“Such a way with the women, brother. It’s still a shock to me that you landed Rachael.”
“Birds of a feather. Speaking of, have you called Elena to let her know?”
“Not yet. Lach’s told her the mission’s complete, no causalities on our side. I want to talk to her in person, not over a damn phone. I want to hold her and make sure she’s okay.”
“I hear you.”
“I don’t suppose you know of any all-night jewelry stores?” Camden joked.
Jake’s face practically split in half with his smile. “You’re gonna ask her.”
“Already did, but being the impulsive dumbass I am, I didn’t have a ring.”
“So? Neither did I.”
“Yeah, I knew that already. Just proves what a dumbass I am.”
“I could call my mom, have her pull some strings,” Jake said.
Camden frowned. “Ms. C. doesn’t do that prima donna shit. Besides, I don’t want to wake her up.”
“No, brother, she and Dad are night owls. And she’d be thrilled to do this for you.” Jake pulled out his cell.
“Fuck. Really? No.”
Jake held up a finger. “Mom, yeah, hi, no, everything’s fine. No, it is. Yeah, I promise. But Camden needs a favor.”
“No, I don’t, Ms. C.,” Camden said loudly.
“He does, and you’ll love it.”
Two hours later, Camden found himself browsing rings with the sleepy owner of a jewelry store and a wide-awake movie star who did absolutely love it.
Twenty-Eight
As she watched the sky grow lighter through the bedroom window curtains, Elena heard the front door open and a dog’s leash and collar clinking. She jumped out of bed and ran down the hall, straight into Camden’s waiting arms. He picked her up and swung her.
“It’s over, Gorgeous. You’re both safe.”
“We’ll let you two take it from here,” Lach said, nudging Nashville. Both men stood up from the couch, which Toby took over, chewing on a new toy.
“Thank you guys, so much,” Elena said as they let themselves out.
“Our pleasure, sweetheart.” Lach smiled at her and gave Camden a chin-lift. “Take the morning off, but the team needs to debrief this afternoon. Gina’ll have more information then. And she might even share.”
“Thanks, boss. Just so you know, Pup did good tonight. He handled Toby like a champ, kept his cool, and because of him, we still have someone to question.”
Lachlan nodded. “Good call, including him. He’s finding his place.” He closed the door behind him.
Elena started to ask Camden about the night when he kissed her, and all rational thought melted.
When he let her up for air, she asked, “Are you sure? Won’t they come after us again?”
He shook his head and led her to the couch in front of the TV. It looked like Lach and Nash had been watching the early morning news with the sound muted. On the screen was a photo of Senator Bigley in younger, healthier days. Camden hit the unmute button.
“…passed away peacefully in his sleep late last night. The cause of death has not been released, but the senator had been quietly fighting lung cancer for a year. Senator Bigley surprised the nation with his announcement just last Saturday that he wouldn’t be seeking another term, and instead endorsed Hollywood actor and political hopeful for the House, Roger Bennett for his senatorial seat. Now that…”
The announcer’s voice faded from Elena’s awareness as she looked at Camden. “That’s not a coincidence, is it?”
