Page 32 of Luck Be Mine
Quaid had been on the team during the humanitarian mission to the mountains in Afghanistan and had been shot during the trek. He’d also been at the hospital in Germany and helped manage her injuries, had agreed to be best man at their wedding, and flew them back to San Diego. Without him and his grandfather – hotel magnate Zephren Patton – their journey through her injuries would have been much more difficult.
He held for long moments then pulled away. “Look at you! You’re all better.”
“I’m not all better, yet.” She eased herself back into the seat.
“Everything okay?” He loosened his jacket, gave the red sofa a wide-eyed glance, and opted to move a chair sitting by the door.
She waited until he’d settled beside her to answer. “Yes, Hunt is out at the moment, but we’re moving to a ground floor apartment at the other end of the complex.”
“Helpful, right?”
“Yes, it’s the whole idea. Plus, the place is bigger.”
“Good, good.” Quaid looked around. “That is one sorry red sofa.”
“It was Doogie’s. He donated it.”
Quaid raised a brow. “Okay. I’m not gonna ask what the hell he was doing with it.”
Adele approached with a harassed smile. “Another person familiar with my son’s tastes?”
Cait grinned. “Adele, this is Quaid Daniels. We were in Afghanistan together. Quaid, this is Adele Dugan, Doogie’s mother.”
Quaid rose and offered a hand. “It is a pleasure, Mrs. Dugan. I am unacquainted with this side of your son and happy to stay there.” He pointed at the statement piece and smirked.
Cait shifted her arm to rest her numb hand at her waist. “I feel sorry for it. Nobody loves it.”
Adele patted her shoulder. “It’s all right, honey. The knock on your head skewed your thoughts. Give it a few more days.”
Cait lifted a brow and stifled a laugh. “Jokers. All you people.”
Quaid laughed. “It’s a make-out sofa, Cait. Let’s call a spade a spade. Search the cushions. There is probably lingerie buried in there.”
Cait choked on a snort.
Adele pointed at him. “Truth. But let’s stay off the subject. Son is grown and doesn’t need his mother’s input.”
Straight-faced, Cait stared directly at Quaid. “I offer it as a place to sleep if you get in a bad spot.”
Quaid’s eyes widened. “Uh, my grandfather owns hotels. A lot of them. But I appreciate the thought.” He offered his chair to Adele.
She shook her head and motioned for him to sit. “They’re almost finished and ready to load. Master Chief is prepped to move everything. I’m going to show him the new apartment. Are you sure you want all Hunt’s things in the second bedroom?”
“Yeah, it’s going to be Hunt’s workroom. I’ll let him sort it all out when he gets home.”
“I’ll take the keys and get this show on the road.” She bent and kissed Cait’s forehead.
Touched, Cait grabbed her hand. “Thanks, Adele. I don’t how I’d do this without you.”
“Oh child, it’s been special being here for you. I’ll leave you two to talk.” She took the keys and called for the men to join her. The noisy house fell into silence.
Cait turned to Quaid. “You didn’t find me to reminisce. You could take me to dinner for that.”
Quaid leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Still could, but I have some business to discuss.”
Cait sat back. “Business? In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m not back in commission yet.”
“Don’t need to be for what I want, but tell me where you’re at. I want to make sure we help not hurt.”
