“Don’t need to. Ballparked the price and know that a fifty covers it, plus a good tip.” I shrug, not sure why she’s hung up on this.
“You’re very trusting.”
“Only when I’ve already vetted the place. It’s why I come here often.” That’s the truth. They aren’t connected to Oscar at all, sothere’s not a huge chance of someone taking something out of context and reporting back to the boss.
“That’s an interesting way to say you’re paranoid.”
“Takes one to know one. You ready?” I stand up.
“Yep.” She smirks.
Nova follows me out the door to my car. “It’s not being paranoid if there is a very real reason to be. You know better than anyone how much outreach that man has.”
“I just always assumed I was the only paranoid one. I triple-check everything. Every move I make, every lock, and all the things in my locker and apartment.”
I spin around. “Has someone broken into your locker or home?”
“No, but there’s always a chance, right?”
Her words gut me. She shouldn’t be in the position. But good people end up in shit positions all the time. I know that; she knows that. It’s just a shitty fact of life.
I get her settled in my SUV before heading to our hidden rock.
The sun’s rays start to shine over the city. It would almost be idyllic if we weren’t waist deep into stolen artifacts and a mob boss. Those thoughts of retiring from undercover work are more prevalent in my head than ever before.
What would it be like to wake up and see the sun rise on a brand-new day as Adam Morrison? With no upcoming job or new persona I have to be? What would it be like to wake up to someone like Nova every day? To have the comfort of a good woman by my side?
Not someone like Nova.
Nova. She’s making it damn hard to separate my undercover self from my real self recently, and I fear that it will only get harder as time goes on. My only hope at saving face is if this fucking case finally finishes.
But would that mean losing Nova completely?
I scoff to myself. I don’thaveNova. I can’t kid myself into thinking anything otherwise.
“You okay?” Her voice pulls me out of my asinine thoughts.
“Sure. Just antsy about what Oscar said.” I check my rearview for the millionth time to ensure we aren’t being followed before turning into the park.
“I feel like I’m in a movie. The music is building, and we’re about to get caught up in some shit.”
I can’t help it; I burst out laughing. “That’s some wild imagination you have there.”
She looks over at me with a smirk. “Never been told that one before.”
“Are you hearing an actual song?” The need to egg her on is strong.
“All I can think about isThe Incredibles, when Dash is making his own superhero music.”
“Oh my God. Seriously?” I’m trying desperately to hold my laughter back, but the tears leaking from my eyes are a dead giveaway.
“Don’t make fun of me.” She slaps my chest with a giggle. It’s the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard.
“I’m not. I’d just really love to take a peek into your brain sometime.” The laughing finally calms down as I smile over at her. Her cheeks are flushed the most gorgeous shade of pink.
“It’s a damn mess. I can barely navigate it.” Her grumbled words don’t distract form the meaning.
“Everyone is going through something, Nova. You aren’t alone in that.”
