“I’m sorry. If I can leave early, I will.” He kissed her forehead than ran out the door. Unless he could make the drive in ten minutes, he’d be late for the first time in his life.
He thought of Monica, and how right she felt in his arms. If he was late, it would be well worth whatever repercussions came.
ChapterNine
Rex rubbed his neck, working out the kinks from staring at a screen for hours. Intelligence had come through on a possible attack against a client, and he’d been tied up for hours verifying sources, tracking any and all information, and contacting the cooperating authorities. So much for leaving early.
Mclean popped his head in Rex’s office. “Just got word the Feds have our man in custody. Our part is over for now.”
A sigh of relief eased the tension from him. “Is Burke okay?”
“Yes. He’s on a flight to Dubai, blissfully unaware of the threat against him.” Mclean issued a rare smile. “Good work today. I appreciate your dedication.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re free to cut out. I’ll tie up the loose ends.” Mclean waved a hand. “I’ll see you Tuesday.”
He stood at his desk and stretched his arms up, arched his back. One thing he missed about being on the field was the physical activity, but he made sure to work out regularly to make up for the lack of movement during work hours.
What had Monica done all day? He’d barely had a chance to text her, let alone call. He felt bad, but what could he do? At least they’d have all day tomorrow. He pulled out his phone to let her know he was leaving, but he paused when he saw a message from his mom. She wanted him to come for dinner.
A groan rumbled from his chest. He wanted time with Monica, but his mom asked for little. More than that, he knew he owed her an apology for how he’d been acting. Rather than reply now, he’d wait until he got home and could run it by Monica. If she didn’t want to, he’d plan a different evening with his mom.
Monica sat on the porch when he pulled in. She left the rocking chair and stood by the steps to greet him. “Everything work out?”
“Eventually. I’m sorry I couldn’t get home earlier.”
“I know how it goes.”
His arms found his way around her waist. “How was your day?”
“Relaxing. I didn’t want to go anywhere and leave your house unlocked, so I called my family and watched a few movies. I also called around to find a hotel.” She stopped abruptly, then picked herself up from the falter. “I figured I’d head that way after dinner.”
He tried not to frown. He knew it was for the best, but it didn’t mean he had to like it. “I’ll go with you and check it out, make sure it’s safe.”
She arched a brow. “Give me some credit.”
“I know you can take care of yourself, but it won’t stop me from looking out for you.”
“I wouldn’t want you to.” Her smile softened. “Did you have any plans for dinner?”
He twisted away fending off apprehension. “Mom invited me over.”
“You should go.”
“I need to make amends with her. For the past few months, I have been a pretty sorry excuse for a son, and I need to talk to her and make it right.” He reached for her hand. “Before you showed up, I’d already planned on going over there today, but since you’re here, I’d like you to come with me.”
Monica swallowed. “That’s a big step.”
“If you’re not comfortable with that, I can go another day this coming week. I know it’s soon, but I’ve let it go too long.”
“What will she think of me? I can’t help thinking that your family holds me in contempt for Lacey almost being killed. I failed so miserably at my job that it almost cost them dearly.” Monica’s hand was shaking, so imperceptibly, that had they not been touching, Rex never would have noticed.
He placed his other hand over it, steadying it between his. “No one blames you, whatsoever. Lacey adores you, and you didn’t fail in your job. Your attempt to down the intruder caused vital seconds in delay. Had you not acted immediately, who knows how many other people could have been hurt.”
She exhaled. “What if I’m not ready for people to know about us yet. There’s been a lot for your family to take in, for us to take in. I can’t explain it, but I want time for us to explore and develop our relationship without outside influence. Is that selfish?”
“No, I understand. The guys at work asked me to hang out tonight, and I couldn’t tell them the truth of why I couldn’t. It’s not that I am ashamed of us, but I feel like we’ve come so far, we need to enjoy this time together alone for now.”
