Page 59 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

“I do.” He cups my face in his hands, and my knees wobble.

“You sure this isn’t the case talking?” I chuckle, making light of the situation because I can’t function any other way. What he offers is exactly what I want, but I can’t say the words because I’m going to break his heart regardless.

“The case brought us together, but it’s not why I’m asking you to stay.”

“I need time to think.” I gently push his hands away to put distance between us. “I’ve been alone so long. I can’t...”

“I understand.” He nods, his gaze dropping to the floor. “More than you know.”

“Grant, I—”

“We should go.” He steps away, heading to the door.

Just like that, the moment shatters. I should tell him. Explain. Something.

But I don’t do anything except follow him out the door.

Outside in the sunlight, the pain dims, but it still throbs deep in my chest as we walk side by side. Grant needs to solve this case, and I need that money. Maybe we can both get what we want and no one will get hurt.

We stop for bagels and coffee at the corner market. I nibble on mine as we make our way to the station.

I should be happy. Everything is going to plan.

But why do I feel like I’ve just thrown away my best shot at happiness?

Chapter Twenty-One

Grant

I’m a fucking idiot.

Silence stretches thin between us as we sit on the subway. Quinn nibbles her bagel, and I drown my misery in black coffee.

What the hell was I thinking asking her to stay? Just yesterday, I couldn’t promise anything more than my protection and a few orgasms. Now I’m offering her a place to live and a permanent spot in my life. What changed?

I nearly lost her, that’s what. When she disappeared without a word, I knew I couldn’t let her go. This scrappy little kitten has burrowed so far under my skin, I can’t imagine life without her. It’s true I can’t promise her anything, but there’s no way in hell I can walk away from her either. Not now.

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