Page 45 of The Risks of Reuniting

"Hola, Rachelle," Cesar calls. "I am happy to see her," he says to me, and I have to agree.

At this point I think I'd sell my left foot for what she's carrying. However, when Chloe also steps out of the shadows, I change my mind – I'm willing to give up both my feet just to be close to her again. I'm so happy she's here.

I'm aware of the damp sweat stains on my shirt, and the dirt covering my forearms and neck. My face feels gritty, and my hat could be wrung out at this point, but I don't think she even notices. She's also carrying a plate and a jug of water, and I watch as Rachelle makes her way to me, which means Chloe is heading to Cesar, her face smiling at him as she offers him life-saving fuel.

"Hey, Holt," Rachelle says in that gentle tone of voice that lets me know she's aware of my disappointed thoughts. "Thought you might like dinner with a side of insider information."

I look over her shoulder, expecting to see Carlos or one of the other men with them, but no one else appears out of the darkness, and I look down at Rachelle with a grim expression.

"Who walked up here with you two?" I ask gruffly. "You know this isn't a safe place for two American women." Heck, it's hardly safe for me and Cesar out here at this time of night. But at least we have a hammer to defend ourselves if need be. I point to my now purplish-green eye. "Exhibit A."

Rachelle pushes the jug of water into my hands. "Drink this before you overheat." She pulls a face. "Do you want what I know or not?" Shelooks pointedly at Chloe who is lightly chatting with Cesar. "We're on a time crunch here. She won't be occupied forever."

I nod. "Yeah."

"Smartandhandsome, good." She moves an inch or two closer. "Chloe loves it here and has realized that maybe she could find happiness away from her things in Salt Lake."

I didn't know what she'd tell me, but this wasn't it at all. "Really?" I ask, glancing at Chloe. "Are you sure?"

She puts her hands on her hips. "I pride myself on accurate information, amigo, so yes, I'm sure. I'm not saying she'll chase you to North Carolina – because she is a strong and independent woman who doesn't chase anyone." She pauses to raise one eyebrow, making sure I fully understand her before continuing. "But Iamsaying that this may be a little window of time where negotiations could be opened, should one be interested in that."

My lips tug up. "You know, Cesar keeps telling me to backpedal, but you sound like your advice is the opposite."

She rolls her eyes. "My advice is stop pussy-footing around it and talk to the woman."

"I can't if she's not ready. Chloe isn't one to be pushed."

"Your life." She shrugs and Chloe and Cesar wrap up their conversation and move toward us.

I uncap the water and take a swig, feeling my shoulders relax as it hits. I was so thirsty. But as soon as I swallow my fill I swing back to glaring down at Rachelle while also taking in Chloe for good measure.

"Seriously, this wasn't safe," I state. Rachelle blinks, and Chloe's brown eyes take me in like I'm the very last person who has a say in what she chooses to do. It lights me up, and not in a good way. I steptoward her, pointing with the water jug. "I'm not kidding, Chlo. You and Rachelle shouldn't risk yourselves up here in the dark."

She raises a thin eyebrow, and the familiar, stubborn and sass-filled look nearly makes my anger melt. "Sort of like how you and Cesar aren't risking yourselves by working for twelve hours straight with no food breaks, while running out of water? I think what you meant to say is 'thank you'. . . so, you're welcome."

Rachelle snorts, but covers it up when I shoot her a look.

"We're trying to do some good here in the short time we have," I huff.

Chloe shrugs, unbothered. "Same."

"Not the same," I state.

"Sort of the same," Rachelle interjects with good humor. She shoves the plate at me. "I'm officially diagnosing you withno food bad moodand insisting you have something to eat."

Chloe looks away to Cesar who is sitting in the dirt and uncovering his plate. He smiles as he sniffs the food and then dives in to some truly delicious looking chicken and vegetables, with fries on the side. I uncover my own and take in the scent myself, making my stomach growl. Rachelle laughs at the sound and slowly backs away to stand near Chloe. I move to sit near Cesar, not caring at all about the dirt, and pick up the fork to make short work of the vegetables.

"Well, we just wanted to make sure you were still alive." Rachelle gives us a little wave. "Can't lift a hammer when you're a ghost."

She smiles and spins on her heel, prepared to go back down to headquarters. Chloe follows, and I realize that they're just going to dive right back in to an unsafe situation regardless of what I'd said mere seconds ago. I actually groan out loud, and it has them both looking over their shoulders.

I point at them with my fork, talking over a mouthful of food. "You are not leaving here alone."

Rachelle smiles, her expression happy, as though I've walked right into a little trap she set. "You're right," she says agreeably. "Safety first. We'll wait for an escort."

Chloe huffs. "I have pepper spray."

"You do?" I ask.

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