Page 83 of The Desperate Warrior

“Yeah, but in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not Tippin.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” she teased. “You did that funky dance the other night. There’s definitely a little Tippin in there somewhere.”

They both laughed.

His expression grew serious. “We’re going to make this work, Jules. I mean it.”

She nodded. “I know.”

“Would you ever consider living by the beach?”

The question settled heavily between them.

“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I’ve never lived outside of Texas. I don’t know if I could leave my family. My work. Everything I know.” She was about to tick off several more things, but then he placed a finger over her lips.

“One step at a time.”

“One step at a time,” she repeated.

A second later, his mouth took hers. She kissed him back, pouring in all of her emotions. She wished they could stay like this forever.

A few minutes later, they’d just finished the kiss and had their foreheads pressed together when Luke popped his head into the room. “Hey, bro—oh.” He stopped, grinning from ear to ear. “Hey, Jules,” he chimed.

She matched his singsong tone. “Hey, Luke.”

He looked at Brock. “Sorry to interrupt. Just loaded up the SUV. Figured we’d better get moving soon so we’ll have time to drop it off at the rental place before we hop on the plane.”

“I’m almost ready,” Brock said.

Luke spoke to Jules. “I guess I’ll be seeing you around.”

“I’m sure you will,” she said, her voice warm and light.

He grinned. “Yeah, I’ve got a feeling I’ll be back before too long. Gotta keep Combat Barbie in line—make sure she’s not trying to mace the neighborhood.”

Jules laughed. “Better hurry back, then.”

Luke gave them both a wave and ducked out.

Jules turned back to Brock with a wan smile. “So ... I guess you’re really leaving, huh?”

He exhaled slowly. “Yeah. I guess this is it—for now.” He creased his brows. “Are you gonna be okay? I just … I worry about you.”

“I’ll be fine,” she said, trying to sound sure. “The threat’s gone. Steve Randall’s gone. It’s over.”

“Yeah,” he murmured, though his expression didn’t quite relax. “Maybe I’m just being paranoid.” He paused. “Something still feels like it’s hanging in the air.”

She reached for his hand and linked her fingers through his. “You’re not going to lose me, Brock. We’ll figure this out. One step at a time.”

“One step at a time,” he repeated.

They kissed again, and then he was gone.

Jules stood on her front porch and watched the SUV drive away. A single tear traced a slow line down her cheek.It’s only for a few days, she told herself.He’ll be back.

She went inside. The house was far too quiet. She sank onto the couch and flipped on the TV. If Nikki were here, she’d probably insist on dragging Jules out shopping or to dinner. Jules missed Nikki already. She missed all of them, even Luke with his funny antics.

At least tomorrow, she’d be back at work. Something to distract her from the quiet.

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