Page 68 of Daybreak

“You’re here!” Holly said and gave him a quick kiss. “Let me have your bag. I’ll leave it at the foot of the stairs. The little dining area is that way. I’m right behind you.”

Her energy was like stepping into a whirlwind. Before he had time to think, she’d parked his bag and was in the kitchen behind him. He put down the bag with the food.

“I’m gonna need to do this greeting thing all over again,” he said, then slid his arms around her and kissed her like he needed it to breathe.

When they finally came up for air, Holly was weak in the knees and uncertain whether it had to do with him or her lack of food.

Reluctant to let her go, he tunneled his fingers through her curls, marveling at their tendencies to curl around his fingers like vines. I’m already caught and don’t give a damn. God, she’s worth it. Then he kissed the middle of her forehead and let her go.

“I hope you like Thai and sushi. I didn’t get anything raw, though. Okay?”

She laughed. “I love it all, if it’s cooked.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. You get plates. I’ll get the boxes out of the bag.”

She brought the plates and flatware and then went to make their drinks. “Sweet tea, pop, or beer?” she asked.

“Sweet tea, please, and yes, I’m gonna need one of those forks. Me and chopsticks have never made friends.”

“This is so fun. Thank you for bringing it here,” she said and went to fix their drinks.

As soon as she sat, it felt just like the day she met him at the taqueria for an early supper. Like they were just picking up from where they’d left off all those years ago.

“They have little labels on the sides of the boxes with the names of the dishes, and the same with the sushi. One is a veggie roll, and one has smoked salmon. And the sauces are there, too.”

“Did you get wasabi?” she asked.

“Wow… Didn’t see that coming,” he said. “I sure did. It’s a must for me, too, when I want sushi. I think there’s some inside each tray of sushi.”

“Oh! Yes, I see it,” Holly said and scooped a little bit onto her plate along with a couple pieces from each roll.

They talked as they ate, adding a serving of something new when they’d made room on their plates.

Holly was eyeing the chicken-veggie stir-fry he was eating. “Is that good?”

He pushed his plate toward her. “Take a bite and see what you think. It’s spicy, but since you handle wasabi like a boss, I don’t think this will bother you.”

She tasted, then rolled her eyes in delight. “That’s delicious, and the sweet chili sauce with the chicken and veggies is the best.” She put some onto her plate, and the meal continued.

“What’s your day been like?” she asked.

So, he told her about the robbery, and the video, and then going to visit his boss.

“Also, Asher called with some news. I’m sure it’s all over the local news tonight, but I wasn’t watching. Remember I told you about how I suspected Burgess Dixon of being the one who put the hit out on me?”

Still chewing, she nodded, then swallowed and reached for her glass.

“So, they found him dead in his office this morning. I don’t know any details, but it appears to have been suicide. So whatever mayhem he might have still been planning, it’s not happening now.”

Holly gasped. “Oh, my lord! Is it wrong to call that good news?”

“Not from where I’m sitting,” Gunner said. “And there’s something else. About that confession I need to make.”

She reached across the table and gave his hand a quick squeeze. “Just spit it out and then it’s done. Nothing is ever going to change my opinion of you or how much I love you.”

“You would love me no matter what?” he asked.

“No matter what.”