Thanks,” Jules said with an appreciative smile as she rose to her feet and followed Brock into the living room. She liked that Brock was attending to her every need. She could get used to this.

Jules’s parents were the first to arrive. Her mom looked terrific, as always—her glossy blonde hair was poker straight and rounded at her chin. Mom exuded the same glamour as Zoe with her stylish outfit. Dad looked sharp in a black shirt and matching pants. The two of them were definitely a power couple.

It was obvious that they liked Brock from the attention they showered on him. Jules couldn’t help but grin inwardly as she watched the interaction. There was no doubt about it: they were treating Brock like their future son-in-law. She hoped for Mom and Dad’s sakes that she and Brock could come to some sort of understanding about their future. Otherwise, her parents would be crushed.

Dad pulled Brock aside to talk about the Steve Randall situation while her Mom sidled up beside Jules, her eyes shimmering with innuendo.

“So …” Mom began. “How’s it going with Brock?”

Jules kept her tone casual. “Fine. He’s good at his job and is doing everything he possibly can to keep me safe.”

Mom gave her a knowing smile. “Come on now, I can tell there’s more going on than that.”

Jules arched an eyebrow. “How can you tell that? You just got here.”

She lifted her chin. “I’m your mom. I can tell from the way y’all look at each other.”

Color warmed Jules’s cheeks. Was she really that obvious?

Mom tilted her head, expression softening. “So … are you giving him another chance?”

“We’re working through our issues. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on getting past all this chaos. After that … we’ll see.”

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