“We’ll cross that bridge when or if we get to it.I want kids.But your situation won’t be the deciding factor on whether we have something here.”
He blew out another breath of relief, lowered his lips to hers and kissed her while his brain tried to scramble through the words to tell her how much she was starting to mean to him.
“You going to make me coffee?”she asked.“A girl could die of thirst.”
He grabbed the dishtowel and flicked it at her ass, laughing as she squealed.Happier than he thought possible, he filled the coffeepot with water.
She flicked on the TV, just as the grainy video image of the abducted woman faded, replaced by Cujo’s drawing of Snake.“Police are continuing to canvass local residents regarding the abduction attempt.This man is wanted for questioning with regard to the incident.If you have any information, please contact the number on your screen.He is known to be armed and dangerous, so no heroics, people,” the anchor finished.
Cujo passed Drea her coffee.
“Ouch,” she hissed as it spilled over the rim because her hands shook, burning her fingers.
“They told me they wouldn’t go public.Snake’s going to know I went to the police.”
“You wanna go see Carter?I’ll take you.”And kick his ass for good measure.
“No.”She stared down at the mug in her hand.“Everything is still as messed up as it was yesterday, isn’t it?”
“Everything else is.But you and me… we’re good right.”He looked at her hopefully.
“Before you commit, there’s somethingIneed to tellyou.”
“What?”
“I’ve stayed in touch with Gilliam,” she mumbled.
“What?Why?”he growled.
“Because I want to find out who the woman is,” she said defiantly.“And also because Gilliam believes this is important.Like even if we don’t find her, her work will still mean something.He asked this DEP guy to check the site.The day after Carter came to Second Circle.”Her anger faded as she took his hand.“It seemed like you had enough on your mind.”
Cujo stared for a moment longer before tipping his head to the side in a move she assumed was agreement.
“I want to get the woman’s photo in front of as many people as I can.I’m not trying to get myself killed, or do anything stupid, but what the woman was involved in is… compelling.”
He embraced her, loving the wide-eyed look she gave him.
“She had a purpose, Cujo.And I envy her that.”
***
Drea yawned, almost running the little car Cujo had loaned her into the low brick wall separating her driveway from Mr.Escudero’s.Goddamn, she needed some sleep.
She’d opened for José having gone straight from the hotel to the café.The hour-long nap she’d grabbed in the break room before starting work had done little to keep the tiredness at bay.Having Harper find her facedown on the table during her lunch definitely wasn’t her finest hour.Thank goodness it was only Tuesday and not the weekend.
Her mom was inside; she could see the television flickering through the window.Likely some eighties TV show, addicting crap likeThe A-Team.A verbal sparring session with her mom was the last thing she wanted.Perhaps she’d run out for her mom’s favorite ice cream as a little treat to soften the assault.
Aunt Celine opened the door with a broad smile, and Milo raced out to the car.He was wearing his trusty Marlin’s jersey and a huge smile.
“Drea, Drea, Drea,” he shouted, bouncing up and down outside the car window like a dog who just caught sight of a ball.
Drea unclicked her seatbelt and carefully pushed the car door open so as not to send Milo sprawling.
“Mi chico favorito,” she shouted as she stepped out of the car and grabbed for him.He pretended to pull away from her, but the squeals of delight told her he loved the way she smushed big kisses on his cheeks.
“Hey, Drea.Your dinner is in the slow cooker.I brought you some ribs.”Aunt Celine put the backpack she was carrying on Milo’s shoulders.
“Oh my God, Aunt Celine.Ribs sound so good right now.How has she been today?”
