Page 38 of Tell Me All Your Lies
How can he simply understand? There’s more to unpack at a future date.
“If that’s all, then enjoy your evening. I have a case I need to get to,” Sam says.
I try to put my professional mask back on and not dive into the feelings I’m experiencing as I follow Grant out of the office. Ruby and Rob are right behind us. I can’t show any hint of confusion in front of anyone after that interaction.
“Cara, I’ll take us to San Diego.”
“I have a car service waiting outside.”
“I’m sure Ruby here can take care of that,” he counters.
Grant’s eyes stay focused on me. He’s not letting me out of his sight. Why does it make heat crawl up my skin and a hint of pink flush my cheeks?
“Okay.”
I turn to Ruby, whose eyes are twinkling.
“Let’s go get my bags.”
“Perfect,” Grant answers.
Another time I’m simply going along with Grant Sinclair’s plans. I hope this doesn’t become a pattern.
SIX
Grant
The drivefrom Los Angeles to San Diego is a relatively easy one. It’s usually a time when I appreciate the ability to think while driving along the coastline. Not this trip; instead, I find myself sitting next to the version of Cara Collins that I periodically see out in the field.
She’s determined, fierce, and confident. It’s as if saying “I do” sealed our fate for how this was going to go. A business transaction and nothing more. Not that I’m complaining, because it is business.
The version of Cara that I saw at the courthouse was entirely different. She was vulnerable, and I knew that this wedding was something that held meaning to her that she would never admit to me.
I realized that as soon as I saw her step inside the courthouse, and then time and time again. All I wanted to do was tell her how she made me feel right then.
I did my best to show her how this would go without crossing any lines.
As I glance over at the wind blowing in her hair, she looks like a model from any of the high-fashion magazines, not a spy ready to take on the mafia.
A sting of guilt twists inside me.
I’ve seen Cara out there in action, but it’s entirely different now that she’s my wife. What if something were to happen to her? I meant every word I said before we got married. I would protect her with my life in any situation.
Maybe I didn’t think this through because I’m experiencing a new weight of wanting to make sure she’s taken care of.
“Are you okay over there?” Cara asks.
I glance over to see her leaning against the passenger side doorframe, letting the scarf covering her hair float out the window with the wind.
“Fine.”
Looking back at the road, I pick up the speed; anything to get out of this car and have some time alone to think. I should have just had her meet me there, but even I need to remember that part of this ruse is following the steps I would take with any other contractor in our line of work.
“Fine?” she muses.
“Yes, it’s a word.”
“If you say so.”
