Except, for the first time ever, that felt like cold comfort.
I can’t lose him.
Somehow, over the course of the past three years, his priorities had started to shift. Maybe not so anyone else hadnoticed, maybe not fast enough. But enough that every one of Riley’s words had struck home like an arrow to the heart.
I don’t want my life to be the job. I want more. And nothing would’ve made me happier than to have that…more with you.
Unfamiliar emotion stung Lucas’ eyes. Every single word of that was true for him, too.
So why,whyhad he continued to pretend—even to himself—that he didn’t understand what Riley wanted? What Riley needed.
He wasn’t stupid, despite the fact he’d been acting like somebody in a 1990s screwball comedy. What was he afraid of?
The worst possible thing that could happen had already nearly happened back in March. And instead of being grateful for a second chance, instead of recognizing the need to make the most of every moment with the person who mattered most to him, he’d reverted instantly to the safety of old patterns.
Pretending to himself there had been no close call at all?
The only thing he knew for sure was he’d inadvertently brought about the thing he was most afraid of: losing Riley.
A brisk knock on the door frame interrupted these bleak thoughts.
“Come,” Lucas called brusquely.
Rainey walked into his office and set a cup of coffee on his desk. Lucas nodded thanks, but instead of withdrawing, Rainey put her hands on her hips and waited.
Lucas raised his brows in inquiry.
Rainey said, “I don’t pretend to understand whatthatwas about. You know I make a point of not involving myself in other people’s personal lives.”
That was not remotely accurate. Rainey knew everything about everyone, and had strong opinions, which she regularlyshared with Lucas, despite his half-hearted efforts to discourage her.
“Sure.”
“But I think you should be aware that George Potter has been trying to lure Christopher back.”
“Huh?” Lucas stared at her. “Who?”
“Special Agent Christopher.”
“No. I know whoRileyis. I mean—”
“George Potter. Your counterpart in L.A.”
“My…” For one confused (and dismayed) moment Lucas wondered if he had a hitherto unsuspected romantic rival for Riley’s affections.
“George Potter. He’s been trying to get Special Agent Christopher back to Hollywood Bureau practically since he arrived.”
The light bulb went on. Lucas straightened, bristling. “Supervisory Special Agent GeorgePotts?”
“That’s the one.”
“Potts is trying to talk Riley into going back to the Los Angeles field office?”
Rainey said darkly, “From the day he arrived.” Which was likely speculation and surely an exaggeration, but worrying all the same.
“He never said so.”
No question whohewas, and Rainey said, “I don’t think he ever considered it before.”
